Singin' In The Rain, The Mill at Sonning - ★★★★★ - Until February 8, 2020


The Mill at Sonning has another winner! This is a quite wonderful production of Singin' In The Rain with over 1,000 litres of water falling to create the spectacular stage effect of the title. The plot which is about the trials of silent movie stars of 1927 transitioning to the world of talkies is cleverly framed by the idea of the ubiquitous new way of accessing film on a mobile phone, and the narrative is interspersed with some black and white silent movie scenes that hilariously contribute to the atmosphere. But it is not the story that has made this show a favourite; it is the unforgettable songs and great dancing. This production completely delivers on both points. The principals, Philip Bertioli as Don Lockwood, Rebecca Jayne-Davies as Kathy Selden and Brendan Cull as Cosmo Brown are all excellent: their dancing dazzles and their singing soars. Sammy Kelly's comic turn as shrill silent star, Lina Lamont, is also a delight, and the rest of the cast are equally wonderfully talented and energetic. The is a show that can never flag for a moment lest the audience question its simple premises and thin characterisation. Full credit to director, Joseph Pitcher, for this production which completely captivates and immerses us. By the way, the front row is provided protective cover for the rain sequences! It is amazing how all this is done in a relatively small venue, but in this case the intimacy of the production is one of the show's great strengths. You get all of this and a wonderful Xmas dinner. Put the Mill at Sonning on your Christmas gifts list!

 Reviewed by J.C.

  Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆☆ 

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 WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
Until February 8, 2020
Tue - Sat: 8:15 pm. Sun: 8:15 pm (Dec 14, 22, 29)
Sat: 2:15 pm. Sun: 2:15 pm (from Dec 8)
New Year's Eve Gala: Dec 31
The Mill at Sonning
Nearest station: Reading

 Tickets include a two-course meal except:
Thursday matinees on Dec 9, 16, 23 & Jan 30, 2020
The restaurant serves meals from:
12:15 pm - 2 pm (matinees)
6:15 pm - 8 pm (evenings)

http://www.millatsonning.com/shows/singin-in-the-rain
Map & Location: Sonning Eye, Reading RG4 6TY, UK

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