Tonnes of fun as Singin’ in the Rain comes to Dublin

A production of Singin’ in the Rain drops 12 tonnes of water on the stage each night, writes Tina Darb O’Sullivan.

SINGIN’ in the Rain is an enduring hit combing tap dancing, singing and acting with a fun and comedic plot of romance, Hollywood ambition and tonnes of rainfall. In 1952 Gene Kelly directed and starred in the original film with Donald O’Connor and Debbie Reynolds. The current West End production opens tonight in the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. Packed with well known songs such as ‘Make ’em Laugh’, ‘Good Morning’ and the title tune, it’s a family show that has audiences singing along throughout.

Playing studio boss RF Simpson is Maxwell Caulfield, a familiar face to TV audiences as Emmerdale’s Mark Wylde and Casualty’s Dr Jim Brodie. “The big lure for me was the fact that I am developing my musical theatre CV,” says Caulfield who developed a passion for musical theatre, a few years ago while part of the Chicago ensemble on West End and on Broadway. “I enjoy the whole spirit of musical theatre,” he says. “Frankly, it’s easier to sustain a whole part in it because you do have that sort of ‘engine’ that is the band and they do rev you up.”