It only takes a few notes, an umbrella and a puddle for that famous song to pop into your head: Singin’ in the Rain is making a spectacular comeback in Paris and is already shaping up to be THE feel-good show to book this season. After captivating generations of movie lovers, the legendary Hollywood musical made famous by the iconic duo Gene Kelly / Debbie Reynolds is arriving at the Théâtre du Lido in a brand-new production directed by Robert Carsen. A prestigious choice to bring one of the absolute masterpieces of Hollywood’s golden age of the musical back to life, complete with a live orchestra, plenty of tap dancing, XXL choreography, fabulous costumes and, of course, real rain that is guaranteed to make an impression on stage.
The plot? We are in Hollywood in 1927, just as silent movies are making the transition to talkies. Don Lockwood, a beloved screen star, sees his next movie turned into a “talkie”. The problem? His official leading lady, the highly temperamental Lina Lamont, has a shrill voice as grating as a squeaky door… Along with his best friend Cosmo Brown, Don comes up with a solution: have Lina’s voice dubbed by young actress Kathy Selden, who is, naturally, his latest crush. Between love at first sight, jealousy, lies, a technological revolution and disastrous film shoots, absolutely nothing goes according to plan.
From the big screen… to the stage!
Why is Singin’ in the Rain considered one of cinema’s great classics? Because it manages the remarkable feat of telling the story of a genuine revolution in filmmaking with extraordinary lightness. The 1952 film by Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly draws directly on the transition from silent movies to talking pictures, turning a period of huge technological upheaval into pure feel-good entertainment. Robert Carsen, who already directed a French production at the Théâtre du Châtelet in 2015, has created a completely new version for the Lido. Gone is the black-and-white aesthetic of his previous production: this time, colour takes centre stage, apart from the filmed sequences, a playful nod to the era before Technicolor had yet arrived.
The director also makes the most of the very distinctive layout of the Champs-Élysées cabaret: the audience is right up close to the action, literally immersed in the backstage world of Hollywood, from chaotic film shoots and post-production in dark screening rooms to glamorous press premieres. Spectacular sets, 240 stunning costumes designed by Luis F. Carvalho, large-scale choreography and even a surprising cameo from our favourite actor Ralph Fiennes give the show the feel of one giant live-action movie.
A star-studded cast
On stage, Ashley Day (An American in Paris, 42nd Street and The Book of Mormon) plays the charismatic Don Lockwood. Alongside him, Maddie Waller takes on the role of the delicate Kathy Selden, while Charlie Waddell goes all out as Cosmo Brown in the – seriously demanding – number Make ’Em Laugh. Hilarious, Natasha O’Brien completes the line-up as Lina Lamont, dazzling in her candy-pink dresses. A full company of dancers and singers joins this Anglo-Saxon cast, accompanied by the Théâtre du Lido Orchestra. The result is a show that ticks every box of the great old-school musical, while bringing it firmly into the present with a contemporary staging and impressive technical virtuosity. And honestly, in times like these, we could all use this little bubble of happiness…
Until 10 January 2027. Performed in English with French surtitles. Running time: approximately 2 hours 40 minutes, including a 20-minute interval. Performances are mainly at 8pm, with weekend matinees depending on the schedule.
© Valentin Folliet
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