THE cast of the iconic musical Singin’ in the Rain – a brand new actor-musician production full of song, dance, comedy and rain – arrived in Salisbury this week for final rehearsals before the production opens on Thursday 5 May. It runs until Saturday 28 May then will play at co-producing partner venues Octagon Theatre Bolton and New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Based on the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film, Singin’ in the Rain follows the lives of Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont, 1920s stars of the silver screen, who are loved by audiences and studio executives alike, but barely tolerate one another. Linked romantically to heighten their popularity, the couple could not be more different, and humble Don can’t help but clash with his shallow and vain leading lady.

But the introduction of a new era of ‘talkies’ is about to set the pair even more at odds – spelling disaster for Lina, whose vocal range leaves a lot to be desired. Desperate for the box office favourites to remain at the height of popularity, a talented chorus girl, Kathy, is brought in to provide Lina’s audio, setting off a series of events that no movie exec could have scripted…

Starring as all-singing, all-dancing Don Lockwood is Matthew Croke (Funny Girl, Menier Chocolate Factory; Wicked, Apollo Victoria), joined by Christian Edwards (Oliver! Theatre Royal Drury Lane, West End; Les Misérables, Queen’s Theatre) as Don’s best friend Cosmo Brown.

Eleanor Brown (Mamma Mia!, international tour) plays Kathy Selden, with Sarah Vezmar (Tipping the Velvet, Lyric Hammersmith) as haughty Lina Lamont.

Made famous by the stunning tap dance routines and memorable music, Singin’ in the Rain will be performed in all of its Technicolor, and occasionally rain-drenched, glory. With re-orchestration and additional arrangements by Musical Director Richard Reeday, audiences will be treated to thrilling performances of definitive dance and big band numbers as have never been seen before!

Singin’ in the Rain runs at Salisbury Playhouse from Thursday 5 to Saturday 28 May. For tickets or more information please contact the Ticket Office on 01722 320333 or visit www.salisburyplayhouse.com.