It's 70 years since the release of the iconic 1952 film Singin' in the Rain, but carefree never goes out of fashion. Hence the stage version being hailed as one of the best movie musicals ever as it makes its return to Manchester Opera House.
Set in glamorous 1920s Hollywood, it follows the story of silent movie star Don Lockwood - the role made famous by Gene Kelly in the film. He and his co-star Lina Lamont must navigate a key turning point in film history - the scary new world of the 'talkies'.
Don has nothing but contempt for the vain, squeaky voiced diva Lina with her garbled 'Nuu Yoik' diction - "I cayn't staaaind' 'im!" and dire singing voice. His dislike of her makes for an amusing scene where he appears to be wooing her but is spewing insults as he does.
