Centrestage Cymru Revisit Hollywood's Golden Era With Singing In The Rain

Visitors to Tredegar House could have recently been forgiven for thinking that a new television costume drama was been filmed at the Newport landmark’s location. However, the filming that was taking place were cinematic scenes for Newport musical theatre company, Centrestage Cymru’s, forthcoming production of the classic musical Singing in the Rain recalling the early days of Hollywood.

Jordan Archer and Zoe Southcott prepare for a scene

Singing in the Rain will feature hilarious situations, snappy dialogue, and a hit-parade score of Hollywood standards making a perfect evening of entertainment for any fan of the golden age of movie musicals.

Singing in the Rain has all the makings of a Tinseltown tabloid headline - the starlet, the leading man and a love affair that could change lives and make or break careers. In silent movies, Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont are a hot item, but behind the scenes things aren’t always as they appear on the big screen. Meanwhile, Lina’s squeaky voice might be the end of her career in “talking pictures” without the help of a talented young actress to do the talking and singing for her.

Centrestage actresses prepare for a take

CentreStage Cymru Chairperson Sharon Higgins, Stage director Peter Higgins, Vice Chairman Andre Paul Spring along with nine cast members spent a day of filming the black and white Singing in the Rain film sequences along with filming director/camera man Martin Phillips of film company, Red90.

“I’m not sure what visitors to the house thought as we arrived dressed in Period costumes, wigs and brandishing swords,” said Sharon Higgins, “many of the visitors followed us and enjoyed watching us film. Although it was cold the actors had a fabulous time and it’s an experience I am sure they will remember.”

Zoe Southcott and Jordan Archer
in period costume

The Centrestage Cymru team felt the setting of Tredegar House’s gardens were perfect for their location shoot, “I must say a huge thank you to Tredegar House for allowing us to use their beautiful grounds,” said Sharon, “also to Anwen Roberts for her help and Chris Edmunds who looked after us on the day. We’re looking forward to seeing the finished sequences in our show now.”

The location filming cast of Centrstage Cymru's
Singing In The Rain outside Tredegar House

There will be a chance for everyone to see the film sequences when Centrestage Cymru’s Singing in the Rain takes to the stage of The Dolman Theatre, from April 27-30. For booking details call 01633 263670 or visit dolmantheatre.co.uk

• A version of this article appears in The South Wales Argus entertainment supplement The Guide on April 1, 2016. All photos are by Andy Howells.