AFTER the wettest British summer for 100 years and the second wettest on record, more rain is forecast in York this month, this time on stage at the Grand Opera House.

York Stage Musicals will be celebrating the 60th anniversary of the MGM movie Singin’ In The Rain in Mick Cox’s stage production from September 17 to 22.

“We have a great cast in place for a production that will allow us to show off York’s greatest talents,” says Mick. “York Musical Theatre is an important part of the community and gives our actors and actresses a platform to perform that can lead on to even greater things.”

Adapted from the 1952 movie, the plot closely adheres to the original, with a book by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, lyrics by Arthur Freed, and music by Nacio Herb Brown. Set in Hollywood in the waning days of the silent screen era in the Roaring Twenties, it focuses on romantic lead Don Lockwood, his sidekick Cosmo Brown, aspiring chorus girl Kathy Selden and Lockwood’s leading lady Lina Lamont, whose less-than-dulcet vocal tones make her an unlikely candidate for stardom in talking pictures.

Principal roles go to Gareth Smith as Don Lockwood; York-born actor, singer, dancer, musician and free runner Iain Harvey as Cosmo Brown; performing arts student Joanne Frazer as Kathy Selden; and Toni Feetenby, head of performing arts at Manor C of E Academy, as squeaky Lina Lamont.

Mick Cox is making his York Stage Musicals directorial debut, having worked as an actor and director in touring productions. He is joined by assistant director Martin Lettin; musical director Christopher Guard; Melanie Fox, the head of dance at Manor C of E Academy, and fellow choreographer Verity Carr; and stage manager Helen Carr.

Tickets for the 7.30pm evening shows and 2.30pm Saturday matinee can be booked on 0844 871 3024 or online at agttickets.com/york