Royal Exchange theatre, Manchester
A charismatic Louis Gaunt stars as Raz Shaw’s version of the classic musical hits all the key beats with crowd-pleasing confidence

Raz Shaw’s exuberant production of Singin’ in the Rain opens with nothing on stage but a coat and hat. They belong to leading man Don Lockwood (a charismatic Louis Gaunt), who taps out a quick dance before shrugging them on and transforming into his movie star persona. Immediately we’re in Hollywood, a world obsessed with appearances.

It’s an apt start for a musical that pokes fun at the gap between reputation and reality. There’s Don, whose pre-Hollywood vaudeville career is at odds with his public image, and whose self-importance is quickly mocked by aspiring actress Kathy Selden (Carly Mercedes Dyer). Opposite him, co-star Lina Lamont’s on-screen glamour knocks up against her screeching voice, here delivered with squeaky relish by Laura Baldwin. The arrival of the talkies leaves the studio scrambling to save face, with entertaining if familiar consequences.

Continue reading...

Royal Exchange theatre, Manchester
A charismatic Louis Gaunt stars as Raz Shaw’s version of the classic musical hits all the key beats with crowd-pleasing confidence

Raz Shaw’s exuberant production of Singin’ in the Rain opens with nothing on stage but a coat and hat. They belong to leading man Don Lockwood (a charismatic Louis Gaunt), who taps out a quick dance before shrugging them on and transforming into his movie star persona. Immediately we’re in Hollywood, a world obsessed with appearances.

It’s an apt start for a musical that pokes fun at the gap between reputation and reality. There’s Don, whose pre-Hollywood vaudeville career is at odds with his public image, and whose self-importance is quickly mocked by aspiring actress Kathy Selden (Carly Mercedes Dyer). Opposite him, co-star Lina Lamont’s on-screen glamour knocks up against her screeching voice, here delivered with squeaky relish by Laura Baldwin. The arrival of the talkies leaves the studio scrambling to save face, with entertaining if familiar consequences.

Continue reading...

Royal Exchange theatre, Manchester
A charismatic Louis Gaunt stars as Raz Shaw’s version of the classic musical hits all the key beats with crowd-pleasing confidence

Raz Shaw’s exuberant production of Singin’ in the Rain opens with nothing on stage but a coat and hat. They belong to leading man Don Lockwood (a charismatic Louis Gaunt), who taps out a quick dance before shrugging them on and transforming into his movie star persona. Immediately we’re in Hollywood, a world obsessed with appearances.

It’s an apt start for a musical that pokes fun at the gap between reputation and reality. There’s Don, whose pre-Hollywood vaudeville career is at odds with his public image, and whose self-importance is quickly mocked by aspiring actress Kathy Selden (Carly Mercedes Dyer). Opposite him, co-star Lina Lamont’s on-screen glamour knocks up against her screeching voice, here delivered with squeaky relish by Laura Baldwin. The arrival of the talkies leaves the studio scrambling to save face, with entertaining if familiar consequences.

Continue reading...

From nascent policy idea in one state to passing federal parliament in just days, it’s been a whirlwind journey for the world-first legislation that will take effect from 10 December

In late 2023, the South Australian premier’s wife put down a book she had been reading. It was Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation.

“[She] said to me you better bloody do something about this ... and then we got to work,” Peter Malinauskas later recalled in an ABC interview.

Continue reading...

From nascent policy idea in one state to passing federal parliament in just days, it’s been a whirlwind journey for the world-first legislation that will take effect from 10 December

In late 2023, the South Australian premier’s wife put down a book she had been reading. It was Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation.

“[She] said to me you better bloody do something about this ... and then we got to work,” Peter Malinauskas later recalled in an ABC interview.

Continue reading...

From nascent policy idea in one state to passing federal parliament in just days, it’s been a whirlwind journey for the world-first legislation that will take effect from 10 December

In late 2023, the South Australian premier’s wife put down a book she had been reading. It was Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation.

“[She] said to me you better bloody do something about this ... and then we got to work,” Peter Malinauskas later recalled in an ABC interview.

Continue reading...

Imagine what a relaxing and special celebration it could be if it was tailor-made just for you

• The modern mind is a column where experts discuss mental health issues they are seeing in their work

Now is the time of year some of my clients want to talk about Christmas.

As a specialist in addiction, many are seeking my help for their drinking.

Continue reading...

Imagine what a relaxing and special celebration it could be if it was tailor-made just for you

• The modern mind is a column where experts discuss mental health issues they are seeing in their work

Now is the time of year some of my clients want to talk about Christmas.

As a specialist in addiction, many are seeking my help for their drinking.

Continue reading...

Imagine what a relaxing and special celebration it could be if it was tailor-made just for you

• The modern mind is a column where experts discuss mental health issues they are seeing in their work

Now is the time of year some of my clients want to talk about Christmas.

As a specialist in addiction, many are seeking my help for their drinking.

Continue reading...