HAVING studied a bit of tap dancing in my youth, I was thrilled to meet some of the cast of Singin’ in the Rain and be given a quick refresher lesson from the experts themselves, writes Christine Stock.

Cast members Matthew (Matt) Croke, who plays Don Lockwood, and Matthew James Hinchliffe, as Rod, were kind enough to take me through a few basic tap moves before talking to me about what the latest Salisbury Playhouse production means to them.

So, I put on some tap shoes and off we went… shuffle, toe, heel; shuffle, toe, heel; toe, heel - slide. Hmm, the boys made it look so easy but it was certainly more complex than I remembered.

Both Matt and Matthew James have been learning dance from quite a young age.

Matt was inspired to start dancing at the age of five by his older sister: “I used to go with my mum to drop her off at lessons and then one day I joined in and quite enjoyed it. I started properly and realised it was something I could do and make a career out of. Then at college I fell in love with the acting and singing side of it as well.”

Matthew James cites quite a significant influence to pursue a career in the arts: “I went to school with Sheridan Smith and she got me into it, we used to go dancing together and I aspired to be like her.”

But, he says it’s not difficult combining acting with dancing: “I think they’re the same thing – if you’re dancing you’re acting.”

This production of Singin’ in the Rain is really quite special, I learned, as the actors will not only be singing and dancing in the rain but they will all be playing instruments too. Pretty impressive, when you consider they’ve only had around five weeks to rehearse.

Matthew James says director Elizabeth Newman has been ‘a breath of fresh air’: “She’s been amazing to work with and has breathed new life into this production.”

Playing the leading role, originally performed by Gene Kelly in the 1952 film, could quite easily leave Matt feeling a little bit daunted, but he said: “I’ve done a lot of research into Gene Kelly and think he’s amazing, I could sit and watch him all day. So I’m a bit nervous, but really excited.”

“I’ve danced all my life, so to play a leading role like this and do all three is just a dream.” He added.

This brand new show is a creative collaboration between actors and choreographer Sian Williams, who both Matt and Matthew James give credit to.

“She asked us what we can do and what we enjoy and incorporated our individual skills into the routine,” they said.

Matt thinks one of the best things about this production is seeing the musicians become characters. “I think the audience will really enjoy it," he said. "But, then of course there’s the rain!”

They told me the audience can expect the cast to be getting wet, but as to where the water goes from the stage is a closely guarded secret.

So, having dipped my toe into the world of tap, I left the boys to get back to their rehearsals before the show opens tonight.

n Singin’ in the Rain runs at Salisbury Playhouse until Saturday, May 28. For tickets or more information please contact the Ticket Office on 01722 320333 or visit salisburyplayhouse.com.