SOUTHEND Operatic and Dramatic Society will be bringing the timeless classic Singin’ in the Rain to life later this month.

The much-loved musical is based on the famous MGM film starring Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor and Debbie Reynolds.

It tells the story of Hollywood’s transition from silent movies to talking pictures in the 1920s, but there are two people for whom SODS’ production marks a transition, too.

Long-time SODS acting member Nick Bright is making his debut as an artistic director, while choreographer Sarah-Rose Dunn is working with the society for the first time.

The pair met as students at SEEVIC College in Thundersley 10 years ago, and after training at different colleges, the friends have come together as a creative team for the first time.

“For my first time directing, it’s been an adventure,” said Nick, who lives on Canvey Island and has worked as a professional actor, as well as treading the boards as an amateur, too.

“It comes with challenges, but the cast and crew have shown me a lot of respect and are always very helpful, which has made the job a bit easier.

“I’ve really enjoyed it and learned a lot, particularly what goes on backstage and budgets, so it’s been a really good insight.”

Nick, who trained at Birmingham School of Acting, said the biggest challenge has been with regard to budget and what happens backstage.

He admits he was lucky to have such a ‘brilliant choreographer’ in Sarah, but added: “Overall, it’s been a journey not just for the cast, but for me, too. I would do it again, but maybe in a couple of years because I’m still an actor at heart.”

Sarah said it was a dream come true working with SODS as she had wanted to join the society a decade ago, but was unable to because she didn’t live in the area.

“There have been challenges with teaching people how to dance and getting to know people’s weaknesses and strengths, but because everyone has been focused, dedicated and enthusiastic, it’s made it easier,” said Sarah, who lives in Colchester and trained at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts.

She based her degree dissertation on Gene Kelly, so much of her choreography groundwork was in place

“Most of my research was getting to know the dancers, because what I didn't want to do was come in with a routine already set in my head and it not show the dancers’ strengths off,” Sarah said.

“I wanted to set the dancing around their strengths, but obviously keeping in mind the decade in which the show is set.”

Singin’ in the Rain has frequently been named as one of the greatest musicals of all time and SODS will be revising the iconic show 10 years after staging it at the Cliffs Pavilion in Southend.

Teenagers Rob Maynard and Ewan Dunlop will be playing Don Lockwood and Cosmo Brown, the characters played by Kelly and O’Connor, with Kirsty Bone playing Cathy Selden, the part portrayed by Reynolds.

SODS regulars Laura Mann and Jonny Buxton take on the roles of silent movie star Lina Lamont and studio owner RF Simpson, while Les Cannon reprises his role as film director Roscoe Dexter.

SODS will be presenting Singin’ in the Rain at the Palace Theatre, in London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, from Wednesday, November 22 to Saturday, November 25.

Visit southendtheatres.org.uk or call the box office on 01702 351135 or details of performance times and ticket prices.