West End musical 'Singin' in the Rain' returns to China

The West End production of "Singin' in the Rain" has returned to Beijing for performances from Feb. 5-14 as part of a nine-city China tour following its successful debut at the Beijing Performing Arts Centre's Opera House last year.

A still from the West End production of "Singin' in the Rain." [Photo courtesy of Impulse Art & Media]

The production, adapted from the 1952 MGM film, uses six tons of water to recreate the movie's iconic rain scenes onstage, generating an immersive theatrical spectacle.

Set in 1920s Hollywood, the story follows silent film star Don Lockwood, whose perfect world of box-office success and fabricated romance is disrupted as the industry transitions to talkies. A chance encounter with a chorus girl changes his life and the future of Hollywood.

Since its 2012 world premiere, "Singin' in the Rain" has remained a beloved film-to-stage adaptation, earning four Olivier Award nominations and critical acclaim. The production recreates iconic songs like "Good Morning," "Make 'em Laugh" and the legendary title number, enhanced by neon lighting, vibrant colors, retro costumes and modern stagecraft.

A still from the West End production of "Singin' in the Rain."[Photo courtesy of Impulse Art & Media]

In early 2025, the musical made its China debut with 16 shows in Beijing, where the production's signature onstage rain effect, which sprays water onto front-row audiences, proved a major draw.

After concluding its Beijing run, "Singin' in the Rain" will conclude its China tour with stops in Qingdao and Shanghai, following performances in Suzhou, Guangzhou and Nanjing.

A still from the West End production of "Singin' in the Rain." [Photo courtesy of Impulse Art & Media]

Promoter Impulse Art & Media revealed it will also bring the Michael Jackson-themed musical "Can You Feel It" on a China tour from late July to early September 2026, with expected stops in Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou, Nanjing, Dongguan and Chengdu. The musical could benefit from the buzz generated by the biopic "Michael," set for worldwide release in April.