Changes are in store for Mansfield Operatic Society (MAODS) at its forthcoming production of Singin’ In The Rain at Mansfield Palace Theatre in March next year.

Several members of the cast rehearsed silent movie extracts from the iconic Hollywood musical in the grounds of Newstead Abbey.

The extracts filmed by Alex Abraham Videos Ltd, which will support the story on stage at the Palace, captured the waning days of the silent movie screen era as it gave way to the new ‘talkie’ movies.

Hollywood left behind its silent pictures — including some of its stars, including the leading lady, Lina Lamont, whose unfortunate vocal tones and accent just didn’t fit in with the new talking pictures.

Principal characters from Singin’ In The Rain filmed melodramatic silent movie extracts at Newstead Abbey including The Royal Rascal, which starred Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont.

The scenes, set in 19th Century revolutionary France, typified the classical romantic silent movie genre where the stock characters of melodrama played out the drama of good over evil.

The scene opened with Felipe Du Bois (Sean Curtis) and his lady love thwarted by the evil Gaspard de la Nuit (Simon Brickell) and his dastardly Muskateer Mob (Matthew Bird, Garry Richardson, Jamie Savage), who stormed the castle grounds to kidnap the leading lady, (played by Carolyn Frith, with Helen Mumby her lady in waiting and Ann Colgan the stunt lady).

Carolyn said: “It was wonderful to act in the grounds of Newstead Abbey in front of the passing general public, who were very supportive during the film takes and seemed to enjoy the action.”

The period costumes were arranged by Amy Shaw, Cassey Brough Savage, Pam Frith and Carolyn Frith, members of MAODS, courtesy of Jolly Jesters, Alfreton, and Chameleons Fancy Dress, Retford.

Director Ally Sadler added: “Performing these silent movie extracts in the beautiful settings of Newstead Abbey has really brought the arts to the community of Mansfield and heightened our links between the abbey and MAODS. Look out for more events promoting the show soon.”

Singin’ In The Rain includes some of the best known and loved comedy routines, dance numbers and love songs, including Good Morning, Make ‘em Laugh and Singin’ In The Rain.

Tickets for the show, from 4th to 8th March, can be bought through MAODS or Mansfield Palace Theatre Box Office, go to www.mansfieldpalace.co.uk, call 01623 633133 or call in at the theatre on Leeming Street.