Blitz

An appealing show, with some hard-hitting references to the war, whilst brought alive by the human relationships.

A shame the opening video giving some background was not shown the night we were there, as it would have given particularly the youngsters in the audience, some insight into what went on and the reasons for the war etc.  However, that said the content allowed us to look in on the way things were.

The atmosphere created at the start by the searchlights and airplane sound effects were very good, and set the scene well for the rousing opening number.  A lot of people on stage coped well with all the moves and shifts to allow for solo lines, although the sound in the first number was not good, so it meant we lost a lot of the solos, and in fact throughout there were a number of late mic cues.

This was a good show for the chorus, with many and various numbers to learn, and they all took it on wholeheartedly.  The choreographed items were nicely put together, and musically it was good, with some fine accompaniment from the band – using different instrumental sounds that were reminiscent of the times.

I noted that Who’s This Geezer Hitler? had good grouping and choreography, and I liked the tempo of Opposites, whilst Down the Lane was a rousing number.  I was very taken with So Tell Me Jack, very telling and lovely ‘harp’ accompaniment.

I liked the characterisation from Alex Rolle as Mrs Blitztien – a typical Jewish woman with her prejudices against others and love of family; these were all very evident, along with the caring side and also the spirited side of her character.  The accent sometimes slipped a bit, but it is a very difficult one to maintain.  Alex sang well too, a very believable portrayal.

Andrew Frost gave us a very lively Alfred Locke – again showing his prejudices, but also a warmer side at times!  His relationship with the slightly bumbling Ernie Nearmiss (played by David Cousins) was very good, and they created some amusing moments.  David also made Ernie the informant an interesting if not wholly likeable person.

Graham Duncan as Mrs B’s son Harry and Peter Tolfts as Georgie Locke showed the variances in young men of those times. Harry the wide boy with a heart of gold, and Georgie a young man determined to do his duty – an excellent relationship, well played and well sung by both men.

I liked Carly McHugh’s full on Elsie – she was very loud and lively – a comparison to the other ladies in the cast.  I felt her mic was turned up a little too much, so she sounded rather raucous at times.  But a fun character that I enjoyed.

Sarah Earl as Mrs B’s daughter Carol, created a charming character, who managed to cope well with the fact that she lost her sight, and I loved her numbers, they were nicely phrased, and Far Away was very emotive.

The children performed well, I particularly enjoyed the smallest boy, he had such a lively face, which added much to the proceedings.  The children’s numbers were set so that they had plenty to do, and they looked as if they were enjoying themselves most of the time!

The other principal parts were well accomplished and everyone kept their characters well throughout.

The costumes and hairstyles were all good, and in keeping with the era.

A very fitting show to be performed during the week that encompassed VE Day, and I was pleased to see a scout group there, it is part of our history and needs to be told to our children.

We enjoyed the singing of wartime songs at the close, a chance to let rip with numbers we knew and had fun with.

Many thanks to the front of house manager and team for looking after us so well, and for getting into the spirit of the times by dressing the part.

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