BLITZ

Lionel Bart’s ‘Oliver’ is probably better known and performed more frequently than ‘Blitz’ and yet this is a musical with an uplifting score and a storyline which combines humour, sadness and nostalgia. Set during World War 2, the plot mainly focuses on two feuding families, the Jewish Blitzteins and the Cockney Lockes with two of the younger members of these very different families falling in love and determined to be together.

The opening, with the cast entering through the auditorium making their way on to the stage, immediately established the community spirit as families found their space and settled down on the floor of the underground station defiantly singing ‘Our Hotel’.

Jane Renton, the matriarchal Mrs. Blitztein who owns the pickled herring stall gave a strong performance in this most demanding role. Singing well and maintaining her jewish accent she came over as a domineering woman but also showed her softer side and the mixed emotions she had to live through while always trying to do her best for her family and indeed the whole community. ’So Tell Me Jack’ as she pleads for some guidance from her deceased husband is a difficult number and was handled extremely well.

Alfred Locke who owns the fruit stall has absolutely no time for the Blitzteins and Richard Tebbutt was perfect as the loud, bombastic Alfie who mixed aggression with humour as he and Mrs.Blitztein spit feathers at each other. He and his loveable, patriotic friend Ernie (Bob Crawford) had some most amusing moments bouncing the humour off each other with their frequent interjections and rousing ‘As Long As This Is England.’

Young Carol Blitztein is not an easy part to play and Michaela Turner made a real contrast from the bubbly, very much in love Carol to the anxious Carol who loses her sight in a bomb blast. ‘Far Away’ was sung with true feeling. She and Georgie Locke (Mitchel Gobsill) had a real chemistry and their duet ‘Opposites’ was well played not at all overdoing the fact that they had been drinking and having fun. Mitchel has a lovely singing voice but was also most convincing in expressing the dilemma he faced when finding out Carol was blind but acknowledging that he still wanted to marry her.

Dougal Affleck quickly established the character of bad boy Harry Blitztein, the ‘Jack the lad’ of the family. He had a real twinkle in his eye whether flirting with the ladies or getting up to no good as a deserter dealing on the black market. When he finally decides to return to the army his ‘Duty Calls’ was spirited and meaningful. Elsie, one of his girlfriends was well portrayed by Gill Fleming who gave a saucy performance and had a strong singing voice.The many supporting characters were all well cast and believable in thie roles.

There are some wonderful, catchy chorus numbers and the company were in good voice particularly when they could really let rip in ‘Who’s This Geezer Hitler’ ‘Duty Calls’, the scene in Petticoat Lane and the real knees up ‘Is This Gonna Be A Wedding?’ A delightful group of children bid fond farewells to their emotional families in ‘We’re Going To The Country’ and had great fun with their number ‘Mums and Dads’. With so many keen youngsters, this company certainly has a future.

All of the musical numbers were sung with enthusiasm and supported well by the orchestra placed at the back of the stage. The big production numbers were neatly moved and I did like the way the auditorium was used with the cast involving the audience in scenarios. Costumes and hair styles had a real war time feel about them vey much in keeping with the era. The use of search lights and sound effects was most atmospheric.

In other productions of ‘Blitz’ I have been involved in or seen, there has been a recording of Winston Churchill’s announcement and Vera Lynn singing ‘The Day After Tomorrow’ so it was most interesting to see a live broadcaster (Cathy McAlpine) announcing with perfect BBC diction and Vera Lynn (Becky Duncan-Skelton) singing wih compassion.

This was a production full of warmth, nostalgia and vitality which I and the audience very much enjoyed. Well done M.A.M.A.

 

 

 

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