Blitz The Musical

The atmosphere, costumes and set all conjured up 1940’s London for the audience at the Bonar Hall. The opening scene was beautifully set and directed; set in a crowded underground station the residents of the Petticoat Lane area came to shelter from the air raids.  The scene - a very deliberate chaos, with everyone playing specific parts and the story unfolding around two households, - the Jewish Blitzstein’s and the Cockney Locke’s who run adjacent market stalls in Petticoat Lane but do not get on with each other. Lynne Binnie as Mrs. Blitztein and Alfred Locke played by Alexander Kennedy were well cast and both gave strong performances, Lynne Binnie, pivotal to the show effortlessly delivered both the fiercely protective and caring sides of Blitztein. Her musical delivery of  “So Tell Me, Jack” was a favourite moment in the show. Alexander Kennedy as Locke captured the cockney spirit, never dropping his accent and delivering some great facial expression especially towards his nemesis … their back & forth battle of words carried on convincingly throughout the show.

Their children on the other hand fall in love! Craig Nicoll as Georgie Locke showed a great natural stage presence as the brave soldier who returns injured, in love with Carol Blitzstein; sensitively well-acted by Eilidh Robertson. Their musical numbers were confidently sung. They were ably supported by Matthew Bird as Harry Blitzstein, the lovable playboy who goes AWOL and turns to crime. Playing one of his girlfriends was Rennie Adam who with a natural lively stage presence portrayed the saucy character Elsie down to the ground, with a strong singing voice her musical numbers ”Leave It To The Ladies” performed with the female cast and her friend Peg Murphy played by Claire Rioch and “Down The Lane“ with the ensemble were well delivered and sang

Playing the part of Alfred’s friend was Derek Murray as Ernie Nearmiss, a great character performance full of warmth and at times extremely funny,

The youngsters were integral to this production and provided some lovely scenes and musical numbers, “We’re Going To The Country” sang with their mothers and delivered with lots of attitude, and “Mums and Dads” was certainly a hit with the audience.

The formidable principal line up was ably supported by the excellent remaining large cast with notable congratulations to, Gwen Teppett, Susan Robertson, Ross Herbert, Carys Morgan, Gregor Paterson, Rio Rennie and Ruth McKay who ensured that this was a very effective production. The big musical ensemble numbers were well sung “Who’s That Geezer Hitler”, “Duty Calls”, and “Down The Lane” being catchy and tuneful.  “The Day After Tomorrow” was very poignant with the authentic radio.

The overall effect was highly memorable and very impressive.  The production led by Stuart Whyte was very well planned, with good organisation of scenes, cast and props. It also showed great attention to detail in the props, costume, and hairstyles, which created the impression of the wartime period.  The lighting effects such as the sweeping searchlights were excellent, with very believable sound effects.

It was a powerful story with many parallels with the world we live in today, an uplifting, nostalgic, humorous, and moving score by Lionel Bart delivered by well-cast principal actors ably supported by solid performances from the smaller supporting roles and general company.

Congratulations to all involved with Blitz

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