Me and My Girl

This was my first visit to the society in their smashing Kirk Theatre.  Formerly a chapel, Pickering Musical Society took it over in the late 1970s and since then they have made excellent use of every bit of space.

One of my favourite shows, I don’t think there’s much to dislike about Me and My Girl and the company did it full justice.  Matthew Russell was very enjoyable as Bill Snibson, getting all his comedy across and being the likeable character Bill is.  He was excellent in Act Two’s Library scene using his cloak and the tiger skin to great effect.  I love ‘Leaning On A Lamppost’ and whilst Matthew performed it well, I would have preferred less movement to give it a stronger impact.

I really like Paula Paylor as Sally Smith, Bill’s intended, and she showed just the right amount of both strength and vulnerability.  Her rendition of ‘Once You Lose Your Heart’ in the pub was absolutely lovely, with her sat at a table, although it was a shame that other furniture was being moved all around her.  Paula’s diction was crystal clear and that really pleased me.

Michael O’Brien gave a really strong portrayal of Sir John Tremayne especially in his duet with Bill ‘Love Makes The World Go Round’.  Linda Tester was a suitably snooty Duchess of Dene and led a well-staged ‘Song of Hareford’ nicely.  Charlotte Hurst and Marcus Burnside made a great couple as Lady Jacqueline and Gerald Bolingbroke and he really played on the camp-ness of the character without going too far.

Stephen Temple was a bright Herbert Parchester and David Tester stood out as an efficient Charles, the Butler, especially as he seemed to be well in control of an excellent, reversible, set at the rear of the stage.  All the scenery was very good in fact – I think it was produced in-house - and there was also quite a lot of large stage furniture moved mainly by the cast, but some changes were a little slow.  The car used in the opening scene was very clever and well dismantled.

There’s plenty for the chorus in this show and everyone worked hard and well.  ‘The Lambeth Walk’ went down well and ‘The Sun Has Got His Hat On’ was a super, colourful, opening to Act Two.  Good, achievable, choreography meant that the cast appeared to be happy on stage and a rounded orchestra added to the enjoyment.  However I felt at times that some of the song intros were a bit laboured with cast members having to wait a fraction too long.

Costumes, many of which were provided by the society, were fine and generally the sound and lighting were well executed.

A happy and entertaining evening and also happy memories for us.  Well done!

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.