Me and My Girl

This Noel Gay Musical from the 1930’s is still very popular with audiences and with additional dialogue by Steven Fry and Mike Ockrent and additional musical numbers it remains a splendid show.This Production started with an excellent overture by the very accomplished orchestra under the baton of Musical Director  Dave Thomas.

There was very good diction and projection from all on stage and everyone appeared to be enjoying their roles.There were some strong Ensemble numbers and it was encouraging to see the enthusiasm from everyone.

The show was well staged with many seamless scene changes and backstage crew contributed to the overall success of the evening.Costumes and accessories were of a very high standard and in keeping with the 1030’s era and the Wardrobe Team played an essential part with the many costume changes.

 

Danielle Woodhouse, Choreographer ensured a good variety of lively dance numbers with an innovative approach. Howard Raw, Director has endeavoured to keep to the original remit and on the whole has succeeded but I feel that some of the humour did not come across.

There were some very good performances from the principals but Kath Watkins as The Duchess was outstanding, She showed all her experience with her great characterization and gave all a lesson in how to use the playing area. Jack Evans as Bill and Jenny Daniels as Sally had a great rapport, both singing and dancing adeptly and always in character. I was disappointed in the scene where Bill was preparing for his maiden speech in The House of Lords as the humour was not always apparent and there was lack of pace at times. Both Bill and Sally never lost the Cockney accents where appropriate, which was not always the case in other productions of this show I have reviewed.I really enjoyed Mark Chapman as Gerald the ‘upper class twit’ and Alice Deacon as Lady Jaqueline the temptress who is determined to seduce Bill. Their work together was outstanding and they made the most of their time on stage.

I have seen this show many times over the years and I have never seen a Production where the character Mrs Black, Vera Cummins featured but I enjoyed the partnership with Mrs Brown, Joan Kane. Both were delightful characters who brought a welcome variety to the others on stage bringing out all the humour from their roles.

Dave Thomas and his talented musicians never intruded over the entire evening enabling the audience to hear all dialogue and vocals. This is a rarity in many musicals I have seI did enjoy my evening at The Grand and I look forward to my next visit.

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