Me and My Girl

Me and My Girl has been an immensely popular musical since its original run in 1937. The music was by Noel Gay and the book and songs were written by Douglas Furber & L Arthur Rose. In the 1980s, it was revised and supercharged by Stephen Fry & Mike Okrent; and it remains a firm favourite with musical theatre companies to this day.

The programme was excellent, with attractive photographs & bios and was very informative. The sets/backcloths were beautiful with good props and furniture. Some of it got moved about in curious ways and at strange times…but generally it all arrived at the right places. There was a broad range of costumes to cover the different classes and occasions, with some extremely quick changes. It all looked very fine and colourful.

Lighting was good and clear throughout the show. Spotlights were accurate but starkly white. Not sure they were necessary, as the stage was so well lit.

Sound was always nicely balanced…I really thought it was George that was growling. Barry Pritchard was Musical Director for the SECOND time that MMT have presented this show. The orchestra was terrific; and their music had a lovely, period feel. Elena Vinall choreographed the enjoyable numbers, with some excellent dancing – especially by Ruth O’Reilly and Nicola Grainger.

A Weekend at Hareford was a fine vigorous opening number, with the toffs and staff dressed for a house party. The Hon Gerald and Lady Jacqueline gave us the fun, cynical duet Thinking of No-one But Me. David Anderson was a delightfully effete Gerald whilst Polly Ashton played the man-eater Jaquie with great enthusiasm and humour. I much enjoyed her attempted seduction of the hero, Bill.

Ziggi Szafranski was an excellent  Bill Snibson. He danced and sang with huge energy and ability, was deliciously vulgar with great comic timing and duetted so well with his girlfriend, Sally, who was played by Robyn Hunt. Her performance absolutely sparkled; and her beautifully sung solo, Once You Lose Your Heart, was the sweetest number in the show.

The Sun Has Got His Hat On was a good, rousing beginning of ACT II, with some fine tap-dancing. Emily Bastin gave a wonderfully patrician performance as Maria, Duchess of Dene. She and Sir John (Iain Cannell) were fiercely protective of the Hareford heritage; but they gradually, and believably, warmed to Bill and Sally; and helped them to gain acceptance by the family. The Duchess’ Song of Hareford was well delivered, amid an interesting parade of ancestors.

Leaning on a Lamp-post was beautifully directed and performed; and the finale numbers were a joy.

All of the cast enthusiastically sang and danced and thoroughly inhabited their characters. There was so much great humour but also some poignant moments. It was a beautiful balance and the audience loved it to bits.

Despite the short work-up period, Director Melanie Vinall and her team are to be applauded for creating an extremely fine production.

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