Me and My Girl

I arrived at Beccles Public Hall to see the production of Me and My Girl, one of my favourite
Musicals. It was nice to see a busy foyer and people bustling around waiting for the show to begin.
The performance started with a stylish and well-polished opening number of A weekend in Hareford
and I looked forward with anticipation to the evening.

Bill Snibson (Ian Cook) played the traditional cockney, out of depth with the rich, with the
characteristic witty, sharp and capable comedy timing and his girlfriend, Sally Smith (Bonnie
Quinlan) delivered the role with ease and sang well. Maria Duchess of Dene (Debbie Lambert)
shaped her personality to one of authority with a good singing voice and worked in harmony with Sir
John Tremayne (Tommy McGee) a delightful partner, and who executed the drunk scene with Bill
brilliantly. Lady Jacqueline Carstone (Natasha Bird) was suitably over-the-top. A charming lady
chasing the money. (The scene with Bill was hilarious). Hon Gerald Bolingbroke (Christopher Penn)
showed an impressive comedic personality throughout all of his scenes. Herbert Parchester (Stuart
Lamb) was a typical pompous solicitor, while Sir Jasper Tring (Jeremy Watts) portrayed an in-
character deaf man with a classic ear trumpet. With help of the supporting roles and chorus, this
musical performance came alive with the cast all working together.

The production team of Director and choreographer Jean Cator and Musical Director Alex Rimell
(Director Simon Peck first 3 months) developed together an effective, enjoyable old-fashioned
musical and the hard work and effort, obviously put into this entertainment was worthwhile. The
balance of the orchestra and singing levels was ideal.

The costumes were appropriate for the era and certainly added to the plot. I particularly liked the sun
has got his hat on and the tennis scene.

The sets, props and furniture were apt and moved efficiently throughout, not to distract from the
performance and the lighting combined to make the scenes realistic.

I would like to mention ‘Lambeth Walk’ and its huge amount of energy used, that spilled over into the
audience. Be careful of modern gestures for the period (using the hand to eyes ‘I’m watching you),
drinking from empty glasses and a microphone being left on backstage.

This was a really feel-good musical and I thoroughly enjoyed my evening of memories for a
traditional performance of Me and My Girl.

Thank you very much and congratulations to everyone concerned.

© NODA CIO.  All rights reserved

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.