Me and My Girl

You can always be sure that when coming to see Walkerville Musical Society perform their annual musical production, you are in for a very entertaining, collective team effort, and this was no exception.

Most of us wouldn’t even consider a show like ‘Me and My Girl’ for a venue so small, with not a fraction of the facilities on offer at a theatre venue. However, thanks to some minor miracles, great direction, supremely enterprising settings and props from Alan and his crew, and a great deal of hard work and un-stickability - as usual, they managed to pull another one off !.

I particularly liked the fact that the music, instead of the backing tracks 'avenue' chosen last year for ‘Oklahoma’, there was a trio of live musicians delivering the score. It is good to see and hear, as well as keeping live music alive. The music was presented nicely; well done Peter Allsopp and trio for your efforts, the delivery of great singing from all concerned was very enjoyable.

Ann Ranson’s direction of this well-known classic was, as usual, well done; wringing every bit of comedy out of a difficult script. Lisa Nugent also scored well in the choreography stakes with some nice movement for the ensemble, but I have to say her tap routine was the highlight, performed superbly by herself and David Bruce.

David played the huge and athletic role of Bill Snibson – The Earl of Hareford superbly well. It is a marathon as he is never off stage. Many congratulations.

Lisa was excellent in her portrayal of Sally; Bill’s girlfriend. Another fine, commanding performance of a demanding part.

There was also some very good support from Ken Richardson as Parchester – the family solicitor, Ian Nugent as The Honourable Gerald, Helene Archer as The Duchess, Alan Tomkins as Sir John, Andrea Scott-Bell as Lady Jacqueline, David Parrack as Lord Battersby, Joan Fothergill – who stood in at the last minute to play the role of Lady Battersby, due to Helen Richardson’s illness (well done Joan), Graeme Spence as Charles the Butler, John Casson as Sir Jasper and Jenny Boothroyd as Mrs Brown. Congratulations to them all - not the least for their cockney and fine English accents.

Lighting and sound played a large part in this production’s success, as did costumes, set and props; a fine team effort which all contributed to a good entertaining evening. Thanks for the invitation and hospitality.

We are looking forward to the Snow Queen by the Kids On Stage Group in October.

 

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