ME AND MY GIRL

This was a big step change for PBGS, very different from G&S for them. 

I thought the Director planned the stage well, which enabled the cast to move freely around the stage, difficult with a small stage and so many scene changes – but accomplished nicely.

Scenery was fine, with good props and set dressing, enhanced by good lighting and sound, everything had clarity. 

Costumes were on the whole good – I did notice that Bill’s dress trousers were incredibly short, and a couple of waistcoats needed to be a bit longer.  The look of the ladies’ day dresses would have benefitted from slips!  I wasn’t sure about Parchester’s white tights, my preference would have been for black, as it would have looked more business-like.

Choreographically a little static, but Me & My Girl and the Lambeth Walk were quite lively and well-conceived. 

Musically very good, I enjoyed the overture and entre act, all very nicely played, the cast were well-rehearsed and sang well, good balance of sound between stage and pit.  I didn’t see any personal mics, so well done to the cast, good projection throughout.

I liked what Andy Oxford (Bill) did with the part, but would have liked a bit more accent on the cockney side of the character, to show a difference between first sight, and how he progressed.  Good detail in “Leaning on the Lamppost”.  Alice Myles (Sally) gave us the slightly shy but fun character, showing her empathy for Bill’s plight, I thought Alice played Sally extremely well, loved her rendition of “Once You Lose Your Heart” and I liked the pairing.

David Crew (Sir John) and Sue Wookey (Maria, Duchess of Dene) were an excellent couple, they often seem to be a pair, and their experience and easiness with each other shines through, along with their undoubted singing ability.  Lovely facial expressions from Sue.

Emma Crew (Lady Jacqueline) and Graham Breeze (Gerald), were again a good pairing, the very lively Jacquie, and the pompous Gerald were both well-acted and sung.

I liked Jessica Hallett (Parchester), unusual for a  woman to play the role, but Jessica brought the right amount of seriousness to the role, with a twinkle in her eye, and again loads of expression.

The remaining cast members Peter Sayers (Lord Battersby), Alison Gibbs (Lady Battersby, Mrs Brown and ensemble) created some amusing moments, whilst Harold Liberty (Charles) delivered the stand out comedy line in the show with aplomb.  Katharine Crew, David Laurie, Ketina Oriss, John Saunders, Rik Stokes, Karen Wedekind and Clive Wheeler all accomplished their various roles well.

Overall a nice show, which we and the audience enjoyed, thanks to the Society for their hospitality and good to catch up with some amdram colleagues too.

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