Me and My Girl

Congratulations to everyone involved in the GEMS production of ‘Me and My Girl.’   As I settled into my seat, browsing the programme, I noted GEMS first performed this musical in 1997.  When ‘Me and My Girl’ played in London and on Broadway it was known as “The Happiest Show in Town” and GEMS you did not disappoint.  There was an air of excitement in the cosy auditorium as the band played the overture, under the musical direction of Adrian Connell, and audience members started singing along to the familiar songs, including the “Lambeth Walk,” “The Sun Has Got His Hat On,” and “Leaning on a Lamp Post.”  

The set was cleverly designed for this compact performance space and worked well, depicting areas of Hareford Hall and supported smooth scene changes.  I especially liked the portraits in the library scene.  The musical is set in the 1930s and the costumes successfully represented the era. 

Paula Gosnell-Diggens directed and choreographed this production with a cast of 25, with some cast doubling up on characters.  Nicholas Hudson played Bill Snibson with great energy and provided much of the comedy. He must have been exhausted after each performance!  I really enjoyed Bill’s character relationship with, and the performances from Maria, Dutchess of Dene played by Elizabeth Harrold and Sir John Treymane played by Tony Harrold who attempted to educate Bill into the ways of the gentry and to separate him from his cockney girlfriend Sally, played by Elizabeth Harrold.  I particularly enjoyed Sally’s solos “Once You Lose Your Heart,” and “Take It On The Chin.”  Equally enjoyable was the performance from, The Hon Gerald Bolingbroke, Paul West. Your characterisation throughout the show and use of cockney rhyming slang was very amusing.  All the leads gave good performances including Lady Jacqueline Carstone, Brenda Best, who had her eye firmly on the new Earl and Herbert Parchester, played by Michael Donovan, who sang a little and danced a little, as he shared his advice as the family solicitor!  

The Ensemble were kept busy in this show, playing many different parts, supporting the leads well and clearly enjoyed themselves in the “Lambeth Walk.”It would have been nice to have read the bios of the main lead(s) in the programme, but I recognise there was limited space. Full credit to Paula Gosnell-Diggins for direction and choreography and all the production team, backstage crew, cast, musicians and everyone involved at GEMS for an enjoyable afternoon.  

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