Me and My Girl

I always find it exciting to go to a show I have never seen and don’t know much about I usually have a quick nosy at the basic plot but then allow myself to be immersed in that society’s particular presentation of the story, in this case a tale that is a well told regular of British theatre. The rags to riches story is a favourite across the screen and stage; in this case a young man who is unknowingly heir to a fortune and an estate, if only he will start acting more like a member of the aristocracy and also marry someone far more suitable than “his girl”. And as for the society’s presentation of this story? One could only call it sublime.

This was a professional level production in every aspect and would not have looked out of place in a pro theatre with the associated ticket price! Especially when you consider that in the amateur world, we have minimal time to rehearse in the performance space and yet they looked like they had been there for weeks, such was the finish.

Choreography was very polished and above and beyond in the case of Bill! It is a show packed full of fun and humour from start to finish and is quite simply a fabulously entertaining night out.

As always in the Rep, the band was out of sight but definitely not out of mind giving a fabulous performance. This musical has a couple of numbers that everybody knows even if they don’t know where they know it from, but all the songs captivate the audience, there are definitely no fillers here.

Sound & lighting were spot on, no evidence of the dreaded tech gremlins and the set was very well done, portraying the different locations without unnecessary “faff” but clever in parts where needed, creating things like a car, which was just as cleverly dismantled as if it had never been. I loved the ancestor paintings and the talking statue heads and had a proper “Oh look!” moment at both!

All props were appropriate and the costume was ideal throughout and quite beautiful in places. The final costume for Sally was just stunning!

If there are no fillers here when it comes to the score, this also was very true of the cast with everyone’s performance adding admirably to the whole. It was fantastic to see a whole myriad of ages in the cast singing and dancing with amazing talent and vigour. I am pretty sure once I reach a similar point to some of the more “experienced” cast members, I may be happy if I can still get downstairs but the grace and elegance of some performances really added a depth to this particular show, given the period in which it is set.

A real sense of “old Hollywood” was in evidence! Daniel Jones as Bill Snibson gave probably one of the best overall performances I have ever seen on stage. Not only was he vocally strong and a great actor, we had a fair dose of acrobatics thrown in across the performance and his comic skill was undeniable – I don’t think anyone would have foreseen a tiger skin rug being so funny! You were probably black and blue by the end of the run but it was absolutely worth it from an audience perspective. Bill’s girl, Sally Smith was expertly portrayed by Shelly Rivers whose toughest job of the week must have been pinning that beautiful mane of hair she has to get it under Sally’s dark bob!! Beautiful vocals and her acting skills led us from the simple story of a girl in love with her man to her seriously considering stepping away to allow him to thrive. Huge congratulations to you both!

Ann McArdle as the Duchess of Dene gave us a masterclass of gravitas and style as the matriarch trying to protect the family’s reputation, though we soon see that she may just have a soft spot for our Bill. A beautifully graceful performance but with some great comic moments, my favourite being her response to “it crossed my mind” – witheringly, “that must have been a short journey”!

Richard Shepherd as Gerald gave us a lot of the comedy as the typical spoiled little rich boy and Becky Williamson as Lady Jacqueline was the inevitable femme fatale social climber. Great performances from both and despite the roles being somewhat stereotypical in nature, designed to poke fun at a trope, both of you gave them heart and substance. And I have to say, I agree with Gerald that having to go to work really should be a last resort! And of course, they get their happy ending!

The aristocratic circle is rounded out with Sir John (Ian Wilson) who secretly loves the Duchess and does get his heart’s desire at the end, Lord & Lady Battersby (Richard Masters & Sharon Lawton), Sir Jasper Tring (Steve Beattie) and Herbert Porchester (Tony O’Rourke) with his own “theme tune” which gets funnier as we go on. Charles (Stephen Woolridge) is the butler who is just as invested in the reputation of the family.

Every performance in every scene added most favourably to the whole of this production. I could not have had a better night, and I would like to thank NSOS Musical Theatre for the invitation and the kind hospitality.

I hope I am lucky enough to attend their next show as this was a high bar to set but I am confident they will meet it.

Andrea Keady

NODA Representative – District 3

 

Page 3 of the Programme – Me and My Girl stated “Welcome to the Show”. Well, as Regional Councillor for NODA West Midlands making my very first visit to the North Staffs Operatic Society, nothing could be truer. The welcome from Peter Morris, in his role as Society Chairman and Business Manager, was well worth the journey to Stoke Rep on its own.

This was followed by equally warm welcomes from Assistant Directors Matt Dale and Val Waddell.

Me and My Girl is one of those shows in which every musical number is a highlight — there are simply no weak links. The energy and style demonstrated by everyone on stage showcased this perfectly. The production was confidently directed, featuring strong vocals and excellent choreography from the entire company.

I must make special mention in my part of the report of Ann McArdle. Not only did she give a superb character performance and deliver a wonderful rendition of “The Song of Hareford” alongside the ancestors, but I also learned that she had suffered a nasty accident the evening before, resulting in a visit to Accident and Emergency. As we say in the industry, “The show must go on,” and Ann truly embodied that spirit, showing great commitment to the production and dedication to the society. Very well done.

Following the final curtain of the matinee performance (I could quite happily have stayed to watch the evening one as well!), I was delighted to meet Daniel and Shelley on stage, along with Ann and others backstage.

Thank you for a most wonderful afternoon of traditional British musical theatre at its very best. I look forward to seeing everyone again in the future — hopefully at The Great British Bake Off in March 2026.

Andy Brown – Regional Councillor NODA West Midlands.

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