Me And My Girl

With Noel Gay’s snappy, catchy music and popular songs and a script revised by Stephen Fry full of humour and fun ‘Me And My Girl’ is almost guaranteed to be a hit with audiences.
The story tells how the somewhat rough and ready ' jack the lad' Bill Snibson discovers that he is the long lost Earl of Hareford who has fallen heir to a fortune. His new found family of Lords and Ladies find it difficult to come to terms with this cockney ‘cheeky chappy’ and even more so his cockney sweetheart who Bill is determined never to leave.
Peter Tomassi (Bill) was totally relaxed in the part. A versatile performer he never missed the opportunity to make the most of the comedy in the role perfectly timing the many one liners in the script gaining maximum effect. Indeed this was true for all of the cast who were never afraid to pause and let the audience absorb and enjoy the humour. Bill’s sweetheart Sally was played with great charm by Debbie Spurgeon. These two had a real chemistry which came across really well in the title number ‘Me and My Girl’ and in Sally’s ‘Once You Lose Your Heart’ which was heartfelt and delightful. The scene with Bill and Sally in the library was well timed and very funny. Trying to educate Bill in the ways of the gentry is his domineering aunt The Duchess of Dene. Annabel Hamid was suitably haughty in the role but despite her patience and best efforts  had to accept that Bill was a bit of a lost cause. David McBain(Sir John) was equally upper class and snooty trying to conceal his love for the Duchess  while sympathising with Sally. The overtly sexy Lady Jacqueline ( Fiona Main) was more  interested in money than any class difference and was determined to seduce Bill into being attracted to her..’ You Would If You Could’  had her all over  the memorised Bill but despite her best efforts she  had to settle for her suitor the rather wet Gerald (Chris Cotter) One couldn’t help but feel a little sorry for him.. Trying to get things sorted out is Parchester the family solicitor. Ian Lawson was splendid in this part- spritely, enthusiastic and with perfect diction. It’s a shame he is always cut dead when about to demonstrate his balletic skills! The supporting characters were all well cast and well played.
EDGAS prides itself in having a wonderful chorus and indeed the ensemble work from servants, cockneys and aristocratic family members was strong. The opening ‘Weekend in Hareford’ set the standard which was maintained throughout.
There was some striking direction and choreography which was most pleasing to see. The picturesque tableau at the start of act two was most colourful It was good to see a ‘Lambeth Walk’ which was a bit different from the usual and a very slick ‘The Sun Has Got His Hat On’  Good use was made of the dancers in ‘Leaning on a Lamppost ‘which was most effective
This was a real ‘feel good’ production with slick direction, striking sets and costumes and lighting which enhanced the action on stage. The well controlled orchestra supported the cast in this romp which was well received by an audience who I’m sure, like me, left the theatre singing.
 

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