Me and My Girl

It is always a pleasure when I receive an invitation to review a performance performed by Spennymoor Stage and Song, and this year’s heart warming show “Me and My Girl” was no exception. Originally written by L.Arthur Rose and Douglas Furber and revised by Stephen Fry it tells the rags to riches story of an unashamedly rough diamond cockney Bill Snibson who struggles with his new found status as the new 14th Earl of Hareford. With a fantastic music score by Noel Gay this musical comedy was a guaranteed winner for Spennymoor Stage and Song. Directed by Karen Butler and assisted by Eric Hickson they brought this well loved musical to life and this was very evident from the overture to the final bows as this dedicated cast give their hearts and voices to deliver a well produced performance with some exceptional characterisations. Music was in the capable hands of musical director Martyn Jones and his orchestra, their delivery enhanced the music numbers ensuring that the levels were perfectly pitched and the music well balanced never over shadowed the performers. This year the choreography was arranged by Ann-Marie Clayton who ensured that the movement was appropriate both to the era and the style of music, I particularly enjoyed the opening song “Weekend in Hareford” which set the standard for the remaining of the show, I also  enjoyed the ensemble number which ended Act 1 “The Lambeth Walk” which made excellent use of both the stage and auditorium this was an excellent high energy choreographed routine which had the whole audience participating, I also enjoyed the opening of the second act with “The Sun Has Got His Hat On” again well-choreographed. The set was well designed and built and special mention must go to Eric Hickson for the backcloths which were fantastic and certainly enhanced and helped to tell the story. Lighting and sound were good and special mention must go to wardrobe as the costumes helped to finish off the entire show been both in keeping with the era and characters. There were some fine individual performances from the principals, in the lead role Liam Etherington gave a polished performance of Bill Snibson, catching the cockney bonhomie effortlessly and made the most of the comedy in the role perfectly, good vocals and I love his interpretation of “Leaning on a Lampost”, Bill’s sweetheart Sally was played with great charm by Claire Warren who had good stage presence and the chemistry between the two was well portrayed, I enjoyed their duet and title song  “Me and My Girl” which was well choreographed and loved the tap routine and Claire’s musical number “Once you Loose Your Heart” which was heartfelt and well sung.

Eric Hickson gave a sterling performance as Parchester, the family solicitor; good comic timing and I enjoyed his musical number “The Family Solicitor” which was very funny. Anne-Marie Clayton gave a strong performance as the Duchess, as ever Anne-Marie commanded the stage, with excellent delivery of her lines and as ever perfect vocals I loved her musical number “Song of Hareford” a true joy to watch. Gordon Richardson delivered a sterling performance as Sir John I enjoyed the way he tried to conceal his love for the Duchess whilst sympathising with Sally, good stage presence and characterisation. Good performance from Jayne Etherington as the sexy Lady Jacqueline I enjoyed this character who tried tirelessly to win the heart and  fortune of Bill, good vocals and I enjoyed the duet with Bill “You Would If You Could”. An excellent confident performance from George Watson- Morgan as Gerald, again good stage presence and vocals and who finally won the heart of Lady Jacqueline. There were a number of cameo roles, special mention goes to Malcolm Quinn as the hard of hearing Sir Jasper, Christopher Jones gave a good portrayal of Charles the butler and again I enjoyed the musical number “An English Gentleman”, Paul Simpson and Karen Butler gave convincing performances as Lord and Lady Battersby, as did Rebekah Newman as Silv, good performances from Margaret Thompson as Mrs Worthinton- Worthinton, Christine Jones as Lady Brighton, Angela Eason as Sophia Stainsley- Asherton, Ian Patterson and Susan Marley as the Pearly King and Queen and Mrs Brown, Lucy Greathead as Miss May Miles,  Susan Rogers, Bethany Hitchen, Eve Angstmann and Jessica Riley as the cockney girls and servants. Well done to everyone at Spennymoor Stage and Song for another great performance and thank you as ever to the hospitality shown on the evening I attended.

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