Me and My Girt

I haven’t seen this show since I appeared in it over 50 years ago playing Charles the Butler but despite having been re-vamped by Stephen Fry it still maintains it’s charm. Janet Bird brought out the best in a strong cast with the help of Co-Director and Choreographer Evelyn Clowes. Due to an injury Janet had to hand over the reins of directing to Evelyn for a few weeks prior to opening night insisting that Evelyn be designated co-director.

This is a production which demands a strong leading man and St Pauls had one in the shape of Mike Hetherington who was excellent in the role of Bill Snibson. The love of his life was provided by Paula Hunter who maintained her role as the cockney girl soon to be plummeted into unwanted aristocracy very well. Carol Gould and Bruce Harry captured their roles wonderfully as one would only expect from two such seasoned performers. Danielle Vernon certainly caught the flavour of the scheming Lady Carstone aiming to snare “Bill” from his girl friend and marry him and his inheritance.

The Honourable Gerald” (Richard Orr) convincing as her hopefully prospective spouse, eventually put a stop to that after some advice from “Bill on the way to handle women. The off stage screams could have been real. Bob Chapman played Parchester the family solicitor with legal splendour, loved the little dance. Jim Morris looked completely in place as Charles the butler; Hudson to a Tee. The main protagonists were well supported by an ark of aristocratic family members and friends who all looked like they rightfully belonged in a stately home.

The Household staff and cockneys maintained the high standard seen throughout and the singing from both principles and cast was very good no doubt due to the hard work of Musical Director Andrew Peckham.

St Pauls obviously have a strong “behind the scenes team” and their contribution and commitment cannot be overemphasised. I’m sure many of the audience went home humming “The Lambeth Walk” and the “Sun has got his hat on: why not after such a splendid evening.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.