Me & My Girl

Although it’s just short of 20 years since Hawick last produced this show, I still remember what a huge success it was then and this time was no exception. But for the role of Duchess, who commanded the stage, the cast was different and all added their own individuality to their character. The slick opening, off to the country and a weekend at Hareford, was excellent, fulfilling the lively introduction to the family, staff and friends. The duo, Lady Jaqueline and Gerald, were superb. She, with her strong character and vocal ability made her portrayal perfect, especially when bossing Gerald and even when forcefully seducing Bill. The OTT, thumb-sucking, flamboyant Gerald never faltered in his unique characterisation. He had taken great pains to curl his long bouncy locks and with smooth, rhythmic, dancing prowess and artistic flailing arms, he embodied the role and was a massive hit with everyone whether as a demon on the dance floor in ’The Sun Has Got His Hat On’.….or when finally wooing his intended. Bill’s introduction to the family was as dynamic as the whole ‘roller-coaster’ of a musical that is ‘Me and My Girl. The frustration and drama of class difference, the comedic one liners, the the melodic vocals and tremendous ease with dance steps, revealed true star quality within Bill’s role. Every action and interaction was charismatic and natural, creating raucous audience laughter and dependable support from the extensive cast members both alive (and dead). The family ‘Solicitor’ was captured hilariously. During his advice to the family, he produced good vocals and outrageous balletic movements to gain worthy and rousing applause. Sally’s character was epitomised with wonderful ease and naturalness. The synchronicity of Sally and Bill brought smiles all round. Their script was snappy, with vocals and dancing very much in tune with each other. ‘Me and My Girl’ and ‘Hold My Hand’ were both fabulous numbers as they danced perfectly together. A special mention too for Bill’s ’Leaning on a Lamppost’ and Sally’s ballet, making for a lovely scene.  Sally,  in her own right, delivered an all round star performance, evoking many emotions within the play, non more than the emotional, ‘Once You Lose Your Heart’. The library scene, when played to it’s full potential,  is always a winner with the audience and in this production it undoubtably won laughter and massive applause . The Duchess holds court once again, superbly explaining the history through the ’Song of Hareford’. She rightfully re-claimed the role again in this production, though almost twenty years have passed on. As Sir John turns coat, having warmed to sally’s plight in ’Take it on the Chin’, he finally embraces the issues of the underclasses. This is even more evident in the drunken scene with Bill during,  ‘Love Makes the World Go Round’, which was uplifting and so funny. The overall success of this production not only falls to the main characters but to the numerous supporting cameo roles of Lord and Lady Battersby, Charles the Butler, Mrs Brown and the many lively cockneys, who managed to engage ‘The Toffs’ in an outstanding ‘Lambeth Walk’. With slick scene changes and excellent band it was no hardship to sit through this show more than once. Well Done to everyone and Congratulations to Alison Ford who achieved her 50 year award.

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