Me & My Girl

Since Me & My Girl was re vamped and re written by Stephen Fry, it ran from 1985 to 1993 at the Adelphi Theatre in the West End and has toured professionally on many occasions before establishing itself as a staple of amateur performers up and down the country. The story is not overly complicated with Lambeth boy Bill Snibson suddenly finding that he has become the new Earl of Hareford. We see him wrestle with family obligation whilst trying to reconcile his new status and wealth with his working class friends including long-time girlfriend Sally, who struggles to fit in. There’s a little intrigue and some nice romantic sub plots but it’s mostly singing, dancing and comedy all the way to a delightfully happy ending.

This was an excellent choice of show especially for the Platinum Jubilee Year, very English, great fun, and full of wonderful toe-tapping songs.  Jamie Tipple is a real talent and, as Bill Snibson, he hardly put a foot wrong; maximising the wonderful comedy set pieces and milking every laugh from each one. As working class love interest Sally Smith, Kirsty Jackson-Smillie was excellent giving a lovely characterisation and with a clear singing voice.  A very well balanced couple of leads who sang, danced and interacted together well.

Maria Baker gave an excellent performance as Maria, Duchess of Dene full of matriarchal tenacity showing style and dominance. Someone not to be disobeyed. Her “Song for Hareford” with the Ancestors was outstanding. Chas Barclay gave a strong portrayal as Sir John, bringing out the comedy of the role. His relationship with his love the Duchess was well-drawn.

There was an excellent comedy characterisation from Matthew Sweeney as usurped upper class twit The Hon Gerald Bollingbroke and some very provocative posturing from Sheena Grummitt as his love interest Lady Jacqueline as she pursued the hero around the set.

Leslie Wheeler really looked the part as family solicitor Parchester — always ready to sing “Family Solicitor” at the drop of the proverbial hat.  The part of Butler Charles involves only a small amount of dialogue but in this role Harry Ashby gave a fine performance. The Chorus which was full of first-rate voices were enthusiastic and well focused. Of the supporting cast there were good performances throughout with Steph Swan popping up in several roles. Mandy Turpin gave a nice cameo as Mrs Brown and Olive Swain was elegant as Mrs Worthington-Worthington. Above all the whole company should be congratulated for giving such an upbeat show. Obviously they had fun on stage and the feeling was infectious

Criticisms were few.  The costumes were very good as were the scenery and props. Congratulations are due to the hard working back-stage team who moved the many sets on the small stage as swiftly as was possible. Lighting was completely appropriate with only the odd dark spot and the sound was well balanced with most radio mics behaving.

Congratulations to Director Christine Turner for a very neat piece of direction and who, with the team of choreographers and Musical Director Mike Bernard - who led an excellent eight-piece orchestra — produced a good evening’s entertainment with a fine line-up and well cast principals, plus the support of a good team to bring out all the best of the script and score.  An excellent opening night of a favourite show. 

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