Spend Spend Spend

Can you imagine a lottery winner nowadays being as gloriously blunt about their winnings as Viv Nicholson was in 1961? When success in the football pools brought her £152,319 (that’s £3 million in today's brass), this Castleford miner's wife told the nation's hacks she would "spend, spend, spend", she was so true to her word that within a few years she was what one of the show’s songs sums up as "spent, spent, spent".

This is the first time I've seen this Musical in its entirety and I had preconceived expectations that the show would be more of a play with music but was pleasantly surprised to find that it’s (almost) entirely sung.

The highlight for me, in this mostly forgettable score, was when the two Viv’s join forces for 'Who's Gonna Love Me?' which was indeed the showstopper!

Alice Gregr directs with panache, moving from soap opera-ish scenes of booze and poverty to the bright lights and the terrible hangovers that followed the big win.

Perhaps Alice would have benefited by having either an assistant Director or Choreographer for no other reason than to lighten the load and perhaps bounce ideas off, I only say this as there were, particularly in the ensemble scenes, some moments of invariable blocking but as a whole this was Alice’s baby, she’d certainly produced some delightful results and had a clear and direct vision which was prominent.

Both Viv’s perform and deliver poignant heartfelt honesty as they play the tale of overnight wealth and the inbred instinct to stick two fingers up at family, friends, neighbours and indeed the world!

Rachel Vose plays ‘Viv then’ who re-enacts the true story which is narrated by ‘Viv now’ played by Jenny Hollinshead. Rachel was sincere, fun and played the wild child with great energy and indeed stole the show! Jenny reflects the highs and lows and ultimately made this her story!

Martin Wiggan was aptly cast as Viv’s second husband Keith, I was surprised to learn that this is the first time Martin has played a part on stage! His performance was relaxed and well rounded, his singing was strong and he tackled some not-so-easy techniques for a newcomer without any sign of a glitch – a natural!

We got some great supporting roles too, from Bryan Shakeshaft’s uncanny interpretation of Bruce complete with tap routine! To the many roles played by Ian Moore.

Being Yorkshire born and bred - a notable mention must go to the entire cast for crackin’ accents, it wer jus lyke bein’ back ‘ome!

Music was kept in flawless check by Peter England, clearly a master of his craft who’d assembled a superior band to accompany his musically well drilled cast of chorus and principals.

I quite often hear from societies that as much as they may desire, they’re reluctant to stage shows which are not so well known due to the fear of low box office numbers. Based on the night I attended, this show was evidently a good seller for Sale Nomads - a great example that something new, a little experimental and different to what other groups are doing can pay off and prove to be a good thing! 

‘Spend Spend Spend’ was alternately funny and sad, bright, bubbly and a show that is unashamedly British.

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