Me And My Girl

The story of ‘Me and My Girl’ revolves around an unrefined cockney barrow boy who learns of his ennoblement to the position of Earl of Hareford. However, he will only receive his inheritance and title if the executors (Sir John and The Duchess) deem him fit and proper. As with all stories of this ilk, this usually comes at a cost- the cost to Bill is losing his girl, Sally. Ultimately  this is too high a price to pay and Bill decides to return to his roots to be with Sally, but not without shenanigans, miffed relatives, jokes, tiger skins, songs and dance and a `My Fair Ladyesque` transformation along the way.

Bill Snibson is an absolute dream to play for any performer. With just the right level of cheek, charm and physicality, Andrew Thompson played Bill with aplomb, relishing every moment of it. His Girl, Sally, was played equally well by Katherine Waterhouse, showing the feistiness and strength of the character, yet revealing her vulnerability in `Once You Lose Your Heart`.

The Society set of Maria and Sir John (Audrey Mason and Simon Yaxley), Lady Jaqueline and Gerald (Sarah Graves and Mark Crook) gave great performances as the other `couples` learning to come to terms with their new Lord and Master.

The commendable performances of Brian Barden, Lynn Percival and Helen Taylor (Parchester, Mrs Charles and Mrs Brown) complimented the production, as did the rest of the ensemble-though it would be remiss of me not to mention Abi Cooper as Miss Battersby/Babs, whose wonderful characterisation and facial expressions did not falter throughout the whole production.

I must admit, I was intrigued to see what Storth Entertainers would do with this show and how it would work in a Village Hall, as it is a show with large chorus numbers and scene changes a plenty, big orchestral parts and ballet sequences to boot.

Considering there were less than 20 in the whole cast, all chorus numbers were solid, loud and diction perfect- although with only a few onstage, your eye is drawn even more to the person who can`t remember the moves/words- first night nerves, no doubt.

Managing to set and stage a production like this is always difficult- no matter how large or small the stage. This was achieved by having a fixed Interior of Hareford Hall set (with added props to depict different areas) , `dropped in` cloth and clever use of wing flats and props for other scenes , and a small thrust with a lamppost  to stage right. Lighting was appropriate to the depicted scenes.

Musical accompaniment was provided by piano- I thought I`d miss the whole `orchestra experience`, but only having a piano made the show seem a little more charming somehow.

The movement/choreography was simple with everyone getting a chance to shine-`The Lambeth Walk` and `The Sun Has Got His Hat On` had the audience tapping their feet- I did miss the `Lamppost ballet sequence` if I`m honest, but anyone who`d not seen the show wouldn`t have noticed an omission.

Production and Direction by Linda Graves was really good- each character being definitive in their own role, with equally complimentary Musical Direction from Alan Gardner.

 

Congratulations Storth Entertainers on a great production and thank you for your hospitality.

 

 

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