We'll Meet Again

This production was performed in loving memory of Richard Greenwood who was orginally cast in the role of Bill but sadly passed away in September 2020 before the show could be staged.

We’’ll Meet Again was a musical treat and I am so glad that after a long wait this production finally made it to the stage. Originally to be performed in June 2020 and halted by the global pandemic, this was a fitting tribute to remember happy memories of loved ones who experienced the war at first hand.

The story, written in-house by Ali Parrington and Matt Baker follows two families whose sons (Jack and Tom) are sent to war with each scene depicting a snapshot of a moment in time. Scenes included waving goodbye at the train station, the family kitchen, a dance hall, the front line, the cinema and the underground to name just a few. The use of periaktos supported the changing of the set as they revolved for each scene however I would suggest for this type of production an accompanying news reel or radio announcement could have been an alternative over the scene change blackouts.

I found the show was a variety of both joy and sadness. Use of projection provided black and white images and reels of the time and really added to the overall effect of the evening.

There were some lovely vocal arrangements under the direction of Musical Director Matt Baker that were performed well. I look forward to hearing more from this group especially as there was a lovely richness and fullness to their harmonies. The vocal trio provided by Emma Rowe-Bland, Jenny Corney and Kat George complete with choreography by Rosie Parrington and Yvonne Guntripp was a fitting tribute to the Andrews Sisters.

‘Smile’ sung by Henry Saklatvala was particularly well performed and his acrobatic skills during ‘We’re Gonna Hang Out the Washing on the Siegfried Line’ were particularly impressive along with harmonies with Matt Baker and Adrian Corney.

What I particularly liked in this show was how everyone had been included, with every performer having a moment in the spotlight, including the audience who joined in when prompted to do so.

Costumes were fitting and of the age and I was particularly impressed with the attention to detail right down to the shoes. The style of this production evoked the nostalgic feeling required in order to pull on the emotions of the audience.

Maggie (Cathy Baker) gave an excellent performance when the telegram arrived, a fitting and emotional tribute to those who did not return from war.

Thank you for your kind invite to attend and I look forward to seeing your next production.

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