ME AND MY GIRL - JUNE 2003
REVIEW BY NODA REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE

Since becoming available to amateur groups this musical comedy has been performed by many local societies, and it's easy to see why with the great variety of musical numbers ranging from Gilbert and Sullivan style to Music Hall. There's something for everyone and a great deal of comedy too. It was the longest running musical of the 1930's and 'Lambeth Walk' is known by young and old alike.

The orchestra played the overture superbly and under the direction of Stephen Hale were sensitive, playing to suit the varying moods throughout.

John Rigg's stage direction was excellent with good groupings and maximum use of the space on stage. Visualising the ancestors in the portraits, as opposed to having the portraits on view and a 'Ruddigore' moment, worked very nicely.

The scenery was good as were the props, and the stage was nicely dressed, although a larger picture on the wall would have looked more imposing in Hareford Hall, and a number 21 on the door of Sally's digs in Capstan Street would have made the door look a little more realistic.

The performers depicted the era well by their movements and mannerisms and their costumes were suitable and colourful. A couple of negative points would be that one of the girls wore a tennis skirt that was far too short and the Duchess' costume for the final scene wasn't quite grand enough for her station in life. In an age where class distinction was more pronounced than it is nowadays, the 'pearly king' outfits provided a good contrast to the sophisticated ball gowns.

Good choreography by Jo Wilding who kept the movements within the capabilities of the company. There were some very polished routines and I particularly enjoyed the one set to 'Leaning on the Lamp Post' The dancers moved so very gracefully.

In the leading role of Bill Snibson , Peter Wood was marvellous. He extracted every bit of humour from the various situations and was the epitome of a brash but likeable salt of the earth cockney. His singing was good too and he showed the more wistful side to his character in 'Leaning on the Lamp Post'. His dialogue had a cockney accent but unfortunately he didn't maintain it during the musical numbers. Nevertheless, a first rate performance from Peter.

Sandra Jones was an enchanting Sally Smith, playing the cockney sparrow who transforms into an elegant young lady with ease and confidence. Her singing was enjoyable and 'Once You Lose Your Heart' was sung with a great depth of feeling. Her face showed her emotions and she gave us a wonderfully warm hearted, practical Sally. Good accent too.

Lady Jacqueline is a provocative, seductive character to play and Aileen Smith gave a notable performance, acting and singing strongly. She was determined to try to get her man and was prepared to go to any lengths to do so, which she displayed superbly in the duet 'You Would if you Could'.

Connie Law was haughty and aristocratic as the Duchess of Dene and although she looked a little young for the part, she overcame it by adopting the stance of an older person. Her distaste at some of Bill’s working class remarks was well pointed and she sang the ‘Song of Hareford' tunefully and with the pride inherent in a person of the upper classes.

The Hon. Gerald Bolingbroke, a rather ineffectual member of that same privileged section of society was played creditably by lan Thomas, who had good diction and a very pleasant singing voice.

John Connor made a suave Sir John and one couldn't help but wonder why it had taken him over thirty years to get around to proposing to the Duchess!

As the family solicitor Parchester , Roy Selfe was well cast, bringing to the role his obvious enjoyment, experience and some wonderful facial expressions. His demeanour was suitable for that of a family solicitor of the time and his rendition of 'The Family Solicitor’was super.

The old retainer Charles, well schooled in the ways of the upper classes, was played with dignity by Michael Davenport, who displayed quiet confidence in his position within the family.

Acting from a wheelchair is not easy but Peter Miles put over the aged, deaf Sir Jasper with style and humour. His efforts during the 'Lambeth Walk` number were a joy to watch.

Lord and Lady Battersby played by Nigel Smith and Maggie Dean were a good foil for each other. He rather too fond of the bottle and a little hen pecked, and she definitely the dominant one in the partnership.

The principals were well supported by the other company members who acted in the many smaller roles which included servants, aristocrats and cockneys. They were extremely well rehearsed and it showed in their confidence on stage and in the choreography. As for the singing, every word could be heard. Well done!

Sound and lighting were both efficiently operated and the scene changes were carried out smoothly.
Your programme cover is striking and the contents interesting. I would have suggested that you enter it for the NODA programme and poster competition but unfortunately you have not included any information on NODA, which is essential for entry into the competition. It is also a good opportunity to bring NODA to the attention of the general public too. If you would like more details of the usual programme inclusions I will be happy to send you the information.

John Tranter greeted me on arrival but I was once again left to my own devices during the interval. In fact I talked to the Mayor who seemed to be in the same position. It really would be nice to meet one of the Officers or Directors and to have the opportunity to learn something more about the Society.

It was a most enjoyable evening's entertainment and thank you for inviting me.

E.Gloria Smith
N.O.D.A Regional Representative