ME AND MY GIRL

Stockport Operatic Society

Director: Michael Jones-McCaw

Musical Director: Claire Sweeney

Choreographer: Gary Jones-McCaw

 

This much-loved show has to have a certain “look”.  And this look was achieved with scenery, by Scenic Projects, and Charades’ costumes. To add some sparkle, Matt Kayes’ lighting design provided the right technical element that was needed. All the stage areas were well managed  and this design contributed to the slick running of the production.

 

Spirited direction was the format for this Cockney knees–up-Lambeth-Walk musical. The infectious music of Noel Gay could not have been better interpreted by the company and orchestra. To complete this knockabout audience pleaser, the choreography gave a delightful sheen to the whole proceedings. The dancers and spoon-playing Pearly Kings and Queens enthusiastically executed the imaginatively choreographed numbers.

 

With equal enthusiasm, the ensemble hopped and skipped about the stage with great conviction. All the supporting roles, from maids to gentry, with their strutting and goofing around were equally energetic and entertaining. They were led by Paul Ryan, as the family solicitor, Parchester, and I would give a  special mention to Peter Bowler, as the policeman.

 

Hareford Hall is run by the stern Duchess of Dene who tries to get the “wide boy” Snibson to live up to the high expectations his new-found position requires, and to become a gentleman. Lisa Kay delivered the haughty aristocrat with operatic embellishment. Sir John Tremayne (Frank Dean) sends Cupid’s arrow to penetrate her hard exterior and love blossoms, proving that love isn’t just for the middle classes.

 

The sub plot of the antics of Gerald Bolinbroke and Lady Jaqueline Carstone provides a big slice of the show’s enjoyment value. Ben Drane, as the Hon Gerald, and Hannah Edwards,. as Lady Carstone, picked up the challenge and gave us two very colourful and pleasing characters: a truly cheeky tonic.

 

Owing to a twist of fate, Bill Snibson, the cockney geezer, becomes the new Earl of Hareford. He can’t speak “proper” and is in love with Sally Smith. Kate Shaw came up trumps as Sally, the girl from Lambeth. The role was sincerely played and was coupled with a nice touch of comedy. Michael Jones-McCaw, as her beau, the brash cheeky chappie Bill Snibson, breezed in and captured the audience. This rags-to-riches character was played with total ease whether delivering comedy, dancing or singing.

 

The revival of this very British 1937 feel-good musical was one with a distinctly music-hall flavour and was very well received. It was a testament to everyone’s hard work.