Me and My Girl (Chichester Festival Theatre)
Having seen a number of productions at Chichester Festival Theatre, one knows one is always in for an amazing piece of entertainment, perhaps reimagined or reinterpreted but, always thoroughly enjoyable and this is no exception. One of the standards of Musical Theatre, Me and My Girl graces the stage this year and is an exquisite piece, directed with dexterity by Daniel Evans, choreographed graphically by Alistair David and delivered with great musicality by MD, Gareth Valentine.
Matt Lucas (he of 'Little Britain' fame amongst many other triumphs and on stage after missing some preview performances due to a voice problem) is a loud and bright Bill Snibson, probably not an expected piece of casting but, a great decision from Casting Directors Andrzej Goulding and Charlotte Sutton. Matt is the sort of actor that can light up a stage and bring a production to life and coupled with a feisty Alex Young as Sally Smith they bring further pace and enthusiasm to this already energetic and well liked story.
Caroline Quentin as Maria, Duchess of Dene is a revelation as the all round performer, television really doesn't do her stagecraft skills justice, acting of course but, equally polished singing and dancing and I wonder if the West End Stage has missed-out on one of the greats of the live performance world. Provide stage stalwart Clive Rowe to play opposite as Sir John Tremayne and you have the opportunity for numerous scenes, anything from touching to uproariously funny.
Siubhan Harrison is outstandingly 'upper class' as Lady Jacqueline Carstone, really chasing money rather than love but, trying to convince all that both are equally important. Dominic Marsh as The Hon. Gerald Bolingbroke is the epitome of a privileged upbringing and never having to work for a living (perish the thought). Jak Skelly adds some interesting connotations when forced into the musical numbers as Charles, The Butler with Matt Harrop and Jacqui Dubois adding the cherry on the 'posh' cake at Hareford Hall, as Lord and Lady Battersby.
Revivals always need something to make them special, to stand out from the original and this production has many things, a talented and diverse cast, some expansive staging that invites the audience in and that elusive entertainment value that all the best productions have, as many before it would be no surprise if Me and My Girl didn't see a transfer to the West End or a UK Tour.
Me and My Girl runs through to 25th August 2018 at the Chichester Festival Theatre and tickets are selling fast so don't miss your chance to do the Lambeth Walk and lean on that lamppost.
Book Here
Matt Lucas (he of 'Little Britain' fame amongst many other triumphs and on stage after missing some preview performances due to a voice problem) is a loud and bright Bill Snibson, probably not an expected piece of casting but, a great decision from Casting Directors Andrzej Goulding and Charlotte Sutton. Matt is the sort of actor that can light up a stage and bring a production to life and coupled with a feisty Alex Young as Sally Smith they bring further pace and enthusiasm to this already energetic and well liked story.
Caroline Quentin as Maria, Duchess of Dene is a revelation as the all round performer, television really doesn't do her stagecraft skills justice, acting of course but, equally polished singing and dancing and I wonder if the West End Stage has missed-out on one of the greats of the live performance world. Provide stage stalwart Clive Rowe to play opposite as Sir John Tremayne and you have the opportunity for numerous scenes, anything from touching to uproariously funny.
Siubhan Harrison is outstandingly 'upper class' as Lady Jacqueline Carstone, really chasing money rather than love but, trying to convince all that both are equally important. Dominic Marsh as The Hon. Gerald Bolingbroke is the epitome of a privileged upbringing and never having to work for a living (perish the thought). Jak Skelly adds some interesting connotations when forced into the musical numbers as Charles, The Butler with Matt Harrop and Jacqui Dubois adding the cherry on the 'posh' cake at Hareford Hall, as Lord and Lady Battersby.
Revivals always need something to make them special, to stand out from the original and this production has many things, a talented and diverse cast, some expansive staging that invites the audience in and that elusive entertainment value that all the best productions have, as many before it would be no surprise if Me and My Girl didn't see a transfer to the West End or a UK Tour.
Me and My Girl runs through to 25th August 2018 at the Chichester Festival Theatre and tickets are selling fast so don't miss your chance to do the Lambeth Walk and lean on that lamppost.
Book Here
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