Me And My Girl

Stephen Fry's 1982 revival of the original 1937 version of this evergreen musical has a comedic quality that is combined with a tuneful score which is always sure to invoke the feelgood factor.

The show features such melodies as "The Sun Has Got His Hat On", "Leaning On A Lamp Post" and "The Lambeth Walk" - and you cannot help but sing along.

Bill Snibson, played by Joe Davies, inherits the title and money which sends the cheeky cockney into a spin as he struggles to behave in a way which befits a titled genetleman.

Sally, his girlfriend, only confirms that he really does not fit in. Vicki Wilson gives this role her all as she decides between leaving Bill at the posh house or to stick by his side and become his lady.

Zara Horn as Lady Jaqueline is pleasing as she aims to bag the lord of the manor and get her hands on his millions. Her termporarily spurned fiance is given a camp aura by Jake Dufton as he succeeds in confirming to Bill that he is a pompous twit.

Supporting roles by Mike Taylor as a distinguished Sir John Tremayne, Julie Ogden as a formidable Duchess Maria and Mike Donohue as the light-footed family solicitor, provide suitable sub-plots as Bill makes the transition from rags to riches.

The strength of this production came from the ensemble that provided cameo performances, notably Steve Benson in many disguises, and great vocals under the baton of Tom Bowes. Visually the production looks just right thanks to the wardrobe team of Mary Pycroft and Julie Kirby. The ancestor scene was exceptionally stunning.

The production team of Nora Howcroft, Helen McGrath and Trish Shorten have created a fun-loving production that received rightful applause and laughs aplenty from the first night capacity audience.

Paul Cohen

It was a delight to watch this show, with colourful costumes, great sets, good lighting and sound.

The orchestra under the baton of Tom Bowes was superb, in no way did the sound drown the singers. The principals were all well cast. Bill Snibson, the newly found Lord of Hareford, played by Joe Davies, was just right for this role. His acting, singing and wonderful comic timing were second to none.

Vicki Wilson, playing his girlfriend Sally Smith, performed really well. She and Bill matched perfectly in both their singing, dancing and acting. Julie Ogden and Mike Taylor made a great pairing as Maria, Duchess of Dene, and Sir John Tremayne. There were some very funny scenes as they each tried to teach Bill how to behave and take his rightful place as the new Lord. I did wonder whether Sir John had a slight accent of Prince Charles? Sounded great.

Mike Donohue gave a sterling performance as the family solicitor, Parchester.

Other principals who performed really well together were Zara Horn and Jake Dufton playing Lady Jaqueline Carstone and The Hon. Gerald Bollingbroke. Both had strong vocals with great presence on stage; well done both of you. All smaller parts were well cast, each character bringing out humour or pathos that added to making such a good show.

This society really does pull out all stops to make an enjoyable evening. Thank you for the care and attention given to me and for the wonderful entertainment.

Jackie Kay

A glittering, foot-stamping finale brought this all round superb production of 'Me And My Girl' to the fitting accolades it received from a near capacity audience.

The Walmsley Church AODS Production Team of Director Nora Howcroft, Musical Director Tom Bowes, Choreographer Tricia Shorten and Assistant Director Helen McGrath has delivered yet again the finest offering of musical theatre to Bolton theatre-goers.

This was backed up by a slick stage crew headed by John West, who incidentally all dressed appropriately in servant costume so as to blend in with the company, and first rate lighting from Norman Bowers and John Cocking. The sets were excellent and the costumes under the control of Mary Pycroft and Julie Kirby were lavish and totally in keeping with the era.

Added to all this was a company of performers who certainly gave everything they had to each and every musical number.

The opening of the show saw them travelling for 'A Weekend At Hareford' in a large car which they dismantled faultlessly whist still singing as each part of the car became an item of luggage. Plus for the finale of the first act they appeared as raucous Cockneys, complete with Pearly King and Queen, and there was a fantastic 'all singing, all dancing' 'Lambeth Walk' and they even played the spoons.

The story centres around unrefined Cockney 'Bill Snibson' who discovers that he has become the rightful heir to Hareford Hall and a very large inheritance, but only if 'Sir John' and 'The Duchess' approve of him. The 'Duchess' seeks to help 'Bill' with a little coaching in refinement, however insisting that he break up with his cockney sweetheart 'Sally'. He refuses to accept if he cannot keep Sally and this is where 'Sir John' steps in and secretly helps her to become more lady-like. And so the romantic ending sees 'Bill' allowed to inherit and more importantly keep his girl.

Joe Davies is an excellent 'Bill' and brings out all the cheeky charm of this lovable character and he does so with a good singing voice and an appeal that instantly connects with the audience.

His sweetheart 'Sally' is played by the very experienced all-round performer Vicki Wilson and her voice is at its best as she sing the very plaintive 'Once You Lose Your Heart'. Her singing, dancing and acting skills are first rate.

Zara Horn as 'Lady Jaqueline' and Jake Dufton as 'Gerald' play their roles as the young and brainless aristocratic upper classes perfectly. Here again we have two attractive young actors who can sing, dance and act.

Mike Taylor and Julie Ogden are ideal as 'Sir John Tremayne' and 'The Duchess' and this pair just bounce off each other with their very funny droll wit and cutting remarks.

Julie's song 'Men Of Hareford' was wonderful and she was backed up by some stunning singing by the company who also appeared dressed in sumptuous period costumes as the ancestors of Hareford.

Mike Donohue was a very elegant 'Parchester' the family solicitor and showed a lightness of foot that was very graceful.

Jane Bickerstaffe (Mrs. Brown), David Witt (Charles the Butler), Mike Bailey and Val Greenhalgh (Lord and Lady Battersby) and Mike Pinder (Sir Jasper Tring) all played their roles impeccably. Also Steve Benson, David Wilson and Stewart Ball each played several roles with much dexterity.

Once again, this multi-award winning society has made a lot of people very happy with this outstanding happy-go-lucky, heart-lifting production.

Congratulations to everyone involved.