Me and My Girl a fabulous non-stop romp

By [rrothery]

Me and My Girl

Landmark Theatre

Review Jo Wood

THE show Me and My Girl should be available on prescription. It's a tonic – a non-stop romp from beginning to end. No surprise then there was a good house for Studio Theatre and Small Pond who put it on at the Landmark last week.

In fact The Landmark could do with putting this production on all through the summer – I'm certain it would be popular.

Stuart Thompson hasn't been seen in a lead role for a little while, and I was keen to see what he'd do with cockney costermonger Bill Snibson. He didn't disappoint. It's a highly physical role, with plenty of tap dancing, 'stunts' like climbing moving ladders, and lots of 'business' with bowler hats, watches and (hilariously) a tiger skin rug. It must have taken lots of practice to master the techniques and it was pretty clear he was enjoying every minute of it. The audience couldn't fail to pick up on this and be drawn in.

His lovely girlfriend, Sally Smith, was played by Elena Wright (who recently shone as Alice in the Vicar of Dibley). Clearly she can play much more than comedy, and managed to bring a tear to my eye with Once You Lose Your Heart. She matched Bill tap for tap, and really moved the whole show along whenever she was on stage.

Trying desperately to push Sally aside, catch Bill's eye, and grab the Hareford millions for herself was Hayley Joy, well cast as the flirtacious Lady Jacqui. Hayley's dancing was spot on.

I hope she has many more chances to show off those legs. It's a challenge to play what's basically an unsympathetic role when you're surrounded by jolly characters.

Opposite her was Laurence Butler who seems to have cornered the market in playing buffoons – his Gerald was brilliantly silly. I hope he never tires of making us laugh so much.

Neil Rudd, as Uncle John, was the perfect foil for the proud Duchess of Dene (Julie Moore) who held the whole thing together.

She never dropped her haughty bearing, even when doing the Lambeth Walk – which is no mean feat.

My favourite bit of the show wasn't one of the well known numbers:

Whenever the solicitor, Parchester (Robert Zarywacz) was asked for advice he went into a most preposterous number called The Family Solicitor which involved much bobbing up and down, all very Morecambe and Wise. I'd defy anyone not to laugh.

Pam Beecham's choreography complemented the rousing full cast numbers and a fine orchestra brought out the best in all those foot-tapping tunes.

This was a tremendous production. Everyone I know, who saw it, commented on how professional, happy, and slick it was.