Theatre Review: Me And My Girl, Bristol Hippodrome
Summary:
Rating: ★★★★
Running Dates: Tuesday 1st October - Saturday 5th October 2024
Where to see it: Bristol Hippodrome
Duration: 2 hours and 40 minutes (including interval)
Keywords: Timeless, Wholesome, Classic
Review
The highlight of the show, for me, has to be the use of humour and wit. Bill Snibson provides comedic relief amidst the high-brow landed gentry - he is witty, sharp and the prince of puns.
Me and My Girl has an impressive history - the musical had its original run in the West End in 1937, written by Douglas Furber and L.Arthur Rose, with music by Noel Gay. The story was made into a film in 1939, returned to the West End in the 1950s and has had a 3-year run on Broadway! This production features a revised version of the original story, written by Stephen Fry and Mike Ockrent in the 1980s.
The story is set in the late 1930s. We are introduced to a group of aristocrats that make up the Hareford family or close family friends. The 13th Earl of Hareford has recently passed away and the family’s solicitor has been tasked with running the heir to ground. It comes to light that the late Earl had a secret relationship with a working class girl and she had given birth to a son. Their son, now a man, is Bill Snibson, a classic cockney geezer from Lambeth.
In order to take over as the 14th Earl of Hareford, Bill must be deemed to be ‘fit and proper’. Bill’s tendency for cockney rhyming slang, his ill-fitting and quirky clothing, and his South-London sweetheart (Sally) fall far short of ‘fit and proper’. However, Bill’s aunt, the Duchess, takes it upon herself to turn Bill into a proper gentleman.
This production feels truly timeless - I felt as though the authenticity of the show, originating in the 1930s, had been prioritised and retained. We are nearly 100 years on from the show’s debut and, whilst the show could have been adapted to incorporate modern technical and visual effects, it has kept a true classic feel.
The production opens with an overture performance by the band, the set design is kept simplistic and distraction free, and the cast do much of the heavy lifting (literally) by switching out the props through performance and song.
The show has a surprisingly large cast which comprises a handful of main characters and a sizeable ensemble! I tend to prefer large ensembles as the stage always feels energetic and lively. However, for those that prefer more intimate performances, there are many moments of stillness on stage in which our main characters share thoughts, feelings and song.
The highlight of the show, for me, has to be the use of humour and wit. Bill Snibson provides comedic relief amidst the high-brow landed gentry - he is witty, sharp and the prince of puns.
The show is running until the 5th of October so grab your ticket soon!
Standout Quote or Moment: The performance of The Lambeth Walk, for sure!
Similar Plays: My Fair Lady, 42nd Street.
Last Impression: A classic story and production, performed with whole-hearted warmness!
To get tickets for the show click here
We were kindly gifted these tickets in exchange for a review.
Written by Chelsea Bartlett
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