Me & My Girl, The Crucible, Dec 2 2010
Money can’t buy you love. The Beatles sang it - but Me and My Girl is the embodiment of it.
A remake of a remake, this joyous Anna Mackmin production showed that you can take the lad out of Lambeth but you can’t take the Lambeth out of the lad.
When cockney wide boy Bill discovers he’s in fact the heir to the late Earl of Hareford, it’s the start of a truly magical and comical journey which puts a male twist on Pygmalion.
There was a lot of interest ahead of this show given the fact that Miriam Margolyes was in the cast. A wonderful lady, a larger than life character, and she delivered a fine performance. That said, she was by no means the star of the show. That honour goes to Daniel Crossley who played lead Bill Sibson.
It’s a mesmerising turn from the man – offering charm and comedic brilliance alongside stunning vocals and dancing ability. To be fair, there wasn’t a weak link in the chain when it came to the cast – with particular plaudits going to Josefina Gabrielle's insatiable Lady Jaqueline Carstone and Jemima Rooper as Bill’s one true love.
The classic Noel Gay score, featuring the likes of The Sun Has Got His Hat On, Doing The Lambeth Walk, Leaning On A Lampost and , of course, the title track, had folks singing along - whilst the fact that this production was at The Crucible also added another dimension to the show. You’re so close to the action that you feel part of it and cannot help but get drawn into their 1937 stately world.
It was at times moving, but above all it was amusing, leaving you with a fuzzy feeling and a smile from ear to ear. On a chilly December evening, Me & My Girl was just the antidote to warm the cockles. The musical equivalent of mulled wine, if you like. Be sure to take a sip.
Carl Reid
