Set in London in the 1930s,
Lambeth’s own cockney sparrow,
Bill, is discovered to be the
long lost Earl of Hareford and
the ensuing tale follows his
‘education’ into the world of the
posh - losing then refinding
his love, Sally.
This comical, happy and upbeat show with its classic themes of rags to riches and true love winning through is especially loved for its wonderful showstopping songs such Lambeth Walk, Leaning on a Lamp Post and The Sun Has Got his Hat On to mention just a few.
Director: Sarah Middleton
Musical Director: Marian Harries
Torch Theatre Milford Haven
19th - 24th March 2012
Thanks to Carol Best for
the production photos!
To a full house on the Friday night,the cast of this perennial favourite
delivered the goods all the way down the line.Any remaining winter blues
amongst audience members must surely have been banished by the end of the
evening as we were willingly swept along on the frothy wave of this light
hearted musical concoction.Yet again,the Society is most fortunate in having
that essential mix of youth and maturity - along with all points in
between.Consequently experience,verve and pzazz melded to make a well
balanced show.
Playing Bill,our hero, was yet another feather in the cap of Aaron Lewis.His
most assured performance combined impressive vocal ability with an
instinctive sense of comic timing and charm - the latter attributes
reminding me of an equally youthful Tommy Steele long ago. Aaron was
perfectly matched by Elinor Crane as the quite delightful love of his
life.Added to her lovely singing voice was the quality of gentle dignity she
brought to the role of Sally from Lambeth. We could all see why Bill
wouldn't have changed her for the world.Naomi Harrison was spot on as the
aristocratic Lady Jaqueline displaying all her musical and acting skills.And
it was a real pleasure to see Daniel Bower once more back on stage - and his
was a perfectly executed performance in every way playing the
Hon.Gerald.Karen Barker(Duchess of Dene)shone as "the baddie" and delivered
the role with obvious relish and style. Charles Owen was an excellent foil
for her as the put upon Sir John,playing the part with an easy grace. In a
sparkling performance, Shane Morgan brought a definite measure of panache to
the role of the family solicitor. Equally,Janine Wilson,Leighton Hicks,Jeff
McCarthy,Bill Hirst and Sarah Colquhoun all brought to their parts that
necessary flair which is so important in successful ensemble playing. The
ladies and gentlemen of the Chorus and those in smaller named parts were
uniformly committed and also most effective in their given roles.The
dancing too was well executed and enjoyable.The hugely good orchestra under
the baton of Musical Director Marian Harris made a considerable contribution
towards the whole as we hummed along with familiar, well loved tunes.It
would be a trifle unfair to pick out any specific musical numbers as all
were delivered so extremely well by each of the principals and by chorus
members.However,I do feel I must give a little nod to the Duchess and The
Ancestors; "Song Of Hareford" went down a storm!
Congratulations must go to Producer Sarah Middleton and all of the
production and back room team,as well as to Musical Director,Marian Harris.
A word of praise also for the hardworking stage crew who coped so well with
the very big sets.
It was a fun night and a truly enjoyable one for all of us "watchers".
Very,very well done . . . . . . . and here's to the next time!
Jenny Whyte