Me and My Girl - You could, and you should!
Monday brought glorious spring sunshine to Innerleithen, and the talented team of Innerleithen & District Amateur Operatic Society captured its warmth and carried it into the Memorial Hall after dark. Their production of Me and My Girl was a vibrant, Technicolor triumph - a perfect pick me up for a Monday evening. Under the expert guidance of Producer Brian McGlasson, Choreographer Mo Anderson and Musical Director Jenny Campbell, the company worked their magic once more, breathing new life into this beloved classic with flair, freshness and a cheeky style that delighted the audience.
Lambeth Walk Cockneys
Image courtesy of IDAOS/Graham Riddell
Set in the 1930s, this fine production revolves around the hunt for an heir to the prestigious Hareford Estate. Enter Bill Snibson, a cockney chancer from Lambeth, who unexpectedly finds himself as the new Lord of Hareford. With his equally down-to-earth girlfriend Sally by his side, the pair navigate fish out of water hilarity in a brilliantly witty Stephen Fry scripted show that ensures humour rarely wanes for more than a moment.
From the instant the curtain rises to reveal London’s upper crust preparing for a weekend at Hareford, the audience knows they're in capable hands. The chorus numbers are carried effortlessly by an ensemble who seem to be thoroughly enjoying themselves. The action quickly transitions to Hareford’s drawing room, where we meet the formidable Duchess of Dean, portrayed with commanding brilliance and typically fine voice by Nicola Watt. Her confidant and advisor, Sir John Tremayne (John Armstrong), complements her performance, creating a duo that exudes the skill and presence of Innerleithen stage royalty! I was particularly delighted to see John return to a leading role. He was magnificent throughout, carrying the narrative with skill and charisma. His performance not only drove the story forward but also delivered moments of immense humour that drew great laughs from the audience.
They are joined by family members Gerald (Dougie Russell), Lady Jacqui (Nicole Graham), and Lord and Lady Battersby (Roger Brydon and Maria Oliver). Dougie brings his trademark comedic flair to Gerald, giving the monocle wearing toff unexpected depth and heart, and leading the company in a memorable second act opener, yet another dazzling splash of colour on the Innerleithen stage. In stark contrast, Nicole Graham embodies the scheming and vampish Lady Jacqui with an outrageously arch performance, all side eye and cunning glances. Her attempted seduction of Bill, and his response, was a particular thrill for Monday’s audience, promising even more hilarity as the week unfolds. Hats off to Nicole for, once again, giving her all for her art on the Innerleithen stage! As the bickering Battersby’s Maria Oliver and Roger Brydon gave good supporting performances, with Maria’s withering looks to Roger’s ‘desperate for a whisky’ Lord a highlight. A word too for Roger’s circus skills, given free reign in act two… Rounding out the main cast was Stuart Johnstone as Parchester, the family solicitor. Stuart nailed the part, his Parchester was wonderfully camp, effortlessly balancing humour and theatricality, a perfect fit for the show’s irreverent tone. His big number, backed up by the family, was memorable, and the thwarted attempts to reprise it throughout the show tantalisingly executed.
Every actor in smaller roles shined, finding their moments within the smartly constructed script. Charles the Butler (Gary Millie) and Mrs. Brown (Karen Wilson) got great laughs from the appreciative audience, proving that no role, or opportunity to wring more humour, was overlooked in this fine production.
Sally and Bill (Rosie Graham and Colin Tweedie)
Image courtesy of IDAOS/Graham Riddell
At the heart of the show are Bill and Sally, played masterfully by Colin Tweedie and Rosie Graham. Colin mines every nugget of comedy gold, showcasing the dedication and hours clearly poured into his performance. His mastery of countless props - from hats and capes to decanters, chairs and even swords is nothing short of remarkable. Add in physical comedy, tap dancing, and a series of solo songs, and you have a role demanding immense talent and bloody hard work - Colin delivers it all leaving the audience with an unforgettable performance. Well done Colin, it’s one for the ages.
Rosie Graham, a consummate actress, matches this with her portrayal of Sally, infusing the character with warmth and authenticity. Her vulnerability keeps Sally grounded, avoiding caricature, and her solo performance of "Once You Lose Your Heart" was gorgeous, giving the audience a pause in this whirlwind production.
This exceptional cast, bonded by six months of hard work, clearly revelled in the thrill of performing for a live audience after so long spent in the town’s Library Hall, drilling the numbers. The result is a show brimming with energy and charm, destined to grow in brilliance throughout its seven date run. Lighting, staging, props, superb period costuming, slick front of house (with Caldwells Ice Cream at the interval!) and well balanced sound all add professional sheen to this amateur show.
The music of Me and My Girl is guaranteed to appeal to anyone with a pulse. From the very first notes of the overture, it was clear that the audience was in sync with these timeless, toe-tapping tunes. As an audience member, I’m always drawn to shows with memorable songs, I unapologetically think the auld yins are the best! Me and My Girl delivers classic songs in spades, all from the pen of Noel Gay. By the time Act One culminated with the show-stopping belter that is "Lambeth Walk," featuring a dazzling Pearly King and Queen in Johnnie M-G and a stand out Rachael Cox, the crowd was already clapping and singing along, clearly fully won over by the cast and band.
The leading players (Dougie Russell, Nicole Graham, John Armstrong, Rosie Graham, Stuart Johnstone, Nicola Watt, Maria Oliver, Roger Brydon)
Image courtesy of IDAOS/Graham Riddell
While it’s true that I’m wholeheartedly praising my friends on stage, to the point of gushing, I did spot a couple of minor critiques regarding timing, movement and the finale. However, these are incredibly small quibbles compared to the sheer brilliance of the show. They're the kind of details that will likely be polished by the next performance, making them hardly worth dwelling on. It's important to remember that this is an amateur production, brought to life by joiners, teachers, GPs, retirees, charity workers, students and others dedicating their precious free time to something very worthwhile. The standard they set is high, and the joy is in seeing them not just meet, but soar above it again and again. As I stepped out into the crisp, cold darkness of Innerleithen after the show, the only thought in my mind was “when can I come back for another dose of IDAOS sunshine???”
There are tickets available on the door for all the remaining performances, get yourself along to Innerleithen Memorial Hall every night at 7.30pm between now and the 29 of March for a superb night out. There is also a Saturday matinee at 2.15pm on Saturday 29 March. Online tickets available at idaos.org.uk
