Community Magazine - September 2006

Me and My Girl - Ferndown Phoenix Musical Society
OH so familiar numbers such as The Sun has got his Hat on and The Lambeth Walk got the audience tapping their toes at the Barrington Theatre last week, when Ferndown Phoenix staged their 20th production, Me and My Girl. It is the story of the Lambeth costermonger whose life is turned upside down when he discovers that he is an Earl.
Glen Miller put a huge amount of energy into his role as the Eastender, Bill Snibson with heaps of comedy and stylish dancing skills. He was well matched with 'his girl' Sally Smith played by Gaynor Adnett, who is an accomplished dancing teacher.
Trish Rush, a stalwart of Phoenix was brilliant as the imperious Duchess, and is an actress with impressive stage presence.
I have watched Lee Redwood develop over the years, successfully making the transition from juvenile leads to adult roles. He played the part of the hapless upper class Gerald with panache and it is clear this young man will remain on the am-dram scene for many years to come.
With such a large cast - several of who played two or three roles - it is impossible to mention everyone; however, the production was well-rehearsed with the actors putting in some hugely enthusiastic performances. The scenery was excellent with some ingenious special effects and the costumes spectacular. However - and this is no detriment to Phoenix - although the two numbers mentioned in the first paragraph and Leaning on the Lamppost are show stoppers, the remainder of the songs were forgettable. In addition some of the jokes were lame - but that was the fault of the script.
The production was dedicated to the memory of Frank Barrow, who had been lighting technician for Phoenix for 14 years. And in the coming year the society plans to donate as much as it can to the Dorset Cancer Centre in memory of Frank. M.A.

Bournemouth Daily Echo - September 2006

A very happy anniversary
Me And My Girl, Ferndown Musical Society, Barrington Theatre, Ferndown

THIS 20th anniversary production certainly hits the high spots, and thoroughly enjoyable it is too.
It helps that the songs are so well-known - more than a few of the first-night audience were singing along to the Lambeth Walk - but Sonia Gilson's production has a real sense of joie de vivre that is marvellously infectious.
There is a strong line-up of principals, led by Glenn Miller. His loveable, cheeky Bill Snibson is a delight, and he has lashings of stage presence, as does Gaynor Adnett as his 'gal', Sally Smith. Trish Ruff is wonderfully imperious as the Duchess and Michael Leggett, a fine actor, ages most impressively to play elderly Sir John.
There are lovely characterisations too from Dave T Evans (Parchester) and Lee Redwood (Gerald), with good support from Natasha Barry (Jacquie) and Mike Hutchings (Sir Jasper).
Minor roles are also well played and chorus work is lively. There is some excellent choreography, and singing and praise as well for the super costumes, effective lighting and very efficient scene changing, all of which help to ice that anniversary cake.
Linda Kirkman

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