Me And My Girl At Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells Review

Reviewed by Kelly Victoria

If you love classic musical theatre productions, then Me and My Girl is the perfect show for you. Tunbridge Wells Operatic and Drama Society are currently showcasing their production of this classic musical at the Assembly Hall Theatre in their home town.

Following the story of Bill Snibson an ordinary cockney lad from Lambeth who suddenly finds himself the owner of a huge inheritance meaning he is part of the aristocracy and 14th Heir to the Earl of Hereford. A world far removed from his Lambeth routes he really doesn’t know how to fit in. However there’s a catch, as Bill will only inherit the money if the Duchess and Sir John approve of him. Bill is besotted with his cockney girl Sally whom the Duchess is resolute should be out of the picture. Whilst the Duchess is determined to groom Bill for the future and to make him fit right in, it’s a harder job than she’d imagine. Behind the scenes the rest of the family are endeared to Bill and his unfamiliar ways and find themselves adoring his quirky personality. Despite the Duchess’s protestations, Bill isn’t willing to give up on Sally and as such threatens to leave after she’s forced away by the Duchess. However, Sir John has found Sally and been secretly grooming her in order to meet the standards of high society allowing her to marry Bill. The story ends happily with the lovable pair being reunited and supported by the family to get married.

The story is told comically throughout and is full of mayhem as the two worlds from different parts of society collide.

Initially, I hadn’t realised that this wasn’t a touring professional production but once the show started it was hard to tell that this was the case. The show was packed with wonderful acting, dancing and vocal performances.

The show includes some incredible songs which we all know and love including ‘Lambeth Walk’, ‘Leaning on a Lamppost’ and ‘The Sun Has Got His Hat On’.

With a live orchestra who played beautifully really adding to the professionalism of the show and wonderful moving scenery on set the production was fabulous from start to finish. It was also amazing to see someone signing the entire show making it completely inclusive to those with partial hearing and the deaf community.

Mike Knell played the role of Bill and had the whole audience belly laughing throughout. With incredible comic timing he played Bill’s lovable personality brilliantly.

Brooke Wells as Sally was just incredible and gave the performance you’d expect to see from any leading lady in the West End. With phenomenal vocals and and an endearing portrayal of Sally she was an absolute joy to watch perform.

A highlight of the show has to be the Lambeth Walk which includes the whole cast and with some of them coming and joining the audience making us really feel like part of the number. The whole theatre were clapping, singing and dancing in their seats.

Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells is obviously the perfect home for the show of these incredible local performers. The staff were friendly, enthusiastic about the show and the theatre is kept immaculately.

If you’re local and want a night that will make you laugh hard and put a big smile on your face, then book tickets to support these wonderful performers immediately!

Rating: 4/5

The show was on Thursday 17th November 2022

Tickets cost – not known

For more information or to book tickets to other shows on at the theatre, please visit What’s On | Parkwood Theatres or phone the box office on 01293 553636

Hawth Avenue, Crawley, RH10 6YZ