Stage: Matt Lucas stars in Me & My Girl at Chichester Festival Theatre

Me and My Girl started out life in the 1930s, a jolly British musical with music by Noel Gay and book and lyrics by L Arthur Rose and Douglas Furber. It was later made into a musical called The Lambeth Walk, and had a brief revival in the 1950s. But it is probably best known for the revival, penned by Stephen Fry and Mike Ockrent, in the 1980s a production that won two Olivier awards in the West End and three Tonys on Broadway.

So given the track record, and the popularity of so many of the songs from the show, it should come as no surprise that Chichester Festival Theatre have chosen it as their festival season musical revival.

Doin’ the Lambeth walk – oi!!!!

For many years now CFT have garnered praise, awards and succesful West End transfers for their revivals of classic shows, and given the popularity of this piece no doubt they will have everything crossed for another transfer to London. This will no doubt be boosted by a stellar cast. Little Britain star Matt Lucas takes on the role of cheeky cockney barrow boy Bill Snibson. Lucas is no stranger to musical theatre and joined the cast in the West End for a season to play the role of Thénardier after featuring in the major O2 anniversary concert of Les Misérables. He is joined by Caroline Quentin who is best known for her roles in Men Behaving Badly, Jonathan Creek and Dickensian. She takes on the role of The Duchess of Dene as well as a wide range of theatre work.

At Hareford Hall in Hampshire, suspense is in the air. The family solicitor has found the long-lost heir to the Hareford title and riches. But, to everyone’s horror, he’s a Cockney barrow boy called Bill Snibson. As the Duchess determinedly sets out to transform him into a true gentleman, Bill’s sweetheart Sally wonders how she fits in to his new life. Before too long, Bill has to answer some soul-searching questions about who he really is.

Chichester Festival Theatre
2 July – 25 August
www.cft.org.uk
01243 781312