Phenomenal performance from Longford's St Mel's Musical Society

For this year's production, St. Mel’s Musical Society offering turns back the clock to London in the late 1930s telling the story of ‘Me And My Girl’.

The musical depicts Bill, a man from Lambeth with a love of cockney rhyming slang and a skilled pickpocket, coming into a huge fortune and title, the 14th Earl of Hareford, however, to receive his inheritance must earn the approval from his Aunt the Duchess of Dene, Maria and Sir John, which proves to be difficult.

For Bill, this is all a dream until the illusion comes crashing down when his family makes their disapproval of ‘his girl’, the enigmatic and ever-optimistic, Sally.

This year's musical was directed by Peter Kenned while the incredible choreography was done by Dylan O’Keeffe.

Also Read: PICTURES | Enjoying a read of Longford Life, the county's only lifestyle magazine

The music, which was performed by a superb live orchestra, was directed by Fintan Farrelly and Eddie Kiernan was the Stage Manager.

The delightful Lindsay Dann and Liam Brady played the leading characters in this magical piece. Their performances were enchanting as was their chemistry as the lovebirds in the show Bill and Sally.

The magnificent Liam Brady performed with such humour it’s hard to believe that he doesn’t strictly speak in rhyme. However, it was his gymnastic capabilities which are displayed throughout the show through faux fainting and back and front flips that really sealed the deal.

This gymnastic talent is matched by one of the standout performances of the musical, Gráinne Fox, (Lady Jaqueline) who delivers such an incredible and convincing performance. Whether it be dragging Oisín O’Reilly who plays Gerald, another brilliant performance, across the room or emotionally torturing him by going after the newly titled Bill.

Also Read: PICTURES | Star quality on show in Longford at spectacular production of 'Me and My Girl'

In one scene she chases Bill (Liam Brady) around the room and fully commits to the scene in such a way that it’s easy to forget it’s a musical play. While, of course, Lady Jacqueline is a flawed character, Gráinne Fox’s performance makes it hard not to like her, or at least enjoy her stage time.

Out of all the cast everyone holds their own be it through acting or vocals. Oisín O’Reilly (Gerald) completely nails the mannerisms of a high-strung aristocrat. Declan Neville (Sir John) portrays the crotchety knight’s transition from a scheming relative to a, as he puts it, “Fairy Godfather” to Sally.

The dynamic, constantly moving set design brought the whole thing together and added a sense of realism to the overall performance.

Also Read: Past pupil Brenda Kearney appointed as Deputy Principal of Longford's Meán Scoil Mhuire

One aspect of the show that needs to be mentioned in particular is the ensemble cast, who constantly gave 100 per cent and performed incredible dance numbers with so much energy.

One member of the ensemble cast who seemed to steal the show in this regard is the brilliant Kyle Togbe, whose enthusiasm, professionalism and pure talent immediately drew the eye. An incredible dancer, Kyle is definitely one to watch. Always performing, no matter the scene, we won’t be surprised to see him taking on larger roles in future productions.

St. Mel’s Musical Society once again blew it out of the water and had a wonderful full circle moment as it is the twenty-fifth anniversary of their original performance of the same musical.

Some members of the original cast were involved in the spectacular production of 'Me And My Girl' that brought a real feelgood factor to the local community and surrounding regions in the theatre-style St Mel's College Sports Hall all last week.