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"Spectacular Musical"

By Amanda Wilkins

Excerpted from the Sussex Express (www.sussexexpress.co.uk); 6 April 2012

One of the most spectacular musicals ever to come to Eastbourne opened at the Congress Theatre on April 3rd. Louise English is superb as the Irish gipsy Rosa and she has a wonderful singing voice.

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"All The Fun Of The Fair"

By Laura Connor

Excerpted from What's On Stage (www.whatsonstage.com); 27 March 2012

Louise English is impressive as fortune teller Rosa, with a voice and an energy which naturally challenges the younger cast members. Rosa's effortless Irish charm makes her a powerful female lead alongside Essex's omnipresent actor-come-composer role.

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"All The Fun Of The Fair At The Ashcroft Theatre"

By Nikki Jarvis

Excerpted from News Shopper (www.newsshopper.co.uk); 27 March 2012

We were introduced to the story by a haunting rendition of A Winter's Tale sung by gypsy Rosa played by the wonderful Louise English.

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"All The Fun Of The Fair"
By Steve Burbridge
Excerpted from UK Theatre Net (www.uktheatre.net); 16 February 2012

Louise English, as the sultry gypsy clairvoyant, Rosa, and Essex's leading lady, rewards the above-mentioned generosity with a spine-tingling performance of A Winter's Tale. Indeed, she puts in a show-stopping performance as the feisty fortune-telling femme-fatale and the sexual chemistry between the pair is strong enough to illuminate every flashing bulb in the fairground.

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"The Only Way is Essex, David Essex"
By Andy Bramfitt
Excerpted from What's On Northeast (www.whatsonnortheast.com); 15 February 2012

Key standout performances included Louise English (Rosa), the gypsy fortune teller who has a mesmerising voice. She opens the show with a haunting version of A Winters Tale which hints at the depths and darkness which lies beneath the surface of the central love story.

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"Review: All The Fun Of The Fair At Theatre Royal"

By Nicole Samkange

Excerpted from Platform (platform-online.net); 13 February 2012

Levi's apparent love interest, Fortune Teller Rosa, was brilliantly displayed by Louise English. As the first character we are introduced to, she gives a dramatic opening in her number "A Winter's Tale". Her voice echoed through the theatre creating a chilling atmosphere that made even me captivated by her distinct tone. Her relationships with the other characters were clear by her constant looks and glares even when she wasn't centre stage. I was impressed by her dedication to the single mother gypsy role.

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"All The Fun Of The Fair at New Wimbledon Theatre, London"

By Jonathan Grant

Excerpted from The Public Reviews (www.thepublicreviews.com); 16 November 2011

As Rosa, Louise English reprises the role she delivered in the West End last year. Her knowing smile and flowing skirts portray a woman fully capable of the potential to steal the heart of Essex's Levi, the fairground owner.

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"All The Fun Of The Fair at New Wimbledon Theatre is Good, Old Fashioned Fun"

By Gary Naylor

Excerpted from Broadway World (broadwayworld.com); 16 November 2011

All the Fun of the Fair isn't quite The David Essex Show, as there are plenty of strong performances working round him, especially from Louise English as the fortune-teller who can see everyone's future but her own.

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"All The Fun Of The Fair"

By Paul Vale

Excerpted from The Stage (www.thestage.co.uk); 16 November 2011

Louise English as Rosa is more than a match for Essex on stage and one of the highlights of the evening is the delightful Rock On number where, joined by David Burrows as Harvey, the mature members of the cast recall a wilder youth.

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"All The Fun Of The Fair - Orchard Theatre, Dartford"

By Christopher Owen

Excerpted from The Public Reviews (www.thepublicreviews.com); 9 November 2011

Louise English confidently plays Rosa, a Gypsy fortune teller.

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"Review - All The Fun Of The Fair"

By Rachael Lum

Excerpted from Concrete; 8 November 2011

Louise English, who plays the gifted gypsy Rosa, steals the limelight with her captivating rendition of A Winter's Tale.

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"All The Fun Of The Fair, Bradford"

By Harry Zing

Excerpted from Chewing the Scenery (chewingthescenery.com); 26 October 2011

Louise English as the gypsy seer Rosa gives a nice performance with a thick Oirish accent to boot, hers was, in my opinion, the most interesting character as I felt there was a whole other side to her that we're yet to see.

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"All The Fun Of The Fair - Alhambra Theatre, Bradford"

By Tony Oliver

Excerpted from The Public Reviews (www.thepublicreviews.com); 26 October 2011

Rosa (Louise English) was perfectly cast with a great singing voice.

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"All The Fun Of The Fair - Theatre Royal, Norwich"
By Lu Greer
Excerpted from The Public Reviews (www.thepublicreviews.com); 19 October 2011
 

During the Winter's Tale, he (David Essex) sings alongside Rosa (Louise English), whom performs it beautifully, with every emotion of the song showing clearly on her face.

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"All The Fun Of The Fair at The Mayflower Theatre, Southampton"
Excerpted from The Public Reviews (www.thepublicreviews.com); 12 October 2011

A special mention must go to Louise English, whose gravitas anchors the show down. It is in her portrayal of the gypsy fortune teller Rosa that the story is taken full circle. Her strong stage presence and excellent vocal control made for an enthralling performance that drew the focus to her when she was on stage.

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"All The Fun Of The Fair, The Mayflower"

By Lorelei Reddin

Excerpted from The Daily Echo (www.dailyecho.co.uk); 12 October 2011

Essex's portrayal of widower and fairground owner Levi is laid-back and only truly comes to life in his scenes with Louise English, who is marvellous as she reprises her role of troubled fortune-teller Rosa, his love interest.

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"All The Fun Of The Fair At Edinburgh's Playhouse"

By Alan Chadwick

Excerpted from STV (entertainment.stv.tv); 5 October 2011

Louise English plays Levi's fortune-teller love interest Rosa with a heart-on-her sleeve lovestruck warmth.

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"All The Fun Of The Fair, Edinburgh Playhouse, Review

By Gordon Clayton

Excerpted from Edinburgh Guide (www.EdinburghGuide.com); 5 October 2011

This production has a proper story and the songs have been re-worked and rearranged to suit the cast member singing them. Louise English, with a long list of credits, excels as the fortune teller.

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"All The Fun Of The Fair, Cliffs Pavilion, Southend On Sea"

By Glen Pearce

Excerpted from Glen's Theatre Reviews (www.glenstheatreblog.com); 23 September 2011

Louise English as fortune teller and narrator Rosa, [is] especially moving in a haunting lamenting rendition of Winters Tale.

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"All The Fun Of The Fair at the New Alexandra Theatre"

By The Baron

Excerpted from The Hearing Aid (thehearingaid.blogspot.com); 17 September 2011

Louise English neatly captured that smouldering passion between her character, Rosa, and David's Levi.

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"All The Fun Of The Fair at Garrick 2010"

By Gerald Berkowitz

Excerpted from Theatre Guide London (www.theatreguidelondon.co.uk); Summer 2010

The best redefining of a song comes as Louise English as the fortune teller sings 'You're In My Heart'. Louise English is the best singer in the cast.

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"All The Fun Of The Fair: Garrick Theatre, London"

By Paul Callan

Excerpted from The Daily Express (www.express.co.uk); 30 April 2010

Widower Levi himself is loved by the gypsy fortune-teller Rosa (the strikingly attractive Louise English), whose daughter Mary loves Jack. Its all kiss 'n' cuddle amid the wooden whirligig horses.

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"All The Fun Of The Fair"

By Philip Fisher

Excerpted from The British Theatre Guide (www.britishtheatreguide.info); 29 April 2010

Back at the fair, Irish Gypsy Rosa, who has her own problems but is played by the pick of the female singers, Louise English, sees the future but still suffers for her daughter Mary (Susan Hallam-Wright), who worships Jack.

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"All The Fun Of The Fair at the Garrick Theatre, review"

By Charles Spencer

Excerpted from The Daily Telegraph; 29 April 2010

Among the supporting cast in David Gilmore's enjoyable production, Louise English is affecting as the fortune teller who has always held a torch for Essex's fairground boss.

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"All The Fun Of The Fair"

By Michael Coveney

Excerpted from What's On Stage (www.whatsonstage.com); 29 April 2010

The Irish gypsy woman [is] given romantic flesh and blood by Louise English.

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"Night Fright: The Nightmare of Your Life

By Steve Burbridge

Excerpted from the UK Theatre Network (www.uktheatre.net); 16 February 2010

and The British Theatre Guide (www.britishtheatreguide.info); 17 February 2010

It is Louise English, as the Lesley Joseph-esque Miss Peterson, who absolutely steals the show as she prowls around in black knee-length stiletto boots and a black leather mini.  

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"Night Fright: The Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage"

By Ian Cain

Excerpted from The Public Reviews (www.thepublicreviews.com); 16 February 2010

Louise English demonstrates her immense talent and versatility in a role that is, quite literally, a revelation. Her performance is carefully crafted and perfectly executed.

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"Review - All The Fun Of The Fair"

Excerpted from The Weston Mercury; 27 May 2009

The velvet tones of West End star Louise English opened the production with everyone's favourite David Essex song Winter's Tale.

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"All The Fun Of The Fair - Review"

By Stan Meares

Excerpted from The Ealing Times; 21 April 2009

A fortune teller, Rosa, (Louise English) opens the show ("A Winter's Tale), and closes it, with some depth.

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"All the Fun of the Fair, The Mayflower, Southampton"

By Lorelei Reddin

Excerpted from the Southern Daily Echo; 7 April 2009

Theatre favourite Louise English also put in an enjoyable performance as the rather scary gypsy with the deadly predictions Rosa.

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"Not To Be Missed"

 By John Mulliss

Excerpted from the Sunderland Echo; 27 March 2009

Among the host of very talented performers...worthy of particular note is Louise English, who portrays Rosa.

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"All The Fun Of The Fair, Sunderland Empire"

By Barbara Hodgson

Excerpted from Journal Live; 25 March 2009

Fatalistic fortune-teller Rosa (Louise English) narrates the story, singing with a pure and powerful voice that soars easily above the rest.

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"All The Fun Of The Fair, Sunderland Empire"

By Paul Taylor

Excerpted from the Evening Chronicle; 24 March 2009

...some of  the  cast (Louise English and Tanya Robb) who were clearly very talented performers with amazing vocals throughout.

A special mention must go to Louise for her outstanding performance of A Winter's Tale.

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"All The Fun Of The Fair at Sunderland Empire"

By Ian Cain

Excerpted from The Public Reviews; 23 March 2009

Louise English, blessed with a stunning voice and sultry good looks, is perfectly cast as Rosa and she gives a performance that has conviction and depth. During her scenes with Levi the sexual chemistry between the pair is palpable. The exquisite clarity of her singing voice is shown at its best during her wistful performance of "A Winter's Tale". Indeed, Miss English is a rare commodity and, in every way, she is the archetypal consummate leading lady.

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"All The Fun Of The Fair"

By Terry Wills

Excerpted from The Stirrer (thestirrer.co.uk); 11 March 2009

Louise English, no stranger to Birmingham audiences, plays the fiery Rosa and her opening and closing interpretation of "Just a Winters Tale" is both evocative and moving, crystallising the sad story that runs throughout the production.

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"It's not just for David's fans"

Excerpted from The Herald (Plymouth); 17 February 2009

Levi's wife Lizzie recently died in a motorcycle accident while riding the Wall Of Death. Levi blames himself, arguing that she momentarily lost concentration having discovered he was having an affair with fortune-teller Rosa. Rosa would like to marry Levi, but she foretells disaster. It's a meaty story indeed, with convincing characters and events.

All the portrayals carry the stamp of truth. As the ever-optimistic Levi, David Essex leads with an easy charm, but is well-matched by...Louise English as Rosa, opening and closing the narrative with the haunting A Winter's Tale.

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"Review: All The Fun Of The Fair, Theatre Royal"

Excerpted from The Nottingham Post; 27 January 2009

There is a nice comedic sequence as David Essex joins David Burrows as local hard man Harvey and Louise English as fortune teller Gypsy Rosa, in a spot of reminiscing to the tune of Rock On.

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"It's Just Not Fair"

By Julia Taylor

Excerpted from the Sale and Altrincham Messenger; 28 October 2008

Two other performers stand out. One is Louise English whose sultry singing voice excels in "A Winter's Tale". She skillfully portrays a divorced fortune teller who fancies Levi, as a woman whose tough and sexy exterior hides inner fragility.

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"All The Fun Of The Fair at Theatre Royal, Brighton"

By Mary Kalmus

Excerpted from The Argus; 9 October 2008

Singalong songs [are] delivered with gusto by an experienced cast, chief among them the feisty and tuneful Louise English as Rosa.

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"Roller-coaster ride at 1970s fun fair"

By Fern Basnett

Excerpted from The Sentinel; 1 October 2008

Leading lady Louise English began the evening with a beautifully sung, soulful interpretation of 'Just Another Winter's Day'. English looked every bit the sultry fortune teller Rosa whose predictions of heartbreak and tragedy were destined to come true.

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"All The Fun Of The Fair - Darlington Civic Theatre"

By Viv Hardwick

Excerpted from The Northern Echo; 24 September 2008

Louise English is the excellent narrator as fortunetelling Rosa, using hit song, A Winter's Tale, as the backdrop.

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"All The Fun Of The Fair"

By Steve Burbridge

Excerpted from UK Theatre Network; 23 September 2008

Louise English, as Rosa, is no stranger to show-stopping musicals and has graced the stages of the West End often, receiving rave reviews for her many accomplished and polished performances.

In All The Fun Of The Fair, she delivers the performance of a lifetime; phenomenal isn't adequate enough a word to describe it. Her solo performance of "A Winter's Tale" is richly seductive, with diction that is as clear as a bell and the entire audience seem to fall under the spell of this mysterious gypsy fortune-teller.

Miss English bestows Rosa with a hidden vulnerability beneath the feisty exterior that pays testament to her extraordinary talent as an actress and gives the character added depth of emotion.

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"Hello, Dolly: Hippodrome"

By Gerry Parker

Excerpted from Crackerjack online; 6 August 2008

Louise English's characterization of Irene Molloy was attractive and beautifully sung.

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"Anita's Dolly As Good As It Gets"

Excerpted from Heartland Evening News (Nuneaton); 13 June 2008

Louise English, as the object of his affections once the duo arrive in New York, was in top form, with a lovely voice, especially when she sang the enchanting Ribbons Down My Back.

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"Hello, Dolly!"

By Simon Tavener

Excerpted from Daily Information, Oxford; 29 May 2008

Louise English played Irene Molloy with elegance and panache.

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"Hello Dolly"

By Andy Smart

Excerpted from the Nottingham Evening Post; 21 May 2008

Darren Day, David McAlister, Louise English ... in fact the entire, excellent company are on terrific form. Anita Dobson dazzles as matchmaker Dolly Levi in this new production of Jerry Herman's celebrated musical farce.

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"Hello, Dolly!"

By David Feeney

Excerpted from the UK Theatre Network; 16 April 2008

Delightfully funny and visually stunning, this is a musical with style and charisma.

Louise English and Anita Dobson, (English playing Darren Day's love interest, Irene Molloy) stole the show with their impressive vocal performances, especially, in Dobson's case, on the title song, "Hello Dolly", and English in "It Only Takes A Moment".

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"Hello, Dolly! Lyceum"

By Bernard Lee

Excerpted from the Sheffield Telegraph; 3 April 2008

There are fine performances as well from the versatile David McAlister as a not too-crusty Horace Vandergelder, Darren Day as a well-fed Cornelius Hackl and Louise English as an engaging merry widow, Irene Molloy.

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"Hello, Dolly! - New Wimbledon Theatre"

By David Munro

Excerpted from Indie London (online); 30 March 2008

Louise English gives Irene Molloy the necessary charm and grace to attract a suitor and she manages her principal number "Ribbons Down My Back" stylishly.

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"Hello Dolly!"

By Sandra Giorgetti

Excerpted from The British Theatre Guide; 26 March 2008

Louise English plays Irene Molloy beautifully and her rendition of "Ribbons Down My Back", a moving piece about finding love, was the best singing of the evening.

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"Hello, Dolly"

By Peter Ridley

Excerpted from Darlington and Stockton Times; 14 March 2008

The best-known songs, Hello, Dolly! itself and Before The Parade Passes By, are as thrilling as ever, but others, especially Ribbons Down My Back, beautifully sung by Louise English, also made the back-of-the-neck hairs bristle. And Elegance nicely echoed the Garland/Astaire standard We're A Couple Of Swells.

The strong line-up of principles, not least Ms English as milliner Molloy; David McAllister as Horace Vandergelder seeking a house-keeper who thinks she's a house-holder; Darren Day and Hamilton Sargent as the innocents in the big city; and Amanda Salmon, hilarious as the engagingly hysterical Minnie, complete the pleasure.

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"Hello Dolly"

By Sue Heath

Excerpted from The Northern Echo; 12 March 2008

Louise English as Hackl's love interest, Irene Molloy, sang beautifully and looked lovely too, with nice comic timing.

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"Review: Hello, Dolly!"

By Kathryn Smith

Excerpted from the (Darlington) Evening Gazette; 12 March 2008

The story of matchmaking Dolly, played by Anita Dobson, showcases the great talents of Darren Day, as Cornelius Hackl, Louise English as Irene Molloy and the miserly Horace Vandergelder played by David McAlister.

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"Hello, Dolly! at Darlington Civic Theatre"

Excerpted from What's On North East; 11 March 2008

Louise English's voice is stunning, capturing all the notes and captivating the audience.

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"Hello, Dolly! at The Lowry"

By Peggy Woodcock

Excerpted from the Chester Chronicle; 7 March 2008

Louise English, as hat shop owner and potential bride Irene Molloy, sang beautifully.

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"Hello, Dolly! @ The Lowry"

By Natalie Anglesey

Excerpted from Manchester Evening News; 6 March 2008

Louise English is ideal as Irene Molloy, owner of the best hat shop in town, who gets to sing the lovely Ribbons Down My Back.

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Hello, Dolly! - National Tour

By Steve Burbridge

Excerpted from The Public Reviews; 6 March 2008

Darren Day, David McAlister and Louise English lead the fabulous supporting cast of over forty performers, and they each deliver consummate performances.

Louise English, as Irene Molloy, exudes grace and charm and has a beautiful singing voice. Her rendition of "Ribbons Down My Back" was spine-tingling.

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"Hello, Dolly - Lowry Lyric Theatre"

By Brenda Kean

Excerpted from Theatre-Reviews.co.uk; 5 March 2008

The excellent Louise English as Mrs Molloy...is the best in the show for me as her acting is believable and she looks the part.

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Louise had a soft, almost operatic voice with clear diction which made "Ribbons down my Back"� a particular joy to listen to.

"Hello, Dolly! - UK Tour"

By Michael Cox

Excerpted from On Stage Scotland Online; 28 February 2008

Louise English and Amanda Salmon, who play Irene Molly and Minnie Faye respectively, exhibit excellent voices and light the stage with their performances.

Indeed all the cast give a spirited account of themselves - Louise English, in particular, playing hat shop owner Mrs Molloy, with suitable flair and a natural singing voice.

By Natalie Driver

Excerpted from the Stourbridge News; 6 February 2008

Darren Day...has a lovely singing voice - especially in It Only Takes a Moment - which was only matched by the dulcet tones of Louise English as his sweetheart Irene Molloy. Ms English is a solid all-round performer and was well cast in this role.

"Classic Show"

By Alex Moss

Excerpted from the Wakefield Express; 29 November 2006

Special mention goes to Louise English who was fabulous as Oliver Warbucks' secretary Grace.

"Orphan Annie"

By John Burland

Excerpted from BBC Leeds; 22 November 2006

Louise English, as Grace Farrell, was utterly charming. David McAlister is a veteran performer and it really shows in his performance. Ruth Madoc excelled as the drunken, nasty Miss Hannigan. Chris Colby’s direction was superb, and the choreography by David Kort was outstanding. Add to this the brilliant musical direction by Anne Marie Lewis-Thompson and you have a truly terrific show. I would therefore recommend that you get booked as a matter of urgency.

"ANNIE at The Lowry"

By Natalie Anglesey

Excerpted from Manchester Evening News; 31 August 2006

Louise English is one of the best Miss Farrell's I've seen.

"Annie"

By Mark Justin-Ford

Excerpted from BBC Manchester; 30 August 2006

The undoubted star of this production is, oddly enough, not Miss Hannigan, played by the inimitable Ruth Madoc or Stacey Hunt's Annie.

No, the real star of the show was in fact Louise English, who gave a performance as Grace Farrell that was unfazed by the sound problems and the late scene movements, which seemed to put off the rest of the cast.

"Annie: The Lowry Theatre Salford"

David McAlister and Louise English provide the slickness...in the roles of Daddy Warbucks and his bride to be, Grace.

"Annie Bursts With Talent"

By Ginette Harris

Excerpted from This is Cornwall; 17 November 2005

The show burst with talent and energy and there was just the right measure of poignant moments and laughs. A lovely performance by Louise English.

"Sugary Musical Had A Real Buzz"

Excerpted from the Gloucestershire Echo; 26 October 2005

I particularly liked Daddy's endearing secretary Grace as played by Louise English. Throughout this musical the audience seemed to love every moment.

 "Twenties Tale Still Pulls Right Strings"

Excerpted from Western Morning News;  18 October 2005

Guts and heart illuminate the performances, with more than a touch of pantomime encouraging a party atmosphere. Splendid is Louise English as Grace. Wholesome family entertainment.

"Theatre: Annie: The Musical"

By Helen Boylan

Excerpted from Sunday Business Post (Dublin, Ireland); 10 July 2005

Louise English sang like a pro as the graceful Grace Farrell, and Ruth Madoc (of TV's Hi-De-Hi and Little Britain) mugged energetically as evil orphanage owner Miss Hannigan.

"Musical Fun For All The Family"

By Larissa Nolan

Excerpted from the Irish Independent; 3 July 2005

The daddies' interest was notably piqued by stunningly beautiful Louise English, as Grace Farrell, in many Thirties-style chic outfits.

"Annie Review: Malvern Theatres"

By Jill Hopkins

Excerpted from This is Malvern; 16 November 2004

The production of Annie, being staged this week in Malvern, is delightful family entertainment.

The orphans...acted, danced and sang with immense theatrical presence. Emma Hopkins, as Annie, characterised superbly, singing and moving as if a veteran of the theatre. Su Pollard was outrageous as Miss Hannigan, intent on frightening the girls into submission. James Smillie used his fine voice effectively and became betrothed to the kind and beautiful Grace Farrell, played by Louise English.

Choreography was slick and changes of pace were expedient. Costuming and effective lighting all contributed to make this a memorable production.

"Annie, Congress Theatre, Eastbourne"

Excerpted from The Argus Online; 29 September 2004

The cheers that raised the roof on the first night of Annie on Monday were well-deserved for this production directed by Chris Colby.

Louise English is well-cast as Oliver Warbucks' prim secretary, who blossoms into a beautiful young lady destined to become his wife.

Louise English is a dynamo of energy as the efficient Grace Farrell, secretary (and later love interest) to Warbucks. Her strong voice carries through despite an initial glitch with the microphone in her opening scene.

 "THEATRE: An Orphan's Tale Told Well"

By Sharmila Vella

Excerpted from Malay Mail; 6 June 2005

Louise English was a bawdy and very sweet Nancy. She displayed her big, warm voice beautifully on the show-stopping anthem As Long As He Needs Me.

"THEATRE: Thumbs Up For 'Oliver!'"

by R. Gowri

Excerpted from New Straits Times; 2 June 2005

Playing a rather strident Nancy is Louise English, whose voice carries admirably. Oliver! is a musical treat and makes a perfect holiday outing.

"Oliver Twist by Lionel Bart"

The Q Factor (Malaysia)

12 June 2005

Nancy (Louise English) blew the audience away with her powerful vocal cords.

"Me and My Girl"

Musical Stages Online; January 2002

Barely a decade since the show left London, Me and My Girl is back, courtesy of Charles Vance Productions. Directed and choreographed by Tim Flavin, his slick production is fast moving and light hearted with some inspired slapstick, energetic tap routines and some great lines courtesy of Stephen Fry's hilarious script.

With the exception of the infectious "Lambeth Walk", the best numbers are found in the  second act, where Flavin's choreography is particularly exciting in "The Sun Has Got His Hat On" and "Leaning On A Lamppost", performed with gusto by a small ensemble.

In the lead parts: Reprising the role that she played in the West-End, Louise English is suitably feisty as Sally Smith, Joan Savage has a lot of fun as the Duchess of Dene, particularly in her scenes with Bill, although perhaps she is not quite nasty enough. Gerald Harper coasts through on autopilot as Sir John Tremayne but his relaxed charm is occasionally very funny. Katie Verner sings beautifully as Lady Jacqueline, but the revelation is Hal Fowler as Bill Snibson, from his first entrance he immediately wins the audience over with an energetic performance of comic frenzy and real warmth.

Me and My Girl is an old fashioned show that doesn't seem dated. In fact, it could well be just the kind of feel-good-factor show that the London theatre scene needs right now.

"Me & My Girl"

By Stuart McGann

icBirmingham

If you're running short on festive cheer this year the Christmas show at the Alex' is sure to put you in the party mood.

Me and My Girl is one of the nation's favourite musicals and this version, revamped by Stephen Fry's witty interpretation, delivers a quickfire supply of fun and entertainment.

As the story unfolds Hal Fowler playing Bill Snibson - the cockney barrow-boy discovered to be heir to the Hareford Hall fortune - takes every opportunity to get a laugh and finds many willing accomplices, especially the forever tipsy Sir John Tremayne (Gerald Harper) and ever-so-serious family solicitor Herbert Parchester (Martin Wimbush).

As Bill anguishes over whether to leave his Lambeth ways to join the aristocracy, and in doing so abandon his girlfriend Sally (Louise English) we are treated to a feast of sing-along classics, including Me and My Girl, The Sun Has Got His Hat On and Leaning on a Lampost.

For a great evening's entertainment where the audience leave cheerily singing along to the Lambeth Walk, Me and My Girl at the Alex is definitely worth braving the winter cold for.

Me & My Girl continues at the Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, until 19 January 2002.

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