She Loves Me

Gallery Players

New Wolsey Theatre Tues 21 - Saturday 25 June 2005

Reviews often seem pointless. By the time they are read (if they are like this one), the show is over. They can provide some idea of the value of an amateur production company, but unless they are part of the advertising package, and prepared some time before the event, then they are of little practical use. This reviewer would like to be invited to rehearsals.

She Loves Me is set in Budapest in the 1930s, based on a classic 1940s film The Shop Around the Corner, which was directed by Ernst Lubitsch and starred James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan. Two lonely, anonymous pen pals, fall in love.

The music is not memorable, you don't leave the theatre humming a tune. However this performance by The Gallery Players at the New Wolsey is stunning.

A classic Art Deco opening sets the character for the whole show. There's nothing important to criticise, everything is just stunning, and brings a professionalism rarely found in many theatres, even those whose actors are paid good money.

Sound, lighting and set design, indeed all aspects of stage management, which are too often disregarded, could not be faulted. The Wolsey is not the easiest stage to work, especially when a live orchestra has to be accommodated, somewhere. The Gallery Players have ingenious solutions, with slick set changes, allowing the action to keep moving. The sound and lighting guys worked well, with sound mikes juggled expertly, and only on one occasion did an actress muffle her voice, albeit briefly, as she slipped her fur stole over her radio mike.

The cast were magnificent. The leading lady deserves a place on a West End stage, truly magical acting, and a voice that left me buzzing. Brilliant. Young Mr Lazlo's short solo was very impressive, and a shop assistant played with an (authentic) northern accent provided excellent support throughout, as did the whole company.

This is amateur theatre at its very best. If you don't make this show, then shame, but do not miss their next show. Will they come to the Spa Pavilion? Let's hope so.