Taylorian Productions proudly presents

The Happiest Show in Town! Thursday July 31st to Saturday August 9th 2008 AT THE GAIETY THEATRE, DOUGLAS

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Book and Lyrics by L. Arthur Rose & with Music by Book revised by Directed and Choreographed by John Cumberlidge

Musical Director – Julian Power Assistant Director – Emma Gleave Assistant Musical Director – John Barlow Lighting design by Paul Seed for PSC Productions Sound Design by Alex Linney

By arrangement with Samuel French Ltd. Me & My Girl was not the first outing for the character of Bill Snibson as he had appeared two years previous in 1935 in Twenty to One written by L. Arthur Rose and with music by . The part of Bill was played by well known performer , who also co-produced this play with Sir Oscar Stoll. The production, in which Snibson was a tout, was a big hit playing on the West End for a year starting from November 1935 and going on a long British tour after that. The follow up, Me & My Girl also written by L. Arthur Rose this time with the assistance of Douglas Furber and music by Noel Gay, was an even bigger hit. It featured a hit song and a dance routine by Lupino Lane called , which became popular throughout Europe in the late 1930s. Lane directed and produced the show as well as starring in it for 1646 performances between 1937 and 1940. It was the first British musical comedy to be televised and was made into a film in 1939. The film was known as Lambeth Walk due to the popularity of the dance. “The Lambeth Walk” has the distinction of being the only popular song to be the subject of a headline in The Times. In October 1938, one of its headlines read ‘While Dictators rage and Statesmen talk, all Europe dances - to The Lambeth Walk.’ ______To give you an idea of what was happening in the world when ‘Me & My Girl’ first came to the stage, here is a list of some of the major events of 1937. January 19th – Howard Hughes sets a a new air record by flying from to New York City in 7 hours, 28 minutes and 25 seconds. March – The first issue of the comic book Detective Comics is published in the . Twenty Seven issues later, Detective Comics would introduce Batman and go on to become the longest continually-published magazine in American history. April 17th – Release of the animated short Porky’s Duck Hunt Directed by Tex Avery for the Looney Tunes series, features the debut of Daffy Duck. May 6th – In the United States the German airship Hindenburgh bursts into flames when mooring to a mast in Lakehurst, New Jersey. May 12th – Coronation of King George VI takes place at Westminster Abbey. May 27th – The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco opens. June 3rd – Former king, Edward VIII marries Wallis Simpson. June 8th – Premiere of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana. July 2nd – Amelia Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan disappear over New Guinea during Earhart’s attempt to become the first woman to fly around the world. July 28 – IRA attempts to assassinate King George VI in a bombing in Belfast. September 7th – American Broadcaster CBS broadcasts a two-and-a-half hour memorial concert on radio in memory of , live from the Hollywood Bowl. September 21st – George Allen & Unwin Ltd of publish the first edition of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit. November 5th – In the Reich Chancellory, Adolf Hitler holds a secret meeting and states his plans for acquiring “living space” for the German people. December 21st – Walt Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the first feature length animated cartoon, opens and becomes a smash hit.

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ISLE OF MAN ADJUSTERS LTD CHARTERED LOSS ADJUSTERS

10 Prospect Hill, Douglas, IM1 1EJ Telephone: 01624 628184 Fax: 01624 626636 E-mail: [email protected]

Supporting the Arts on the Island

DRAMADRAMA SCHOOL SCHOOL

Principal:Principal: Jacqui Jacqui Hawkes Hawkes MusicalMusical Theatre Theatre Coach: Coach: Sonia Sonia Callin Callin

GoodGood Luck Luck to to LoisLois Mooney Mooney & & Sophia Sophia Russell Russell plusplus the the whole whole cast cast of of Me Me & & My My Girl Girl SUMMERSUMMER WORKSHOP WORKSHOP SUMMERSUMMER WORKSHOP WORKSHOP ForFor ages ages 8 8to to 12 12 ForFor ages ages 12 12 to to 18 18 ClassesClasses for for ages ages from from 5 5to to 18 18 years years in in DramaDrama & &Musical Theatre SundaySunday 27 27 July July 2008 2008 SaturdaySaturday 23 23 August August 2008 2008 toto toto ForFor further further information, information, please please telephone telephone SaturdaySaturday 2 2August August 2008 2008SundaySunday 31 31 August August 2008 2008 JacquiJacqui on on 671872 671872 or or emailemail [email protected] [email protected] ForFor further further information, information, please please telephone telephone JacquiJacqui on on 671872 671872 / Sonia/ Sonia on on 492821 492821 oror email email [email protected] [email protected]

6 Director’s Notes

‘And we’ll have love, laughter, be happy ever after’ has to be the anthem for this joyous and extraordinary musical comedy. Few theatrical experiences can have given as much pleasure and happiness to audiences and performers alike.

The first production of ‘Me & My Girl’ opened in Coronation year 1937, at London’s and ran for 1646 performances. It survived the Munich crisis, the outbreak of War and the Blitz.

The population in 1937 were generally having to cope with poor housing conditions but did have access to some cheap luxury items such as Fish and Chips, tinned Salmon, cut-price chocolate, strong tea and were able to enjoy radio, cinema and the Football Pools, the cost of an average house being £540.00 to buy!

The success of musical theatre till then had been in lavish musicals such as ‘Glamorous Night’, ‘Careless Rapture’ and ‘Lilac Time’ giving us many of the great melodies of the day, but it was left to ‘’ to provide the humour.

‘Me & My Girl’ was one of the first shows to bridge the gap between two very different types of entertainment and created the dance craze of the decade with ‘The Lambeth Walk’, which was said to have been played more than the National Anthem.

Revived in 1984 at the Leicester Haymarket Theatre with a clever and witty revised script about the collision of two very different classes of society, by the great Stephen Fry, the show once again became London bound, starring Robert Lindsay as Bill Snibson and a young, unknown Emma Thompson as Sally Smith. The rest as they say is history, ‘Me & My Girl’ took its place in the West End for the rest of the 1980’s and into the 90’s. Extensive National and International tours and a Broadway opening followed.

For me, it was 1997 that ‘Me & My Girl’ made its mark in my life, winning five major awards at the First International Festival of Musical Theatre. Over the five years that I have worked on the Isle of Man, I have tried many times to bring this production to the stage of the beautiful ‘Gaiety Theatre’. It took Patrick Taylor to listen and make this dream come true. How he rocked with laughter when reading the hilarious script and along with Matthew James pledged to make this production happen.

Out of the obvious devastation of the sudden passing of Patrick Taylor, came a determination to make this production everything and more, that he would want it to be.

So with a fantastic production team headed by Emma Gleave and a dream cast, rich in both talent and humility and with the friendship and support of Matt, Emma, John C, Julian, Johnny B and Neil, Patrick’s vision of ‘Me & My Girl’ lives on.

Along with many true friends both on the Isle of Man and Mainland UK, we have lost a genuine friend.

So PT, this one’s for you!

7 Thursday 28th August Garbage Warrior (Cert 15) I Is For India (Cert 12) Manx Museum Free entry, starts 6.30pm.

Friday 29th August A Love Story Erin Arts Centre £7.00 Reception 6.30pm, screening 7.45pm.

Under the Stars: Stormbreaker (Cert PG) In association with IOM Film & CinemaNX The Nunnery £8.00/£6.00 starts 8.15pm. Concessions available SUPPORTS Saturday 30th August Young Filmmaker of Mann & Short Film Competition Showcasing Manx Museum. Free entry, starts 3pm.

Under the Stars Double Bill: Dirty Dancing (Cert 12A) starts 8.15pm. & Shaun of the Dead (Cert 15) starts 10.30pm. In association with IOM Film & CinemaNX The Nunnery £8.00/£6.00 Concessions & two film ticket deal available

Supports Me & My Girl Supports Me & My SGirlunday 31st August films are short films by Jan Svankmajer & The Saragossa Manuscript Fiesta Havana £4.00 inc popcorn starts 7.30pm

Erin Arts Centre Box Office Tel: 832662 Under the Stars ticket hotline Tel: 694555 Fiesta Havana tickets available at the door

ISLE OF MAN

TelephoneSupports Me &615595 My Girl www.carrefour.uk.com film festival [email protected] 2008 1st Floor, 7-17 Wellington Street, Douglas Contact: Isle of Man Arts Council • Tel: 01624 694598 Email: [email protected] or visit www.iomarts.com

8 John Cumberlidge Direction and Choreography

It is an absolute pleasure for John to return to Taylorian Productions for the 2008 production of ‘Me & My Girl’, following the highly acclaimed debut production of ‘Underneath the Arches’ in the summer of 2007.

John’s career began in Theatre, Television and – in London, the Provinces, USA and Germany. West End credits are ‘Underneath the Arches’ at the Prince of Wales Theatre, ‘La Cage Aux Folles’ at the and ’The Wizard of Oz’ for the RSC at the Barbican and Stratford.

On Television: Love Story, Parkinson, Halls of Fame with Roy Hudd, A Night of 100 Stars, Royal Variety Shows, many award ceremonies and cabaret in the Talk of London revues. Provincial credits include My Fair Lady, Abracadaver with Frank Langella, The Boy Friend and many others.

As a Director and Choreographer, John has received critical acclaim for his productions of Follies, Oliver!, Kiss Me Kate, Kismet, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Scrooge – The Musical, , Back to the 80’s, Sweeney Todd, Mack & Mabel, My Fair Lady, The King and I, La Cage Aux Folles, We Will Rock You, Barnum and Me & My Girl – for which he received a Best Directors Award at the First International Festival of Musical Theatre.

He achieved great personal success and satisfaction tutoring the NODA musical performers’ courses at Warwick and Loughborough Universities, where he studied Jesus Christ Superstar, , , Sunset Boulevard and Sweeney Todd.

John also specialises in period hair design and make- up. He has his own small company which styles and co-ordinates video and television productions.

It was in 2003 that John was fortunate to meet the great Patrick Taylor, co-founder of Taylorian Productions. Patrick’s wise and calm nature, along with his experience of life made a huge impact on John, so many special times and long talks about theatre and life will always be remembered with sincere affection.

Taylorian Productions will be back with another fantastic production Summer 2009 See press for further details

9 The Gentle Giant with a Heart of Gold

When Patrick Taylor passed away in May, at the age of 74, Taylorian Productions lost much more than its co-founder. For ‘Mr T’ as he was affectionately known, was a man of integrity and kindness with a tremendous appetite for work and family and a mischievous wit which endeared him to everyone he met. When, just 12 months ago, he looked ahead to the company’s inaugural show, Underneath the Arches, there were tears in eyes as he spoke passionately of a ‘fulfilment’, a ‘new zest’ and an ‘untroubled joy’ which his involvement in theatre had brought. And it was that joy and kindness which touched so many people through the years.

For as important and as valued as his Left to right: Directors of Taylorian Productions Matthew James, financial contribution was – helping Patrick Taylor and Assistant Director Emma Gleave. stage shows in the Island which would not always have been commercially viable – it was the thrill of seeing young people thrive and progress which gave him a particular satisfaction. His support of young people and the arts was renowned and his pride in witnessing the success of Laxey singing star Samantha Barks – to name just one talent he backed to further their career off-Island – was enormous. Of course, it wasn’t just theatre to which his generosity extended. His continued sponsorship of many and varied ventures, ranging from amateur boxing to the Monarch Assurance International Tournament for which he received the Tourism Merit Award, prompted the man who presented him with the honour – then Tourism Minister David Cretney – to describe him as the most generous individual he had met. However, as an English solicitor, nothing in recent years gave him greater pleasure than swapping the pinstripe suit and drama of the courtroom for that of the Gaiety stage. He always vowed one of the requirements of a successful lawyer was to be an actor so decided to put that into practice by taking on-stage roles as well! Once he focused his mind he would be inspired and would read entire scripts – so much so that in urging young people to become involved in the challenge of vibrant musical theatre, he would know colleagues’ parts too and wouldn’t hesitate in telling them, encouragingly, if they missed a line! He was never the grand old man, but always a gentle giant, his friendship was loyal, his individuality valued, his commitment to Me & My Girl – a show he hugely wanted to be a part of – unwavering. In all, Patrick Denton Taylor was a much loved and unique character, who derived so much pleasure from his involvement in theatre, he couldn’t help but relay that to those with whom he came into contact. A true gentleman, whose name will always remain alive with the company which bears his name. God bless you Mr T! Taylorian Productions Ltd.

10 Our Founder Mr Patrick Taylor

8th December 1933 – 23rd May 2008

11 Sefton Hotel

... are delighted to support The Sefton Hotel offers that perfect Pre and Post Theatre Treat. For Pre-theatre meals you can choose from an elegant 3-course pre-theatre meal in the award-winning Gallery Restaurant or simply relax and enjoy an informal meal in Sir We wish every success to all those Norman’s Bar. involved in the production, staging Make it Special; Make it ‘The Sefton.’ and performance of this show. After the Theatre come back to Sir Norman’s Bar for some bar Develop your career at Clerical Medical. snacks, wine and Go to www.hbosbrightfutures.com for cocktails for the perfect current job opportunities. end to your night.

CMI Insurance Company Limited. Part of the HBOS Group Harris Promenade Douglas Isle of Man IM1 2RW Tel: 01624 645501 or visit www.seftonhotel.co.im

12 The Island’s St. Peter’s Parish Church Maths Centre Kirk Onchan Varley House, Duke Street, Douglas, IOM Private Maths and English Tuition for Primary and Secondary pupils of all abilities.

‘Some little church with a big steeple ...’

Celebrating 175 years by supporting ‘Back to Church Sunday’ on the 28th September We are now taking bookings for & September 2008. an overseas project Call Lisa on 463911 or 462911 building 2 classrooms in the Sudan Email - [email protected] Web – www.theislandsmathscentre.com website: http://www.stpeterschurch.org.im

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Fire Precaution Work • Traditional Windows Made & Installed Registered Joinery Contractors • Damp Proofing & Timber Treatment Undertaken • Domestic Work Commercial Maintenance Contracts Undertaken Timber Decking & Hard Landscaping Competitive Rates • Prompt Attention – All Island Coverage

TEL (01624) 620671 • MOBILE (07624) 491900

13 CAST LIST

Bill Snibson Simon Fletcher Sally Smith Rachel Wild Maria, Duchess of Dene Trisha Fargher Sir John Tremayne Bob Harrison Lady Jacqueline Carstone Lisa Kreisky The Hon Gerald Bolingbroke Alex Toohey Herbert Parchester Matthew James Sir Jasper Tring Mike Trout Charles, the Butler John Short Lord Battersby / Chef Gary Corkhill Lady Battersby / Mrs Brown Carole Bairstow Bob Barking / Pearly King / Footman Neil Callin Constable / Footman Lindsay Riordan Lady Brighton / Cook Kath Bratty The Honourable May Miles Julia Bratty Mrs Worthington-Worthington Pam Courtenay Smith Sophia Stainsley-Asherton Jane Short Telegraph Boy Joshua James Pearly Queen Kayleigh Parkinson Lord Damming David Dawson Lord French Ben Jolly Footman Dave Cain Lady Diss Gaynor Denham

COMPANY

Julia Bratty, Kath Bratty, Laura Breadner, Dave Cain, Neil Callin, Sian Callow, Pam Courtenay Smith, Carolyn Davis, Beckie Dawson, David Dawson, Natalie Dawson, Gaynor Denham, Paul Devereau, Joshua James, Ben Jolly, Matthew Killip, Alex McAuley, Matthew McBrier, Lois Mooney, Perry O’Dea, Kayleigh Parkinson, Hannah Riordan, Lindsay Riordan, Sophia Russell, Jane Short.

ORCHESTRA

Musical Director Julian Power Keyboards Mary Leaver Karen Corkhill Violin William Pickering Bass Mark Burrows Flute / Clarinet / Alto Sax Anthony Barnsley Flute / Clarinet / Tenor Sax Les McCready Clarinet / Alto Sax / Baritone Sax Lauren Bell Trumpet Charlotte Chambers Trumpet Jennifer Cook Trombone Mark Halliday Percussion James Davis

14 MUSICAL NUMBERS

ACT I

Overture Orchestra A Weekend at Hareford Guests, Jaquie & Gerald Thinking of No-one But Me Gerald & Jaquie The Family Solicitor Parchester & Family Me & My Girl Bill & Sally An English Gentleman Charles & Staff You Would If You Could Jaquie & Bill Hold My Hand Bill & Sally Family Solicitor Reprise Parchester Once You Lose Your Heart Sally Preparation Fugue Company The Lambeth Walk Bill, Sally & Company

ACT II

The Sun Has Got His Hat On Gerald, Jaquie, Guests & Servants Take It On The Chin Sally Once You Lose Your Heart Sally Once You Lose Your Heart (Reprise) Sally Song of Hareford Duchess & Ancestors The Family Solicitor Reprise Parchester, Bill & Sir John Love Makes The World Go Round Bill, Sir John & Ancestors Leaning On A Lamppost Bill Finale:- Love Makes The World Go Company Round (Reprise) / Me & My Girl (Reprise) / The Lambeth Walk (Reprise) / Leaning On A Lamppost (Reprise) / The Lambeth Walk (Reprise)

15 Lady Jacqueline & Hon Gerald Bolingbroke

Lisa Kreisky

Alex Toohey Bill Snibson & Sally Smith

Herbert Parchester

Matthew James Simon Fletcher

Sir Jasper Tring

16 Mike Trout The Duchess of Dene & Sir John Tremayne

Trisha Fargher

Bob Harrison & Sally Smith

Charles, The Butler

John Short Rachel Wild

Lord & Lady Battersby

Gary Corkhill Carole Bairstow 17 Ladies and Gentlemen of the Company

Julia Bratty

Kath Bratty

Laura Breadner

Dave Cain

Neil Callin

Sian Callow

Pam Courtenay Smith

Carolyn Davis

18 Ladies and Gentlemen of the Company

Beckie Dawson

David Dawson

Natalie Dawson

Gaynor Denham

Paul Devereau

Joshua James

Ben Jolly

Matthew Killip

19 Ladies and Gentlemen of the Company

Alex McAuley

Matthew McBrier

Lois Mooney

Perry O’Dea

Kayleigh Parkinson

Hannah Riordan

Sophia Russell

20 Ladies and Gentlemen of the Company

Lindsay Riordan

Jane Short

Production Team for Taylorian Productions

Assistant Director Emma Gleave

Stage Manager John Callow

Musical Director Julian Power

Assistant Musical Director John Barlow

Rehearsal Pianist Mary Leaver

Rehearsal Pianist Karen Corkhill

21 Wardrobe Team Debbie Beck, Pat Lowe, Anne Maiden, Jade Parkinson, Sophie Jones, Anne Dawson, Diane Killip, Jacqui Simpson, Molly Dudley, Amy Bairstow. Wig and Make-up Department John Cumberlidge, Mary O’Dea. Backstage Crew Paul O’Dea, Martin Devereau, Matty Bawden, Andy Simpson, James Turpin, Martin Dawson, Joe Lowe, Johhny Galbraith, Lisa Callow, Sharon Davis, Emma Percival.

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Dressed to perform Tap, Ballet and Ballroom. Leotards, tights and shoes. Dance and Gymnastics. Freeds trained fitter for pointe shoes.

The Dance Wear & Haberdashery Specialists Unit 3 Rosemary House Finch Road Douglas Isle of Man IM1 2PT Telephone: 626041 or 400944

24 ERIN BUILDING SERVICES LTD Clerk of Works – Quality Control Site Management wishes Taylorian Productions, wishes Taylorian Productions, the cast and crew all the best the cast and crew all the best for their production of for their production of

PARLIAMENT STREET RAMSEY Braemar 4 Glen View Terrace VILLAGE WALK ONCHAN Port Erin Isle of Man IM9 6HA DOUGLAS STREET PEEL Tel/Fax: 836872 Mobile: 490416 E:mail: [email protected]

EVACUATION NOTICE

If you are asked to evacuate the building please do so as quickly as possible and leave by the nearest exit to which you are directed by the staff.

In the event of an emergency which, by necessity, requires that this theatre be evacuated you, as a member of the audience, are requested to co-operate by paying strict attention to any instructions either announced from the stage or given by a member of staff of this theatre.

DO NOT run or push. DO NOT turn back or stop to collect personal belongings, DO NOT re-enter the building for any reason until officially told to do so. DO NOT act in a manner that could cause obstruction to emergency services attending the building to deal with the emergency. Avoid panic at all costs. Proceed in an orderly manner to a place of safety away from the building.

N.B. All gangways, passages and aisles shall be kept entirely free from obstruction. Persons shall not be permitted to stand in any gangways or aisles. The safety curtain shall, at all times, be maintained in working order and shall be lowered and raised during the time of every performance. Patrons are respectfully reminded that this is a NO SMOKING Theatre and NO PHOTOGRAPHY is allowed in the Auditorium.

25 Acknowledgements

Taylorian Productions would like to take this opportunity to thank the companies, organisations and individuals whose invaluable support has aided in the production of this show.

All the advertisers who booked space in the programme St Peter’s Church & St Matthew’s Church for the use of their Church Halls for our rehearsals Carrie Hunt of the Company and Christine Wild for the use of their rehearsal rooms Mary Leaver & Karen Corkhill rehearsal pianists Paul Whittaker, Steve Moore and everyone at Mannin Media Bob Harrison, James Davis and everyone at Manx Radio The Staff of the Gaiety Theatre, the Villa Marina Reception and Welcome Centre Christine Breadner for taking charge Front of House All the Programme Sellers All the members of the Orchestra St John’s Ambulance and British Red Cross for their attendance at the Theatre The Friends of the Gaiety for their continued support ICR Ltd for providing the monitor equipment Steve Woodley for the photography Neil Callin for compiling the programme The Wardrobe team and Dressers for help backstage Paradise & Gell for the loan of the Couch Tony Hawkes for picking up the props SLX Theatre Set Hire & Nick Hancock for the set Academy Costumes Ltd Royal Shakespeare Company Birmingham Costume Hire Taylorian Wardrobe N.S.O.S. Costumes Howarth Wrightson Ltd & N.S.O.S. Props for the props The Wig Room, JC Wigs and Bromiley Wig Centre for the wigs Peter and Sandra Morris Margaret Noyce Andrew Allen

For the Gaiety Theatre

Operations Manager - Brian Murray Technical Manager – Seamus Shea Stage Manager – Graham Bayliss Asst Stage Manager – Ted Faragher Sound & Light Technician – Alex Davidson Asst Sound & Light Technician – Carl Crellin Duty Front of House Managers – Neill Cowin & John Foster Ticket Office – Villa Marina Reception & Welcome Centre House Keeper – Derek Hibbert

26 The Sound of your Life www.manxradio.com &

are proud to support