Blitz!

Blitz!, with music and lyrics by Lionel Bart and book by Lionel Bart and Joan Maitland, is set during the London Blitz of World War II, A nostalgic; historic musical, it is rarely performed, despite running for over a year on the West End.

Susan Vincent plays Jewish, East-End matriarch Mrs Blitztein with a larger-than-life presence, working well as the centre-cog of the community. Alan Markham is well matched as her neighbour and nemesis Alfred Locke. Of course, mortal enemies are going to have children who fall in love, and these are very nicely played by Catherine Dunn as Carol and Oliver Bourne as Georgie.

Tania Morrow stands out as Mrs Blitztein’s saucy lodger Elsie. Adrian Price performs well as Mrs Blitztein’s wayward son Harry, with nice support from Tim Riessen as his mate Ernie.

There are a plethora of minor characters all played with enthusiasm and a lively fourteen member children’s chorus. It is easy to see why the children’s songs “We’re Going to the Country” and “Mums and Dads” were considered stand-outs in the original production.

Lyn Brown leads a solid fourteen member orchestra.

Costuming, which was a team effort, was a highlight, although I would have loved to have seen seamed stockings and a second costume for the children. Director Alan Brock’s set design was well constructed and very well used, with some nice ring-of-truth detail. Scenic artist, Ursula Kotara has created a credible time and place.

Choreography (Jen Edwards and Alan Brock) was well executed and I particularly enjoyed the solo piece beautifully performed by Grace Elford, accompanying Oliver Bourne’s solo, even though I am not sure why it was there.

Lovely to see an unfamiliar musical performed, which was clearly enjoyed by the capacity audience.

Kimberley Shaw