‘Gimmie, Gimmie…That Thing Called Love’ Thoroughly Modern Millie, Orchard Theatre, Dartford. 11.04.2017

I was very excited to be returning to the Orchard for tonight’s Press Night having had this show on my radar since hearing that it was touring nearby. Tonight’s viewing was Thoroughly Modern Millie, and I was not disappointed.

I had heard of this show prior to seeing it, having supported backstage in an amateur production, but finally viewing it in the audience rather than on the side was so much better! I realised just how much I was missing!

Thoroughly Modern Millie the musical is based on the 1967 film which starred Julie Andrews, it tells the tale of small-town girl, Millie Dillmount, who travels to New York for a big life in the city, aiming to marry her boss (for his money) rather than for love. Based in 1922 when women had just entered the workforce, Millie is soon drawn to the flapper lifestyle, and falls for someone unexpectedly. Its not until a problem arises in the hotel which she is staying at (the owner is the leader of the white slavery ring in China) that she decides to follow her heart rather than the dollar.

I took my seats up in the upper circle row B seat 20, our view was fine, with full stage in sight and now issues with facial expressions, all could be seen. It was a shame to see some empty seats, as those who could have filled it, would have been in for great treat.

The performance as a whole is magical to watch, and you can see that most of the story is carried through its musical numbers. The dancing, especially the tap dancing was greatly portrayed to reflect the era, that made you feel that you were transformed to those days where the public would hunt down a speakeasy to get a taste of the forbidden alcohol. The setting was skilfully done, with smooth scene changing with the limited set to avoid confusion and taking away from the story being told.

The Cast tonight was:

Millie Dillmount – Joanne Clifton

Jimmy Smith – Sam Barrett

Ruth – Lotty Somers

Gloria – Alice Barker

Rita – Emma Housley

Alice – Laura Marie Benson

Miss Dorothy Brown – Katherine Glover

Muzzy Van Hossmere – Jenny Fitzpatrick

Mrs Meers – Lucas Rush

Mr Trevor Graydon – Graham MacDUFF

Ching Ho- Damian Buhagiar

Bun Foo – Andy Yau

Miss Flannery – Catherine Mort

Members of Ensemble – Alice Baker, Laura Marie Benson, David Muscat, Marios Nicolaides, Lotty Somers, Laura Wilson, Bobby Windebank.

Out of all the cast I had only seen one actor before, and that was Graham MacDUFF, I had seen him prior in Spamalot when he played Sir Lancelot. Tonight at first in Act 1 he presented the role of Trevor Graydon as a high strung driven boss, but when he came back for Act 2 it was defiantly the Graham I remembered! You can’t flaunt his brilliant comic ways, especially with his drunk acting, he had the audience roaring and eating out the palm of his hands. It was a mixture of Jim Carrey, an American John Cleese, and drunk Gary Oldman (from that episode of Friends) all in one that worked perfectly, and his adlibbing even had Joanne, and Sam chuckling to themselves on stage. He took the role and made it is his own, and it was great to see him again, and also at the stage door.

Now for Joanne, having watched her many times on BBC Strictly Come Dancing also watching her win! I was interested to see how she would do in the role of Millie, and not only can she dance but she is defiantly a triple threat. To some she may have come over as a little OTT with her expressions, and actions when playing Millie, but for the character it worked really well, and the audience loved watching her, following her story throughout. She was a true leading lady. Her on stage love Sam Barrett, is one to watch also and without a doubt will soon be hitting West End in many leading roles, he had the charisma of Jimmy to a T. His dancing spot on, and his voice was a delight to listen to, his chemistry with Joanne was great to watch throughout the show.

I was interested to see the casting of Mrs Meers. The role had recently been played by Michelle Collins and usually the role is usually played by a woman, tonight however it was being played by Lucas Rush, having made the character a man, hiding behind the character of Mrs Meers while on the run from the Law. At first I thought this wasn’t going to work, but I was wrong by a long shot. Lucas’s take of the character was brand new that suited the story perfectly, his Mrs Meers character, along with his accent had the audience chuckling, but then when he was Daniel it just made it that more enjoyable and a unique take to the classic story. His 2 companions of the night Damian, and Andy playing Ching Ho, and Bung Foo all worked well together.

Jenny Fitzpatrick, and Katherine Glover who played Muzzy and Dorothy also took their moments in the show. Katherine has a voice that hits the high heavens, and the legs to suit! Her ditzy self was great to watch, and a contrast to Jenny’s easy lifestyle Muzzy, a big mama figure to Millie that shines through. Her voice was warming to the ears, and I had realised I had met her before when she was performing in Little Shop of Horrors and she taught us a dance from the show at my Pinapple Dance Studio Musical Theatre Summer School, so to have finally seen her perform was a bonus.

The whole cast worked well as a team, and all of whom are so talented making dancing look easy, and me envious of those who can. Although this may not be the show for all, as sadly it is not as well known as some shows currently running, but I can guarantee that you will not be disappointed when you see the classic brought to life, by amazing talent!

Thoroughly Modern Millie, is currently performing at the Orchard Theatre until the 15th April for ticket information go here, it will then embark on its UK tour, for more information go here.

Below is the stage door photos of Joanne, and Graham.