A Saint She Ain't

The simple plot concerns Anna who wishes to marry a sailor named Danny, but her father wants her to marry a rich older man. However, complications and cross-purposes follow when Mr and Mrs Bogle accidentally get in on the act.

The plot may at times seem farcical, but this is not a farce. It is a clever show that uses a simple story to entertain you with send-ups of your 1940's film favourites. It is full of one-liners, which capture the essence of stars like W.C. Fields, Mae West, Gene Kelly, and Abbott and Costello. And these famous stars are imitated wonderfully by a talented cast. Barry Cryer is marvellous taking off W.C. fields (Mr Bogle). Cryer's timing and delivery is perfect and he plays the part with confidence, which shrines through his performance. Equally effective and funny is Pauline Daniels taking off Mae West (Mrs Bogle).

The music is light, and not memorable, and the choreography is a little lame, but this does not matter, as the true nature of the show is to entertain you with nostalgia.

This is a sunny show that is both charming and delightful and well deserving of its place on Shaftesbury Avenue adding to the diversity of the West End.

The show has received good notices from the popular press, THE FINANCIAL TIMES says, "The crucial element is the joy of this comprehensive pastiche" and goes on to say "it is simply immense fun." THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH says "The Original good time had by all." NICHOLAS DE JONGH of THE EVENING STANDARD says, "A Saint She ain't slips down memory lane and stays for a salacious night out." BENEDICT NIGHTINGALE of THE TIMES says, "Puns, quips, doubles-entendres, malapropisms and jolly repartee seem to come pouring out of every part of the stage..." THE NEWS OF THE WORLD says, "A diamond studded cast. It's a delight." However, JANE EDWARDES of TIME OUT did not care for the show saying, "What might be great for half an hour on the radio feels stretched to breaking point in the theatre."

For light entertainment and nostalgia get down to the Apollo Theatre to see a show you'll find hard to dislike!

(Darren Dalglish)