Review: Miss Nightingale

Miss Nightingale has returned to the New Wolsey Theatre this Spring, with a few script rewrites and a couple of cast changes, this war time musical still retains it’s magic.

It’s 1942 and the country is in the grip of war. Nurse Maggie Brown dreams of becoming a star of the stage, and, with the help of her songwriter friend George, a Jewish refugee, she auditions at every club and bar in town but nobody is interested in their act. That is until they meet Sir Frank Worthington-Blythe, who is wealthy, charming and well-known on the society social scene.

Suddenly Maggie is transformed to become Miss Nightingale, with her songs full of innuendos, she takes London by storm. But away from the glitz and glamour of the stage there is heartache and secrets that could change their lives forever.

The part of Miss Nightingale was previously played by Burlesque performer, Amber Topaz and had the feel that this part was written for her to show off her talents. However, the changes made by writer Matthew Bugg now tells the story much better without the distraction of Amber’s flamboyant performances.

This time round Miss Nightingale has a completely different feel, Jill Cardo plays a both comical and vulnerable Miss Nightingale/Maggie, whose wit shines through on stage as her Miss Nightingale persona, but also her portrayal of Maggie is very believable.

Tomm Coles returns as Sir Frank and coupled with the vocal talents of Harry Waller as George made for some extremely good musical numbers. The chemistry between the three leads on stage leave you longing for a happy ever after, however love triangles never run smoothly…

We really enjoyed Miss Nightingale the first time round, however this new cast and slightly shortened show does not disappoint, it really does hit the spot!
Miss Nightingale brings the vintage sounds of the 1940s alive with some very talented actor musicians and really is a show not to be missed.

Miss Nightingale is at The New Wolsey Theatre until Saturday 5th April to book tickets contact the Box Office on 01473 295900.

– Wendy Cook, Ipswich24 Magazine –

Pictures by Mike Kwasniak