'SOMEWHERE IN ENGLAND'
In the summer of 1941, it must have seemed as if the entire entertainment industry had moved to Bangor, North Wales, when the BBC evacuated its radio productions from London and Bristol to avoid the blitz.
Locals were suspicious at first of this unlikely ‘invasion’ while at the same time being star-struck by the prospect of meeting the likes of Arthur Askey, Charlie Chester, Vera Lynne and of course Tommy Handley on their streets.
‘It's That Man Again’, otherwise known as ITMA, was launched in 1939 with Liverpudlian comedian, Tommy Handley, as its star. It became one of the most popular radio series of all time. From 1941 – after the BBC’s move to Bangor – the show based itself at an imaginary seedy seaside resort named ‘Foaming at the Mouth’, each show opening with the ironic declaration: ‘Brought to you from Somewhere in England’ – an attempt, presumably, to confuse the enemy!
The story begins in September 1941 at the start of the first series of ITMA to be broadcast from North Wales, and ends with the dropping of a bomb near the BBC studios on October 24th, eight minutes into a live broadcast. During the action, we see the ITMA cast both in rehearsals and performance and hear many of the hits of the day, as they are broadcast live from Penrhyn Hall Studios. The drama is mostly in English but uses the Welsh language (with subtitles) where appropriate.
PRESS REVIEWS
Wales on line
'The flavour of the times is captured perfectly in a delicious new show at Clwyd Theatr Cymru…’
‘Somewhere In England provides true sounds of the '40s’
‘The whole cast are exceptionally talented: singing, dancing, playing instruments and capturing the nuances of ‘40s speech in polished performances.’
‘It’s a delight from start to finish.’ ★★★★★
British Theatre Guide
http://www.britishtheatreguide.info/reviews/somewhere-in-en-clwyd-theatr-cy-10831
Mike James has cleverly blended household name characters with fictional occupants of the Welsh-speaking city (Bangor) to create a superb story.’
‘The real joy of this production is the blend of 1940s music and comedy…with an absorbing storyline of fame and everyday folk during the very real drama of war.’
‘Somewhere in England is heart-warming and brilliantly performed and will bring huge pleasure to many audiences.’
‘…a superb production.’
The Stage
http://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/review.php/40346/somewhere-in-england-img
‘Mike James’s robustly entertaining new musical comedy…’
‘…unashamedly nostalgic but thoroughly entertaining reminder of the heyday of radio comedy …’
Theatre-wales
http://www.theatre-wales.co.uk/reviews/reviews_details.asp?reviewID=3303
‘This is a very funny, tuneful, moving and always entertaining production, feelgood certainly as well as enlightening and evocative.’
‘…the whole cast is excellent…’
Virtual Shropshire
http://www.virtual-shropshire.co.uk/events/theatre-review-somewhere-england/
‘one of the most original and entertaining shows Theatr Clwyd has proudly staged’
‘Author Mike James has authentically augmented Handley’s radio scripts – to create an evening worthy of a Prix Italia.’
‘…a hugely enjoyable night of nostalgia – even for those far too young to have been there…’
Daily Post - North Wales
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/whats-on/arts-culture-news/review-somewhere-england-clwyd-theatr-7991848
‘everybody seemed to be lapping up the wartime atmosphere of the play’
‘If you like wartime comedy, Forties costumes and Welsh humour, this is for you.’
‘Among the laughs and romance, though, there is a beautifully written and performed plot…’
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