Review: When the Lights Go On Again, York Musical Theatre Company, Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York

THE Joseph Rowntree Theatre is the perfect setting for a little music hall entertainment, which the York Musical Theatre Company bring in buckets with the wartime showcase When The Lights Go On Again. The ensemble cast throw themselves fully into an evening of 1940s' song, dance and skits with gusto that had the audience clapping along at the finale.

Opening with a comedy musical number, the company make it clear from the off that they’re here to bring some light-hearted entertainment, and that’s exactly what they deliver. That’s not to say the show isn’t without its moments of tenderness: there are some lovely scenes that deal with the emotional impact of lovers and families parting, but these don’t overpower the showcase’s main aim to transport its audience back to the Make Do and Mend era of wartime shows.

York Musical Theatre Company in When The Lights Go On Again. Picture: Pink Lily Photography

In the true style of these Blitz-era showcases, the performances vary between musical medleys, stand-up comics, double acts and everything in between. Impersonations of Max Miller (Mick Liversidge) and other wartime favourites were on point, garnering cheers from the audience as they took to the stage. The comedy didn’t seem too dated, with a nice mix of puns and bawdy humour. The highlight of the sketches had to be the pantomime rehearsal, with miscasting and script blunders aplenty. The slightly older than 16-year-old Cinderella was excellently played with deadpan perfection by Kelly Derbyshire.

Wartime entertainment, York Musical Theatre Company style. Picture: Pink Lily Photography

Master of Ceremonies Graham Kay explains that wartime revues involved having to rope in whatever musical numbers you could, and lesser-known songs did seem overlong compared to the beautiful solos of Keep The Home Fires Burning and The White Cliffs Of Dover, which were cut short to fit in with a larger opening medley. Likewise, the choreography wasn’t as slick across all chorus numbers, which is a shame because with a bit of polishing up it would really complement the strong vocal performances.

The children's choir in When The Lights Go On Again. Picture: Pink Lily Photography

With a raffle, an adorable children's choir and lavish costumes, the overall feel is very in keeping with the era of banding together and enjoying some good old tunes. There’s a nice nostalgic feel throughout and none of the emotional sequences feel forced. The song choices are well selected, with a quick excursion across the pond to pay a musical tribute to America proving a particular favourite. There are some solid harmonies, a bout of cheeky humour and overall a sense of true enjoyment from the cast, which is reflected in the audience.

When the Lights Go On Again, York Musical Theatre Company, Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York, 7.30pm, tonight, and 2.30pm, Saturday. Box office: thelittleboxoffice.com/ymtc or 01904 612961