"Hello, Dolly! - The Lowry"

By Julia Taylor

Excerpted from Entertainment Manchester online; 4 March 2008

Louise had a soft, almost operatic voice with clear diction which made “Ribbons down my Back” a particular joy to listen to.

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"Hello, Dolly! - UK Tour"

By Michael Cox

Excerpted from On Stage Scotland Online; 28 February 2008

Louise English and Amanda Salmon, who play Irene Molly and Minnie Faye respectively, exhibit excellent voices and light the stage with their performances.

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"Review - Hello, Dolly!"

Excerpted from Forth One.com (Scotland Radio 97.3); 26 Feb. 2008

Darren Day delivers as Cornelius Hackl, particularly in the fiendish ballad “It Only Takes a Moment”, where his vocal quality is beautifully matched by Louise English’s Irene Molloy.

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"Hello, Dolly"

By Terry Wills

 Excerpted from The Stirrer; 14 February 2008

Indeed all the cast give a spirited account of themselves - Louise English, in particular, playing hat shop owner Mrs Molloy, with suitable flair and a natural singing voice.

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"Hello, Dolly!"

By Clive Fuller

Excerpted from Encore Magazine; 12 February 2008

Louise English brought all of her West End experience to the role of milliner Irene Molloy and was a perfect match for Cornelius. She has a charming singing voice and 'Ribbons down My Back' was a highlight of Act 1.

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"Stars Come Out For Dolly"

By Natalie Driver

Excerpted from the Stourbridge News; 6 February 2008

Darren Day...has a lovely singing voice - especially in It Only Takes a Moment - which was only matched by the dulcet tones of Louise English as his sweetheart Irene Molloy. Ms English is a solid all-round performer and was well cast in this role.

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"Classic Show"

By Alex Moss

Excerpted from the Wakefield Express; 29 November 2006

Special mention goes to Louise English who was fabulous as Oliver Warbucks' secretary Grace.

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"Orphan Annie"

By John Burland

Excerpted from BBC Leeds; 22 November 2006

Louise English, as Grace Farrell, was utterly charming. David McAlister is a veteran performer and it really shows in his performance. Ruth Madoc excelled as the drunken, nasty Miss Hannigan. Chris Colby’s direction was superb, and the choreography by David Kort was outstanding. Add to this the brilliant musical direction by Anne Marie Lewis-Thompson and you have a truly terrific show. I would therefore recommend that you get booked as a matter of urgency.

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"ANNIE at The Lowry"

By Natalie Anglesey

Excerpted from Manchester Evening News; 31 August 2006

Louise English is one of the best Miss Farrell's I've seen.

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"Annie"

By Mark Justin-Ford

Excerpted from BBC Manchester; 30 August 2006

The undoubted star of this production is, oddly enough, not Miss Hannigan, played by the inimitable Ruth Madoc or Stacey Hunt’s Annie.

No, the real star of the show was in fact Louise English, who gave a performance as Grace Farrell that was unfazed by the sound problems and the late scene movements, which seemed to put off the rest of the cast.

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"Annie: The Lowry Theatre Salford"

By Glenn Meads; August 2006

David McAlister and Louise English provide the slickness...in the roles of Daddy Warbucks and his bride to be, Grace.

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"Annie Bursts With Talent"

By Ginette Harris

Excerpted from This is Cornwall; 17 November 2005

The show burst with talent and energy and there was just the right measure of poignant moments and laughs. A lovely performance by Louise English.

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"Classic Show Will Put A Smile On Your Face"

By Natalie Driver

Excerpted from the Worcester News; 11 November 2005

Former Hill's Angel Louise English shone as Grace Farrell.

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"Sugary Musical Had A Real Buzz"

Excerpted from the Gloucestershire Echo; 26 October 2005

I particularly liked Daddy's endearing secretary Grace as played by Louise English. Throughout this musical the audience seemed to love every moment.

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 "Twenties Tale Still Pulls Right Strings"

Excerpted from Western Morning News;  18 October 2005

Guts and heart illuminate the performances, with more than a touch of pantomime encouraging a party atmosphere. Splendid is Louise English as Grace. Wholesome family entertainment.

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"Annie"

By Viv Hardwick

Excerpted from This Is The Northeast; 7 September 2005

There's heavy focus on the blossoming relationship between billionaire Daddy Warbucks (Mark Wynter), his secretary Grace Farrell (Louise English) and Annie. Wynter...and the shapely Louise English are polished performers worthy of Fifth Avenue.

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"Theatre: Annie: The Musical"

By Helen Boylan

Excerpted from Sunday Business Post (Dublin, Ireland); 10 July 2005

Louise English sang like a pro as the graceful Grace Farrell, and Ruth Madoc (of TV's Hi-De-Hi and Little Britain) mugged energetically as evil orphanage owner Miss Hannigan.

The sets are impressive and the score includes those songs that will stay in your head for days afterwards: It's a Hard Knock Life, You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile, Easy Street, and, the ode to the power of capitalism, Tomorrow.

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"Musical Fun For All The Family"

By Larissa Nolan

Excerpted from the Irish Independent; 3 July 2005

The daddies' interest was notably piqued by stunningly beautiful Louise English, as Grace Farrell, in many Thirties-style chic outfits.

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"Annie Review: Malvern Theatres"

By Jill Hopkins

Excerpted from This is Malvern; 16 November 2004

The production of Annie, being staged this week in Malvern, is delightful family entertainment.

The orphans...acted, danced and sang with immense theatrical presence. Emma Hopkins, as Annie, characterised superbly, singing and moving as if a veteran of the theatre. Su Pollard was outrageous as Miss Hannigan, intent on frightening the girls into submission. James Smillie used his fine voice effectively and became betrothed to the kind and beautiful Grace Farrell, played by Louise English.

Choreography was slick and changes of pace were expedient. Costuming and effective lighting all contributed to make this a memorable production.

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"Annie, Congress Theatre, Eastbourne"

Excerpted from The Argus Online; 29 September 2004

The cheers that raised the roof on the first night of Annie on Monday were well-deserved for this production directed by Chris Colby.

Louise English is well-cast as Oliver Warbucks' prim secretary, who blossoms into a beautiful young lady destined to become his wife.

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"Annie - Milton Keynes Theatre"

By Catherine Brian

Excerpted from UK Theatre Newsletter; 31 August 2004

The main parts, Miss Hanningan (Su Pollard), Daddy Warbucks (James Smillie), Grace Farrell (Louise English), Rooster (Matthew Hewitt) and Lily St. Regis (Melody Jones) were very strong. Su Pollard was very funny, Louise English and James Smillie sang beautifully, and the routines with Rooster and Lily were great.

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"Annie's Song"

By Mei Choo

Excerpted from Sun 2 Surf Online (Malaysia); 3 June 2004

Louise English is a dynamo of energy as the efficient Grace Farrell, secretary (and later love interest) to Warbucks. Her strong voice carries through despite an initial glitch with the microphone in her opening scene.

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"Little orphan Annie did bring out the sun"

Excerpted from icBerkshire; 6 November 2003

Grace Farrell, played by Louise English (who starred in the film Bugsy Malone as a child) lived up to her name, as the adoring personal secretary to the billionaire businessman.

The cast enjoyed it, the orchestra enjoyed it, the audience enjoyed it. A thoroughly great family night out.

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"Review: Annie"

By Eddie Johnson

Excerpted from Teesside Evening Gazette; 28 October 2003

In this superb show with a 40-strong team of super troupers, there are plenty of them to steal the limelight.

Louise English, of Bugsy Malone film fame, sparkles as Grace Farrell, who wins the heart of the billionaire.

This is a welcome production and one to be proud of, that does much justice for the cause of keeping Billingham Forum as a regional asset.

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"Show That's Guaranteed To Bring A Tear To Your Eye"

Excerpted from the Grimsby Telegraph

22 October 2003

...Louise English, who played the lead role of Sally Smith in the West End's Me and My Girl, plays Warbuck's secretary, Grace Farrell, to perfection.

...A superb family show that left everyone, cast included, smiling and contented.

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"Annie"

By Martin Gray

Excerpted from The Scotsman; 8 October 2003

Louise English was grace itself as Oliver Warbucks PA, er, Grace.

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"Sunshine Show Of A Classic"

Excerpted from the Lincolnshire Echo; 30 September 2002

The sun certainly came out at the Lincoln Theatre Royal in a glittering production of the classic fairy tale musical, Annie.

There were smiles all around and not a dry eye in the house as the enchanting rags to riches story charmed its way from start to finish.

Lavish costumes and an impressive elaborate set gave a touch of West End style production to the small theatre.

To capture the essence of 1930's New York glamour on a small stage is a tall order, but the cast and crew managed to achieve it.

Providing a touch of glamour and  romance to the show was Louise English as Grace Farrell and her command of the song and dance routines showed a real professionalism.

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"Annie - The Musical"

Excerpted from the Lincolnshire Chronicle

Huge  sets, beautifully dressed costumes, excellent adult cast...wonderful young performers go to make this a truly memorable evening of theatre.

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"Annie - The Musical"

Excerpted from the Gloucestershire Echo

"A wonderful show that gives you a huge dose of the feel good factor."

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 "THEATRE: An Orphan's Tale Told Well"

By Sharmila Vella

Excerpted from Malay Mail; 6 June 2005

Louise English was a bawdy and very sweet Nancy. She displayed her big, warm voice beautifully on the show-stopping anthem As Long As He Needs Me.

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"THEATRE: Thumbs Up For 'Oliver!'"

by R. Gowri

Excerpted from New Straits Times; 2 June 2005

Playing a rather strident Nancy is Louise English, whose voice carries admirably. Oliver! is a musical treat and makes a perfect holiday outing.

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"Oliver Twist by Lionel Bart"

The Q Factor (Malaysia)

12 June 2005

Nancy (Louise English) blew the audience away with her powerful vocal cords.

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"Me and My Girl – Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham"

By Chris Wilson

Excerpted from The Stage; 27 December 2001

This revival of the hit musical at the Alexandra is a blaze of colour and merriment. A strong cast led by Hal Fowler as Bill and Louise English as his selfless girlfriend Sally perform with zeal, clearly enjoying their work.

The song and dance routines – for Leaning on a Lamp Post and The Lambeth Walk – sent the audience into orbit.

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"Me and My Girl"

Musical Stages Online; January 2002

Barely a decade since the show left London, Me and My Girl is back, courtesy of Charles Vance Productions. Directed and choreographed by Tim Flavin, his slick production is fast moving and light hearted with some inspired slapstick, energetic tap routines and some great lines courtesy of Stephen Fry's hilarious script.

With the exception of the infectious "Lambeth Walk", the best numbers are found in the  second act, where Flavin's choreography is particularly exciting in "The Sun Has Got His Hat On" and "Leaning On A Lamppost", performed with gusto by a small ensemble.

In the lead parts: Reprising the role that she played in the West-End, Louise English is suitably feisty as Sally Smith, Joan Savage has a lot of fun as the Duchess of Dene, particularly in her scenes with Bill, although perhaps she is not quite nasty enough. Gerald Harper coasts through on autopilot as Sir John Tremayne but his relaxed charm is occasionally very funny. Katie Verner sings beautifully as Lady Jacqueline, but the revelation is Hal Fowler as Bill Snibson, from his first entrance he immediately wins the audience over with an energetic performance of comic frenzy and real warmth.

Me and My Girl is an old fashioned show that doesn't seem dated. In fact, it could well be just the kind of feel-good-factor show that the London theatre scene needs right now.

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"Review: Me and My Girl"

icCoventry; 19 December 2001

A good old fashioned sing-a-long with a fair few laughs in between is the recipe of Stephen Fry's version of this classical musical.

Musicals are not normally my cup of tea, but even I was caught up in the audience, my feet tapping along to the highly infectious Lambeth Walk.

Coupled with the equally famous The Sun Has Got His Hat On and Leaning on a Lamppost, on a cold night the audience soon warmed to the cast.

Hal Fowler as the unlikely Lord, and Louise English as Sally Smith are excellent in the lead roles, ably supported by Katie Verner as Lady Jacqueline and the extremely nimble Joan Savage, as the Duchess.

The sign of a good show, the time just flew past and as a musical novice, the biggest compliment I can give the show is that I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Bored of Christmas television or looking for an alternative to panto, Me and My Girl will certainly entertain.

ME AND MY GIRL - Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, until Saturday January 19. Running time: 2hr 40min.

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"Me & My Girl"

By Stuart McGann

icBirmingham

If you're running short on festive cheer this year the Christmas show at the Alex' is sure to put you in the party mood.

Me and My Girl is one of the nation's favourite musicals and this version, revamped by Stephen Fry's witty interpretation, delivers a quickfire supply of fun and entertainment.

The cast does not boast many household names but the audience is soon won over with bundles of energy and enthusiasm.

As the story unfolds Hal Fowler playing Bill Snibson - the cockney barrow-boy discovered to be heir to the Hareford Hall fortune - takes every opportunity to get a laugh and finds many willing accomplices, especially the forever tipsy Sir John Tremayne (Gerald Harper) and ever-so-serious family solicitor Herbert Parchester (Martin Wimbush).

As Bill anguishes over whether to leave his Lambeth ways to join the aristocracy, and in doing so abandon his girlfriend Sally (Louise English) we are treated to a feast of sing-along classics, including Me and My Girl, The Sun Has Got His Hat On and Leaning on a Lampost.

Over the years this musical will have been performed on more glamorous sets by bigger names.

However for a great evening's entertainment where the audience leave cheerily singing along to the Lambeth Walk, Me and My Girl at the Alex is definitely worth braving the winter cold for.

Me & My Girl continues at the Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, until 19 January 2002.

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"FIRST NIGHT: Hats off to Santa"

By Fred Norris

Evening Mail; 18 December 2001; pg.19

Me and My Girl, Alexandra Theatre: THIS is the one Santa pulled out of his bag to save the Alex closing this Christmas.

And, as the saying goes, you never look a gift horse in the mouth.

It may, for the moment, lack that glow of sheer happiness that has encircled certain previous productions, but any show that invites us to take part in the boisterously infectious Lambeth Walk can never go too far wrong.

The whole thing was created, virtually at the last minute, by the veteran actor-manager Charles Vance when the Alex suddenly lost its original festive season show Saturday Night Fever and the theatre faced a dark Christmas.

In that respect, hats off to Charles Vance.

But while the sun may have its hat on it needs to beam down in particular on Hal Fowler, as Bill Snibson, the cockney who becomes an earl. The ice perfection of his performance needs melting; he should be something of a naughty but lovable "littleboy."

Instead of being a highlight, his Leaning on a Lamp Post is a mere routine.

No such complaints with the lovely and accomplished Louise English, star of the London production.

She knows full well that the secret of this show is in the song, Love Makes the World Go Round.

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"Me and My Girl"

By Andy Knowles

Excerpted from BBCi

Opposite him (Hal Fowler) Louise English recreated the role of Sally she's successfully filled twice in the West End productions (with Karl Howman and Les Dennis), singing soulfully and bringing the right mixture of sweetness and strength of character to a part she so clearly enjoys portraying.

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"Late Change Was Much Appreciated"

Excerpted from This is Worcestershire;  4 January 2002

The accomplished Hal Fowler takes to the stage as Cockney lad, Bill Snibson, complete with a dictionary of rhyming slang,  who is like a fish out of water when he finds himself heir to a fortune and shacked-up with a family of aristocratic misfits.

It is the challenge of Maria, Duchess of Dene, to train Bill to behave like a gentleman in order to earn him his family rights, played well by Joan Savage.

Yet it was the star of the London production, Louise English, who truly illuminated the stage as Sally Smith; Bill's lovely Lambeth lass.

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"GO! THEATRE: STAGE WHISPERS"

By Marion McMullen

Evening Telegraph; 19 October 2001; pg. 31

A record 10,000 tickets have so far been sold for the hit musical Me and My Girl starring Gerald Harper and West End stars Hal Fowler and Louise English. The Christmas special opens at the Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham on December 14 before a London revival next year.

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"Me And My Girl"

By Matthew Winn

Excerpted from Google Groups; 31 December 2001

The two leads are wonderful: Hal Fowler makes a suitably snobbish Bill Snibson, and Louise English, reprising the role in which she made her first West End appearance a decade-and-a-half ago, is an enchanting Sally Smith and gives a powerfully emotional performance.

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"Private Lives – Haymarket Theatre, Basingstoke"

 By Brian Gibson

Excerpted from The Stage; 29 February 1996

They (Rupert Frazer and Judy Buxton) were strongly supported by Giles Watling (Victor Prynne) and Louise English (Sibyl Chase), whose performances were never better than when reacting to the events unfolding around them – English literally trembling with the frustration of it all at times.