She Loves Me is a fabulous romantic comedy set to an exuberant musical score.

We were given the opportunity to watch the strong cast and talented orchestra dress-rehearse the award-winning show at Stroud's very own theatre, the Cotswold Playhouse.

 

Considered by many to be the most charming musical ever written, this version of She Loves Me is set in a 1950s perfumery - updated from the original 1930s time period.

From the opening notes from the live orchestra the creative colourful sets provide the perfect backdrop. Providing a sense of old world elegance, with seamless scene-changes not once detracting from the delightful show.

 

Performing against the carefully considered scenery was a small cast who each had undoubtedly earned their place in the spotlight.

They're forgiven for a slightly hesitant start - this was the first time that the orchestra had performed together with the actors - within minutes of the curtains being raised we were hooked on the heart-warming story.

 

Shop clerks, Amalia and Georg, played stand-out performers Grace Hawker and Jon Baron, more often than not fail to see eye-to-eye.

But after they both respond to lonely heart adverts in the paper, we are given a glimpse into the softer side of the characters as they wait patiently for the letters penned by their anonymous lovers.

 

As we sat on the edge of our seats, enjoying the twists and turns on the romantic rollercoaster we're captivated by the other colourful characters.

Our hearts are broken along with Bryony Smith's sultry Ilona's as she comes to realise the true character of her own lover Tom Mullin's Kodaly. And it's all credit to him that we unanimously hated him by the end of the show (sorry Tom, we're sure that you're lovely really).

 

We loved the carefully observed and subtly delivered character of Sipos, whose lines raise roars of laughter from the audience throughout the evening.

And Arpad, played by David Higgins, is a delight for every moment he is on stage - even when he is not taking centre stage.

Every performer deserves a mention, as do the costumes, the orchestra but better still go see it for yourselves - you are sure to adore it as much as we did.