Based on a stage musical, THAT DAY WE SANG is a piece that celebrates the city of Manchester through a parallel structure contrasting the life of young Tubby (Harvey Chaisty) growing up in 1929 with that of the older Tubby (Michael Ball), living a humdrum life four decades later. In 1929 Manchester is full of terraced houses, cozy back- streets and cramped living-rooms; when Jimmy goes for an audition to join the city choir, he does so in an oak- paneled, poorly lit school-room. Forty years later the cityscape might have changed somewhat, with functional maisonettes replacing the old terraces; but the major landmarks remain such as Piccadilly Square, a testament to the city's Victorian confidence.
In terms of plot, THAT DAY WE SANG focuses on the humdrum lives of Tubby and Enid (Imelda Staunton), both of whom have reached middle age without actively doing anything. They both work in anonymous offices, bound by routines and finding visceral pleasures where appropriate (Enid has a squalid little affair with her boss Mr. Kirkby (Daniel Rigby). The two protagonists meet, and together reminisce about the time when they were members of the choir and sang "Nymphs and Shepherds" for a gramophone recording. The memories help to stimulate their imaginations, and they look forward to a brighter future together.
The musical has plenty of what might be termed Victoria Wood touches - the lyrics often involve complicated rhymes; whenever we can hear them, we understand just what a talented artiste she is. The dialogue contains plenty of references to domestic products (hand- creams, bathroom cleaners, etc.) reminding us of just how comic brand names can be. There are also intertextual references to some of Wood's earlier hits, such as the appearance of dinner (or should it be tea) ladies wheeling their trolleys around the office building.
The songs are mostly upbeat, giving plenty of opportunity for Ball and Staunton to show off their vocal prowess. In truth, however, the most memorable number is a specialty piece set in a Berni Inn - a long-forgotten chain of steakhouses, all red plush and prawn cocktails. Enid and Tubby are taken to dinner there by their social climbing neighbors Frank (Confeth Hill) and Dorothy (Sophie Thompson), who take the opportunity to show off their social advantages, accompanied by a bevy of dancing servers. The number is extremely funny with an unexpected dénouement.
THAT DAY WE SANG may be slight, but its sheer joyousness and the zest of the performances render it a piece of memorable entertainment.
