That Day We Sang

OK, it's not great cinema and it has a deeply predictable (a sometimes rather awkward) plot, but it is unpretentious, charming, optimistic and uplifting. Sink into its warm embrace and enjoy it for what it is - a small but well-crafted film that will bring a smile to all but the most cynical of viewers. Imelda Staunton shows once again what a fine all-round performer she is, but it goes to Ian lavender, in a lovely cameo, to provide the one surprising moment of real emotional impact. The idea that love will find a way is a well-worn theme which is reworked here to really pleasing effect. Yes there are cliches of both writing and direction, but they are cliches because film makers have found they work. A hugely enjoyable 85 minutes.

Victoria Wood has written some brilliant plays but she missed with this one. There was a good idea to create a story about the Manchester Schools Choir and their 1929 recording of Purcell's 'Nymphs and Shepherds', but turning it into a musical wasn't. The first requirement of a good musical is good music. Unfortunately this used the same tunes that every failed musical has used since time immemorial. The lack of music might also have shown up that there was just too much sentimentality. I hope that this effort doesn't put off Victoria writing again, but please play it straight next time. She is good at creating authentic characters and authentic dialogue in locations and situations that she understands.

I could not disagree more with the previous two reviews of this film. I thought 'That day we sang' was perfect viewing for the festive season. Granted the story was not as detailed as it could have been but considering the time constraints placed on it, I felt the plot moved along very smoothly. I thought that the musical numbers were both catchy and touching.Victoria Woods eye for detail and her wit are what sets her writing apart from anyone else.I have been humming 'If life were movies' ever since boxing day.

The wonderful cast made the most of the gift they had been given. Especially Imelda Staunton(from whom you wouldn't expect anything less)Harvey Chaisty and Michael Ball who's wonderful performances together, made Tubby the endearing,lovely, believable character he was. It was also great to see a film where the cast are singing live and not being dubbed over, as it made the whole thing all the more real.

Bravo to all involved

A week on from watching this I find myself absentmindedly humming a couple of the tunes from the show - "If Life were movies" is one , I cant identify the other but this goes to show how memorable it was. I loved the witty use of rhyme and ideas - who'd have thought of using "Swarfega" in a song about being a bit of a mouse called Enid? and as for "cake in drag" . . . just such fun! The romance plot is utterly charming and as intended very much hopeful. I quite like the idea of being a bit stuck in the 50s - so cozy. The character development through the plot was joyful to watch. Loved the music; tunes I can hum now and really effective orchestrations of some of the background music underpinned mood and plot superbly.

As the other reviewer said this was just delightful festive viewing;the whole embedded in beautiful nostalgia wrought of true empathy for the period and subject. I was transported to the Berni Inn I had my 18th Birthday (coming of age) dinner at. Hilarious ! I hope it comes out on DVD as , like "Housewife 49" I will enjoy watching this again. Probably try and get hold of the book written about the 1929 story by a choir member as an additional aspect - really didn't need the '29 story examining or analyzing in this musical. Its focus in perfect.

It has Victoria Wood all over it, just pure, wholesome and joyful as well as clever and relatable. Victoria Wood was a genius with her use of language and her skill at writing both music and lyrics, I cannot recommend this highly enough