That Day We Sang

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.

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.

I really enjoyed 'that day we sang' and 'that musical we made' the choir and orchestra were dressed so authentically that I think the whole nymphs and shepherds song should have been sung right through as it would have been a real show stopper. I loved the choir mistress in the documentary. Victoria Wood is a great poet, writer and musician and loves nostalgia and I think both programmes were excellent but I think she missed out on an important piece of Manchester music history. After all the record sold a million - unheard in those days.

loved the Berni Inn, French scene and west side story style dance. was the man with the gramophone the boys dad, and did his mum get to like music. lots of loose ends. so much packed into 2 and half hours. made my boxing day evening, easy watching and relaxing programme.

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.