That Day We Sang

I am watching this now - I recorded it and have put off watching it. I am a big Victoria Wood fan and did not want to be disappointed. The only other VW thing I was disappointed with was her Christmas offering which parodied Larks Rise to Candleford a couple of years ago. Most of her output verges on genius. While not her very best,That Day We Sang is very entertaining and works very well. Michael Ball is great as Tubby and Imelda Staunton plays very well against him. The smaller parts are, as usual in VW vehicles, good studies in "types". The musical numbers work well, too and her lyrics are sharp as ever. It is a period piece set in the Thirties and Sixties and is well observed and set. The young actor who plays Tubby as a child is engaging and quite a find.

Warm and witty, just as we'd expect from Victoria Wood's writing, this is an underseen joy.

Wonderful stuff, perfect for the post Christmas slot it was given when it first aired.

How we miss Victoria Wood.

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

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.

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.