beleaguered

first week (not a full week, actually) back at work / a shock to the system ...

looking to spend the weekend recovering / still need to do stuff / prioritise ...

me and my girl

towards the end of the show, Sir John says (of Sally): I think she's got it! a reference to another musical which also features a young lady transformed - there's a strong indication, in fact, that the same teacher is responsible. After 3 performances, I may, just about, be 'getting it'. Why should a 21st century audience care about a Cockney lad who finds out that he's an aristocrat? a duchess who is determined to groom him (and doesn't care about the collateral damage to the most important relationship in his life) ...

What about an ancient family member? deaf, hobbling around with a stick (miraculously cured, for the curtain calls) ...

It helps to be among performers who have star quality / to be ably directed (and choreographed) / to have musicians who swing / to rely on the people who set up the stage, look after the props, prompt, manage costumes / and the Brunton Theatre is one of my favourite venues ...

the story features faithful love / people being true to themselves / a rather touching, unexpected love story / and a sly old gentleman who may not be quite as rickety as he appears ...