100 MUSICAL YEARS

I opened my program to an array of musical numbers, so many I had to count them, 58 I think. How on earth the company are all still sane I don’t know!

I applaud Andrea and Geoff for putting together such a wonderful variety of music, and the company for learning all the words. The show followed music for a century, from 1900 to the present time. Every person who visited the show will have personal favourites, I’m sure  “something for everyone” was covered.

As we sped through the 100 years, slight positional changes brought the soloists into the spotlight, the lighting changes gave mood and added colour to an open stage, (lighting designed by Paul Philips,) and all carried out without a hitch. The costumes were pretty and the company looked comfortable, when it is a block costume across the group this is not always easy. It was nice to see the gents change; I loved the white Tux, while the ladies could show their own personality in their evening wear. Well done Tessa Currigan and the Wardrobe team.

It is lovely, in this type of show to give a lot of the members a chance to sing solos or duets, Andrea and Geoff had obviously worked hard here, and the older and younger members all were given their “moment”.

The Show opened with the full company including the juniors singing a rousing number, “Oh what a lovely war” this was followed by the first solo, sung with ease by James Cornick, a seasoned performer with the group. The Roaring 20s, and later in the program with a piece from “Joseph”, the junior members were given a chance to shine, and shine they did. It is always good to see the youngsters gaining confidence and enjoying the music.

During any program there are moments to remember; judging by the audience reaction to Paul Philips solo, his rendition of Stars from “Les Miserable’s” was one of them. A most beautiful presentation of the song, we wanted more. All groups must have a comedian and Roger Kiddle is Northallerton’s very own, always entertaining, always ready to play the fool, thank you, keep up the good work.

Giving the evening variety of another kind were Howard Wilkinson and Eleanor Reynolds, Howard sang “I won’t send roses” while Eleanor danced. A gentle sensitive piece from both, so lovely. Lucille Taylor with “Anyone who has a heart” so reminded me of Cilla Black, she was joined by Janet Miles and Tracie Birdsal for the song “Big Spender” they gave their all, great entertainment ladies.

Thank you for a lovely evening with such variety (and singing “Master of the House”) Not forgetting to mention the Orchestra, it’s a hard night with no respite for you, well done.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.