40th Anniversary Concert

This 40th Anniversary Concert was introduced by the president Gill Sullivan who gave a short history of the company since it’s birth in 1979 to the present day and the changes which had taken place over the years. There were also programmes from all the productions during the past 40 years and newspaper cuttings with photos and reviews displayed so that this was a most interesting celebration of the company’s progress and success.

The varied programme included songs which had been performed in musicals and concerts from the past as well as some modern and other well known musical numbers. Although a small company combining a Junior and Adult chorus, they made a very good sound indeed as an ensemble. A serious young man with a good voice started off the evening with ‘Any Dream Will Do’ and this was followed by a lively ‘I’m A Believer’ from the Junior chorus . This small group of youngsters obviously enjoyed George Ezra’s ‘Shotgun’ which went with a swing.

Young Caty Kerr who has been with the company since she was a child is to be congratulated on her first year as musical director. She certainly must have worked the company hard resulting in some very good choral singing where vocal parts could be heard clearly. ‘Season’s Of Love’, ‘Silly Love Songs’ ‘Rule The World’ and ‘Oh What A Circus’ were particularly impressive.

There were many changes of mood throughout the programme. The light footed trio of young men had great fun with ‘The Galway Girl’ while the ladies chorus appeared to be enjoying a great girls night out in ‘Oom Pah Pah’ which was followed by Caty Kerr’s heartfelt ‘As Long As He Needs Me.’ Gill Sullivan’s ‘Father And Son’ and Michelle Page’s ‘Secret Love ‘ were sung with conviction while Cameron Aitchison brought light heartedness to ‘Oh What A Beautiful Morning.’

What is so commendable about this group is that many people are given the opportunity to have even a line to sing as well as small ensemble groups. I think practically everyone had a solo spot at some point or other.

Nearly every concert I have attended of late has had a number from the popular ‘The Greatest Showman’ and ‘A Million Dreams’ was sung with great enthusiasm by the full chorus. Two of the most animated numbers ‘Cheap Thrills’ and Madonna’s ‘Like A Prayer’ went down extremely well with the audience who demanded encores and joined in with the foot tapping and clapping. This was by no means a static concert. The movement throughout was simple but most effective and everyone looked confident in what they were doing.

The relaxed atmosphere on stage and the supportive audience all added to the enjoyment of the evening which had a real party atmosphere. Congratulations Forth Dimension Musical Producrions on your 40th birthday and best wishes for a successful future which I’m sure you will have due to the encouragement you give to your young members both on stage and in progressing to members of the production team Well done!

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