A Bohemian Rainbow

Like so many companies, the Bohemians were unable to present a live Fringe Concert this year but with the expertise of their Musical Director and a highly skilled technical team backing an enthusiastic company they produced a wonderful on line ‘A Bohemian Rainbow.’

This was a very well put together programme of musical numbers all colour related and all linked with pertinent sound effects, pictures and scenes denoting each song and creating a real atmosphere.

The small chorus all socially distanced got the show off to a punchy, dynamic start encouraging us to ‘Live LIving Colour’ and was followed by an eclectic selection of numbers from varying genres and contrasting moods. A strong set of soloists were recorded either in their own homes and in other interesting venues.

‘Somewhere That’s Green’ was delivered with sincerity and real feeling. ‘True Colours’ was so relaxed and beautifully sung. The soloist singing ‘That’s Why That’s Why They Call it the Blues’ had the perfect voice for that number while in contrast the gentle ‘Blackbird’ with male guitarist was so soothing. I did enjoy the whistling blackbirds too. A most convincing witch delivered a feisty, expressive ‘Red Shoes Blues’. The ensemble work was particularly strong in ‘One Short Day’ and the ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ medley where harmonies came across well. We are so used to hearing a male singing ‘My Love is Like a Red Red Rose’ but this female rendition was gorgeous, romantic and emotive and was followed by a very well sung duet ‘Misty Blue’. The recording of ‘Rainbow Connection’ with the soloist filmed walking along the beach and looking out at sea was superb. Everybody knows ‘Over the Rainbow’ but the singer here made it her own. The jazzy ‘Blackout’ is a difficult number and this was another example of excellent ensemble work. I did enjoy the fireworks lighting up the sky. A very strong Evita led the company in ‘Rainbow High’ in an arrangement where lines were cleverly divided between the soloists.

Filmed outside in the fields Eva Cassidy’s ‘Fields of Gold’ was dreamy and pensive with the waterfall also helping capture the atmosphere. ‘Colour Purple’ offered an opportunity to another fine soloist followed by choral singing by a small group making a big sound. The rousing ‘Colour My World’ rounded off a wonderful imaginative programme which showcased a wealth of talent in the company.

Congratulations to the entire cast who obviously had worked so hard recording individually which is no mean feat but also to the musical director and technical team whose expertised culminated in a most enjoyable ‘Bohemian Rainbow’. A most enjoyable concert.

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