A Centenary of Song

To celebrate their centenary the society compiled a very enjoyable concert consisting of nearly 50 numbers from around 25 shows which they have performed over those 100 years.  These ranged from some G&S and Rodgers and Hammerstein through to shows such as Anything Goes, Annie, Fiddler on the Roof, Gigi and The Merry Widow.

With such a range of music it is difficult to select highlights but I think the stand out for me was ‘Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man’ from Show Boat which was extremely well presented by Suzanne Booker.  In fact probably most of the show tugged at the heartstrings for one reason or another and other very enjoyable items included ‘On a Tree by a River’ (Willow, tit-willow) from The Mikado performed by Marcus Burnside, songs from The Wizard of Oz, Annie and Oliver which were performed by the society’s Juniors and a lovely ‘Before I Gaze at You Again’ from Camelot which helped show the range of Niamh Rose who has a wide selection of parts available to her in the future.

The ballet from Oklahoma! was nicely presented by students from The Sarah Louise Ashworth School of Dance, augmented by some society members, and closed the first half.  Marcus and Suzanne gave us an enjoyable ‘I Shall Scream’ from Oliver, and Suzanne also teamed up with Imogen Rose for a super ‘Poor Little Pierrette’ from The Boy Friend. 

Colin Wragg was in good vocal form in several solos including ‘On The Street Where You Live’ (My Fair Lady) and, especially, ‘Ol’ Man River’ from Show Boat.  Linda Tester and Michael O’Brien were also very easy to enjoy with their ‘I Remember It Well’ (Gigi) as was Maureen Symonds in her numbers which included ‘Shall We Dance’ (The King and I).

I really must mention the orchestra who played non-stop for a fairly long show which had a half hour interval.  There was a nice set which included a staircase and it was well utilised.  Lighting was generally OK and any props and furniture were smoothly dealt with.

The society always provides a good programme but I will make one comment – please get the spell check working!

I know I wasn’t the only one in the audience whose memory was stirred by this very enjoyable production.

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