A CUP of Christmas Cheer

A CUP of Christmas Cheer is what we were promised and Curtain Up! Productions most definitely delivered on that promise with a wonderfully festive afternoon of Christmas carols, songs, poems, sketches and all kinds of silliness guaranteed to warm your heart and get you in the mood for Christmas. The concert was put together, directed and choreographed by Sophie Dulake, with musical direction by Lou Bundy and Rob Gallop on the piano, in order to raise money for two cancer charities following the illness of a member of the society.

The whole company opened proceedings with a rousing rendition of “Razzle Dazzle”, demonstrating their prowess with 4-part harmony, always one of the group’s fortes. The company ended act 1 with an ABBA medley –with everyone wearing the most outrageous 70s’ outfits (I’m surprised we weren’t raided by the taste police!) – and act 2 with familiar Christmas pop songs that we were all eager to join in with.

Throughout both acts we were treated to little Vicar of Dibley interludes with Sam and Nadine reprising their roles as Geraldine and Alice with some of the jokes that used to end the shows – so good! Youngsters from South Downe Stage School gave us a medley of songs from their recent production of Matilda – with strong, characterful performances by them all. In a classical mood, Yasmine sang Dvorak’s “Song to the Moon”. I’ve heard it many times as an orchestral piece but never heard it sung so beautifully.

I’m sorry I can’t mention every number – they were all delightful – but I must mention a few. “New York, New York” saw Kerry reliving his days as a Butlins Red Coat – he really knows how to put over a song and handle a live audience! Lorna and Emma’s “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” was enhanced no end by the beautiful flute playing. Laughter highlight of the show for me was “If I Were Not Upon This Stage” performed by Johanna, Hilary, Lorna, Emma, Luke, Tricia, Mandy and Mark. I’ve seen many versions of this number in the past, but never laughed so much before. Serious highlight was Nadine’s touching reading of “A Christmas Poem” by Helen Steiner Rice, guaranteed to tug at your heart strings.

Although Sophie has choreographed for the group before, this was her first stint as director and what a brilliant job she did. We were given a nicely balanced programme, with something for every taste, and the whole show flowed slickly with intros by Sophie and Lou. All too soon it was over, and we were heading home feeling merry and bright with the satisfaction that a substantial amount (I was told afterwards) had been raised for the two good causes. Well done everyone.

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