A Fond 'Farrwell'

Reading the forwards in the programme by Carol Beveridge (Chairman KLP) and Jane Farr, we were reminded again (as if it was needed) about the sadness experienced by so many in the loss of Jim Farr.  Kings Lynn Players and many friends paid tribute to Jim’s love of amateur theatre and his dedication to promoting it with a Tribute Concert that offered a snapshot of some of his favourites in music and showed the sense of humour that he wickedly held under a straight face. The strength of love and respect was shown by the attendance of so many Societies and the NODA representation.
The Kings Lynn Players formed the backbone of the evening, and rightly so as Jim had been the Chairman for many years; the Young Players well represented with the view of youth being the future; Kings Lynn ODS, Springtime Singers, Dereham Theatre Company, Lavender Hill Mob Theatre Company, and Lynn Academy of Dancing were on the bill too.
Led through the programme by the impeccable Stephen Hayter as MC, accompanied and assisted (?) by young Sophie, the audience enjoyed the ‘potpourri’ of entertainment devised by Laura Farr, Sharon Fox, Stephen Hayter, and Samantha Ashby which showed the various different styles and enthusiasms encouraged throughout Jim’s reign with the amateurs in his area.
Attack and enthusiasm and strong singing and movement/dance skills well displayed by KLP in their tribute numbers with ‘Just Arrived’, a really great ‘Me and My Girl’ medley which had all toes tapping, ‘Dancing Fool’, and, of course, Jim’s special favourite, ‘Camelot’, before the expected ‘No Business Like Show Business’: Jim would be so proud of ‘his’ society.  And the comedy stakes and ‘drama (?)’ representations of the ‘Bermondsey Blitz Boys’ and the infamous ‘NHS Sketch’ really appreciated the sense of humour, sometimes quite wry, and the timing required to get the laughs.
The four youngsters dancing the ‘Mabel’ number had worked so hard on the steps and the synchronicity but were upstaged throughout by a tiny blonde with curls: how lovely to see Freya on stage joining in this tribute to her grand-father.
Success with moving on from Young Players to Stage School, how professional Bryony and Lauren in their number ‘For Good’. And how entertaining to go back 10 years to the production of ‘Annie’ and see again the youngsters, now grown, reprise (and send up) the numbers. Another through the Young Players into KLP, Laura now totally in command with ‘Whistle Down the Wind’.  The current Young Players showed their mettle with their realised drama workshop of ‘Year 8’ and the energetic, vivacious and very noisy ‘Fame/Hand Jive’ joined in enthusiasm by Lynn Academy of Dance: what a very spirited finale to the first half.
Polish and experience and vocal strengths and drama were all displayed in master-classes by Julie (Piaff), and with David (Sweeney Todd); with Amanda and Sara-Jane (Chess and Miss Saigon); and with Chris and Jamie from Camelot: all musicals in a special ‘top choice’ list.
‘Could we start again please’ led by Ross and Sara-Jane plus the Springtime Singers gave all the harmonies: Springtime Singers showed their skills, harmonies and singing expertise (and energy) throughout their billings with ‘We are the Young’, ‘Rhythm of Life’, ‘Fugue for Tinhorns’, and the ‘Hunch Back’ Medley, inspiring and very melodious interludes in the programme.
The Lavender Hill Mob Theatre Company (based on Chicken Shed principles and some of Jim’s ‘special’ people) grouped in their lavender-coloured tee-shirts, singing their hearts out, and sign language throughout, gave us ‘Love Will Conquer All’ and a specially written song for this occasion ‘Can You Hear Him Laughing’ about ‘the man with a smile and great style’: this was the moment to remember and to cry for loss and love as it said it all for those present at this tribute.
 

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