A Hundred Years of Song

Acknowledging the 100th anniversary of the Phoenix Theatre which originated with the Ross Operatic & Dramatic Society, the Phoenix Theatre Singers provided a fitting tribute to the occasion by presenting a wide-ranging concert with popular songs throughout the period. We were reminded of the huge amount of work and fund raising that took place over many years culminating in the transformation of a former fire station to the beautiful and intimate Phoenix Theatre we have today. The concert was devised and led by the musical director Mary Brigg with other introductions by Michelle Cooper and Di Hughes. 

The stage was organised in concert style with two rows of chairs on raised platforms, backed by a star cloth and the players were attractively dressed ; ladies in red and black whilst the gentlemen sported DJs with red bow ties.

With 26 sections in total it will be difficult to mention them all here, however, the concert took off with the full chorus singing ‘Another Op’nin Another Show’ from Kiss Me, Kate, with an early opportunity to harmonise which was continued well throughout the concert. This was followed by a great medley from Irving Berlins ‘Rags to Ritz’ including ‘Play a Simple Melody’, ‘Blue Skies’ and ‘Puttin on the Ritz’. ‘Yours’ sung by Di Hughes was poised and sensitive and a tribute to the Everley Brothers was well received along with Natalie Smith’s ‘Call Me Irresponsible’.

The audience also enjoyed a reminder of ‘On My Lips Every Kiss Is Like Wine’ (Franz Lehar) sung by Mary Brigg with amusing interaction with Richard Watson on piano, Victor Borge style. The chorus’ ‘Rock around the Clock’ went with a real swing and perhaps the biggest ovation during Part 1 was reserved for Emma Lewis and ‘Moon River . Part 1 concluded with Phoenix’s own Beverley Sisters; Suzanne Hill, Margaret Harnett and Lyn Smith complete with armography and another great chorus number ‘Thank You For The Music’ by Abba.

For Part 2 the ladies changed into a very smart selection of evening wear and the full chorus started with a medley from ‘West Side Story’ which reminded us what a fantastic score it has. Jacky Bedford sang ‘Love of My Life’ (Queen) with great feeling, followed by the chorus with ‘Seals Lullaby’ with more gentle harmonies. Part 2 actually consisted of one great number after another with an impressive selection from Gershwin and to add some variety, Sue Nicholson gave us an excellent and amusing portrayal of Pam Ayres poem ‘In Defence of Hedgehogs’.

Julienne Reeves provided a very tuneful and controlled ‘May Each Day’ and was joined by Andy Doyle for a beautifully sung ‘If I Loved You’ from ‘Carousel’. More super harmonies in ‘If I Fell’ by Lennon and McCartney and this was followed by Michelle Cooper’s excellent ‘She Used to be Mine’ from ‘Waitress’. Owen Fitzpatrick gave a cool rendition of ‘I’ve Got You Under My Skin’ (and looked cool too in his white tuxedo) and the concert concluded with a tribute to Queen.

A thoroughly good evening’s entertainment and a fitting tribute to 100 years of the Ross Operatic & Dramatic Society and its successors The Phoenix Theatre.

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