A Victorian Christmas

A warm welcome was extended to all at St Andrew’s Church Droitwich as Opera Worcester prepared to perform a varied and often amusing version of a Victorian Christmas, against a simple backcloth of a homely warm fireside adorned with Christmas cards of the time. An opening procession headed by a Boar’s Head provided an opportunity for the ensemble to impress in full voice with a traditional carol suitably called ‘The Boars Head Carol’. All present then joined in with ‘O Come All Ye faithful’ which put us all in the right Christmas mood.

‘Won’t You Buy My Pretty Flowers’ was then well led by Bev Butler and following this we received the first of several stories of Victorian Christmas; this one described the decorations that were becoming popular at the time. Samuel Taunton and Tim Cranmore then led the company with ‘Winter Evergreens’ and this was followed by a story based around Christmas puddings!

‘Miss Hooligans Christmas Cake’ was a very amusing number about the typical contents of the cake followed by the gentlemen singing ‘The Carol Singers’ which was also very amusing. Next the customs surrounding Christmas Eve were explained, before Santa’s arrival and the Ladies then sang ‘Santa Clause’ describing what he delivered. A reading read by Pauline Peak entitled ‘Will He Come?’  was followed by readings describing the terrible freezing conditions that prevailed in 1870. Paul Thompson then spoilt us with hid rich tones singing ‘When the Night Wind Howls’ by Gilbert and Sullivan.

The reading that followed by Paul Ellis described the amusing goings on at ‘Christmas at Dingely Dell’ where Mr Pickwick and his friends gathered. Catherine Barrett then sang a beautiful number entitled ‘The Dream’ and followed that later with ‘Musetta’s Waltz’. In between these two numbers, the company led by Sue Black sang ‘O Holy Night’ with some lovely harmonies. We all then joined together again with ‘Silent Night’.

A short but very clever sketch followed called ‘Scrooge’s Reformation’ when Anthony Ravenhall appearing in the pulpit, gave us a very entertaining piece full of characterisation, with Zero Butler in support. Finally, we all sang ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’ and retired to a welcome glass of mulled wine and mince pies! That’s what I call Christmas! Joy Reeve accompanied the company throughout and we were all definitely educated as well as entertained.  The Company now go ‘on tour’ concluding at St Philip and  St James Church Hallow on Saturday 14 December at 2.30pm and well worth a visit. Thank you for the usual warm welcome from members.

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