Be Dazzled

From entering the auditorium, the sparkly draw cloth set the scene for what was to follow. Entitled Be Dazzled, the audience was exactly that – dazzled with the wealth of talent on show. As is typical in a concert there was plenty of opportunity for soloists and duos to flourish. This, however, was not a typical concert – featuring no less than twenty musicals as well as popular musical medleys from the likes of ‘Queen’, the concert covered some of the lesser well know musicals. Indeed two of my favourite pieces of the evening were from shows I have not seen before – ‘How ‘Bout a Dance’ from “Bonnie and Clyde” and ‘With You’ from “Ghost, the musical” sang by the superb voices of Clair Applegarth and Becca Griffin respectively.

I also love comedy so the number ‘Tear Jerk’ from “I Love You, You’re Perfect. Now Change” was a laugh out loud moment from me as I listened to the lyrics excellently performed by Selina Mankin and Kenny Toal.
Another favourite was ‘In His Eyes’ from “Jekyll and Hyde” sang by the hauntingly great harmonies of Julie Robson and Celia Smithson.

Other soloists included Ruby Westlake, Albert Simpson, Hayley Grant, Mari Stewart, Liam Olsen, Gill Hall, Pete Bayly and Beryl Amos and indeed all soloists, duos and groups sang really well. However, it was the ensemble pieces that truly emphasised the depth in talent the group has, in medleys such as “Mamma Mia”, “Wicked”, “Miss Saigon”, “Barnum” and “Jersey Boys”.

Costumes were very appropriate with smart black shirted men in contrast to the more sparkling women’s attire. The effective lighting was mainly a simple coloured ‘wash’ onto the white cyclorama with the occasional overlaid GoBo produced image. Music by a five strong combo under the direction of Robert Laws complemented the performers and each and every word was heard through the very crisp and natural sounding sound system.

This was a wonderful evenings entertainment and to paraphrase - “Carlsberg don’t do Musical Concerts, but if they did.....” Well done Hexham.

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