Christmas with the Phoenix Theatre Singers

The elegantly dressed singers took to the stage; identical red of the ladies’ tops and men’s bow ties was just right to get the festivities started. 

The mix of old and new songs, some long forgotten, were wonderful. The ‘Christmas Lullaby’ was gorgeous, so gentle and heartfelt. All solo numbers from crooner Owen with ‘It’s the most Wonderful Time of the Year’ and John’s ‘Blue Christmas’ in Elvis guise to Natalie’s ‘A Little Peace’, Rita’s ‘lonely Pup’, Michelle’s ‘A Spaceman Came Travelling’ and Jacky’s ‘Coventry Carol’ were all well sung, and it was nice that there was a total contrast between them.

Elaine treated us to another Pam Ayers poem ‘Goodwill to Men – Give us Your Money’ and Claire read the ’12 Days of Christmas’ by Frank Kelly brilliantly. Both had the audience roaring with laughter, but not as much as when the Really Useless Panto Company performed ‘If I were not upon this Stage’ which was extremely well rehearsed but didn’t prevent the looks of trepidation on their faces when arms were going in all directions, it really was hysterical. 

The gentlemen’s ‘Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth was delightful, as was Mary and Richard’s ‘Baby it’s Cold Outside’ but the highlights for me were ‘Follow the Star’ sung A Capella and ‘Let there be Peace’ which had a gospel feel to it and the ‘Very Best Time of Year’ which was unknown but beautiful.

Well there was something for everyone in this event, and it most definitely put us all in the Christmas spirit: we had a fabulous time.

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