Christmas with the Phoenix Theatre Singers

Set against a sparkling star back-cloth, 14 ladies in their signature black trousers and red tops and gents in their DJs with red bow ties, presented an interesting range of Christmas related songs blended together by MD Mary Brigg, which put everyone in a great seasonal mood. After Michelle Cooper gave a warm opening welcome, the full chorus presented three songs including the traditional spiritual number ‘The Virgin Mary had a Baby Boy’.

Elaine Tomlins presented an amusing poem ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas’ which reminded us of the toy makers pact to keep parents busy assembling toys, and to find in many instances batteries are not included! Sandy MacNeill sang ‘The Man With The Bag’ with some great expression and this was followed by some nice part singing by the ladies in ‘Angels Carol’ by John Rutter.

Rita Bingham gave us a traditional carol ‘Bethlehem’ and Mary Brigg and Richard Watson who was relieved of the piano by Jayne Lunt, gave us a great version of ‘Baby Its Cold Outside’ which was very well received (and true!). Sue Nicholson presented us with her very amusing Pam Ayres version of ‘Once I was a looker and so was my spouse’ and Part 1 concluded with the full chorus singing Peter Gritton’s ‘Follow That Star’.

The audience was invited to savour some mince pies in the interval, for a donation to the Ross Lions Christmas Lunch Appeal for which the Phoenix Theatre was raising funds to help the lonely and vulnerable at Christmas time.

Part 2 opened with a melodic ‘A Rhapsody  of Christmas’ concluding with ‘Silent Night’ and this was followed by a very nice version of ‘I’ll be home for Christmas’ sung by Julienne Reeves, with some great accompaniment by Richard. Suzanne Hill gave a very funny short version of ‘Cinderella’ the panto, covering just about all the main characters with a quickfire use of 7 hats!

The gentlemen then presented ‘Drummer Boy / Peace on Earth’ and the chorus sang a very nice ’When a Child is Born’, with lead vocalist Margaret Harnett. Jacky Bedford and Natalie Smith sang ‘Mary Did You Know’ and after their gentle rendition of ‘The Lamb’ the chorus upped the tempo with ‘Jingle Bell Rock’. Michelle sang ‘Snowman’ with great feeling and the concert was rounded off with the full chorus singing Boublil & Schonberg’s  ‘Bethlehem’ and then ‘Merry Christmas Everybody’. There was just time for two carols when the audience joined in and its pretty certain everyone went home happy.

I’d like to thank the Phoenix Theatre for some great entertainment this year and look forward to more in 2023.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.