Diamond Jubilee Gala Concert

This concert, to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Grantham Singers, proved to be highly popular and attracted a capacity audience. The first part of the programme was a performance of Gilbert & Sullivan’s first collaborative work – “Trial by Jury”. The principals and chorus were all in fine voice and provided with excellent musical accompaniment from the competent musicians of the Pit Band under the direction of the immensely talented Elaine Bishop. There was much attention to detail which resulted in some splendid characterisation, particularly from John Carter (as the Learned Judge), Augusta Lees (as the Plaintiff), Honor Grantham (a somewhat ‘forward’ jury member) Adam Bishop (as the Defendant Edwin) and Suzanne Webb, whose performance as a Punk bridesmaid with attitude I thought absolutely spot-on. The behaviour of the jury on stage seemed to me to replicate that of the jury in a recent high profile case at Southwark Crown Court in that they had no real idea as to what they were there for! The cast were well costumed, especially the posse of bridesmaids, all beautifully attired in their identical gorgeous frocks (including the Punk). The prolonged applause delivered at the conclusion of this one act operetta was so well deserved. Following the interval the audience was treated to a gala concert featuring songs from all of Gilbert and Sullivan’s collaborations (with the exception of “Thespis”, the score of which has been lost) with informative introductions given by Tania Lambley. Congratulations to all who were involved in presenting this gem of a concert.

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