Fantasy & Fairyland

The programme for this entertainment announced the event as a concert, which my dictionary defines as a performance of music by singers not involving theatrical staging.   I am delighted to report that what was delivered was certainly a themed selection of pieces from various Musical Shows, but presented in style to match both the title concept and individual items with energetic and choreographed movement, plus costume changes and lighting that both pleased the eye and reflected the mood of the items.   All of this fostered the intent of the show’s title and enhanced the impact of the music, creating an atmosphere which helped the singers both as soloists and in chorus to heighten their impact on the audience.   The programme included items from various shows, some previously produced by the Society, and others perhaps not so familiar to local audiences.     Each of the whole company of over 40 singers was involved in 9 ensemble items, the remaining 23 items being a mix of solos and groups of up to 20.   A narration, prepared in the style of the show title and delivered by Robin Fritz, brought the items together at various points along the way.  It was interesting to note how the overall pace benefitted by the exclusion of “curtain calls” at the end of individual items though applause for the item was not diminished.    As tends to be usual in many companies these days, the number of men was round about one third of the total, and yet the movement and the placing of the various items in the programme tended to disguise this as a significant factor.   All of those who presented solo items, or solo voices within part songs, came across with a high degree of ability, both in tone and expression – there were no passengers.   Among them were a few people who appeared a little more frequently than others as soloists, and I mention in particularly Hannah Shayle- Kennedy, Sarah Miles, Jo Daniels, Nicole Whittle, Sarah Stevenson, Grant Borroff, Olly Medlicott, and David Rutter, all of whom provided outstanding contributions.   From a programme containing so many enjoyable and well presented pieces it is sometimes quite difficult to choose a highlight.   However, the audience solved this task very clearly on this occasion by their terrific reception for Supercalifragilistic, led by Charlotte Butcher, Luke Meredith and Jo Daniels with the full chorus

Accompaniment was positioned centre back on stage by a quartet of Rob Miles, Phil Toms, Rich Nolan and Jess Barton, and provided a well balanced backing for both choral and individual items.  In fact, I must say that the overall quality of sound in this show was as good as I have experienced at the Mercury, both in terms of volume and the balance between voice and instrument.

This  was an excellent evening’s entertainment  and the production was performed in aid of the Colchester Multiple Sclerosis Centre which opened in July last year, who may be contacted on 01206 867222.

Many congratulations to all concerned.

I write this report, as a late substitute for Ann Platten, who was unable to attend because of an over-running NODA commitment.             

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.