FESTIVE FAYRE

Every year Tettenhall OS kick off the festive season in fine style and this year was no exception.This year's concert consisted of music from opera, operetta and modern musical theatre with audience participation for the singing of carols. It was a lovely evening full of the spirit of Christmas and it began with the company singing "Let there be Peace on Earth", a lovely start to a show. They didn't forget the comedy and compere Julian Souter had the right words to introduce each item. He also managed to perform the odd song or two including the Flanders and Swann "Warthog Song" and, with his wife Jayne, took us through "The 12 days After Christmas".

Guest performer Barbara Smith was accompanied by her Husband Rob for her beautiful solos including "They call me Mimi" and Sheila Smith was, as always a delight to listen to. No problem with her articulation - every word as clear as a bell. Anne entertained us with a selection of "Panto Stories and Mishaps"  An item I hadn't heard before. Mike Rawlings sang "Bring Him Home" from Les Mis and there was not a dry eye in the house when he had finished. Solos from Jayne Butler, Sue Rawlings and Lydia Goodall helped to complete the line up and a very hard working chorus made the evening complete.

Guest accompanist Peter Smith and MD John Fowell certainly entertained with their spirited piano duets.

During the interval the cast extended their roles and served hot food and wine to the audience. They worked really hard both on and off stage and the food certainly added to the pleasure of the evening.

Every year the society award a bursary to one of their performers and last year's award went to Lydia who I understand is now a student at the Birmingham Conservatoire. Society Bursary Awards enabling a member to continue with their studies is an excellent idea and it would be nice if more societries followed this practice.

Tettenhall OC's next production is a concert version of "The Merry Widow" in February and I look forward with particular pleasure to attending this event.

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