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Happy Days of Summer

Author: Giles Atkinson

Information

Date
14th June 2025
Society
Great Horton Theatre Company
Venue
St Winifrede's Church Hall
Type of Production
Concert
Musical Director
Ken Gilroy

I was invited once again to The Great Horton Theatre Company’s Summer Show. “The Happy Days of Summer” with guest artists “The Memphis Cruisers”

The musical Direction was under Ken Gilroy and our compere who did a great effort in guiding us through the show and giving the audience a nice historical context to the songs from beginning to end was Rita Schofield.

The show consisted of a nice selection of music opening with Happy Days. This was then followed by “Its Now or Never” by Val and Higel who did a great job taking over from John Mason, who had fallen ill, with only ten minutes rehearsal. Next was the Reggae Medley consisting of “Kingston Town, Red Red Wine and Angel of the Morning led by Richard, Janet, Gay, Fiona and Geraldine. An excellent and confident performance of “The Carnival is Over" was performed by Hilary Greed along with a lovely rendition of “My Way” by Val and “The Rose” by Audrey. Act one closed with an uplifting medley “Love Laughter and Legends Beatles Medley including numbers such as “Help”, “Penny Lane” and “Yellow Submarine”

Act Two opened with their Guest Band The Memphis Cruisers. A highly entertaining top class authentic Rock n Roll / Rockabilly Trio bringing the audience's toes tapping along to the selection of music they performed.

This was followed by the choir again with two Elton John numbers, “I’m Still Standing" and “Cold Heart” The second act ended with “Words”, an uplifting rendition of “Hallelujah” and finally finishing with the Tina Turner hit “Proud Mary”.

I had an excellent afternoon, and I am already looking forward to their Christmas show in December.

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