Lest We Forget

The room was set in cabaret style and was a sell out production for this group. The show was a concert to commemorate World War 1 and 2 to celebrate some of the most iconic musical songs from that era. It was the brainchild and had been put together by John G Barry with beautiful projections and images to add to the ambiance of the reflective evening’s entertainment.

There were 3 acts with fabulous numbers and readings. Each piece was introduced by Philip Brady who kept the evening in the thought provoking and moving style it required. The choir was seated on stage throughout and apart from a few distractions with choir members fiddling with their clothes or hair they were very respectful and enjoyed the performances of others.

The 16 piece Orchestra including a Harpist sounded stunning under the baton of John. There was no overpwering by the instruments with the vocalists and the Orchestral pieces were totally mesmerising and beautifully played.

Act 1 celebrated the music of the First World War starting with 3 numbers from HMS Pinafore written by Gilbert & Sullivan. It was a joy to see younger members of the cast singing these numbers as too often these days it is only older theatricals who perform G & S. Nimrod played by the Orchestra was absolutely stunning and the readings by Jackie Eade and Philip Callaghan were beautifully delivered.

Act 2 was very emotional start ing with songs from The Wizard of Oz which had gorgeous vocals and g. A letter for my Mother was very poignant read by Pamela Dyson and delivered with real feeling. If that wasn’t emotional enough, then John bought out the big guns! The Theme from “Schindlers List” by Bianca Blezard on violin and accompanied by the Orchestra was truly stunning. I cried buckets but in a strange way didn’t want it to end. That performance will stay with me forever it was beautiful. You’ll Never Walk Alone was beautifully delivered and holds very personal memories for me so there was no ease up on the tissues  needed in this act. Climb Every Mountain by Deborah O’Connor was stunning and Edelweiss was so sincere by Philip Brady with the audience joining in. The final three numbers allowed the audience to join in and were nicely delivered by the performers.

The final Act delivered some lovely choices which were beautifully sung. The opening Orchestral number Peer Gynt’s Morning was another triumph and It was an absolute pleasure to listen to such talented musicians. Vanessa Randle and Stella O’Reilly performed One More Kiss and Losing My Mind which fitted nicely with the evening and I loved Philip Callaghan’s rendition of Bring Him Home which with the Harp sounded beautiful.

The final numbers in the Act of Remembrance were very fitting and were sung with great commitment allowing the audience to join in. This truly was a beautiful show and very fitting in the week of remembrance. I left feeling grateful to the soldiers who fought in the wars and gave their lives for mine. John this was a stunning show, thoughtfully put together, with a great cast and delivered with passion and empathy. I loved it. Thank you all for an enjoyable evening.

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