Let's Face The Music And Sing

This varied and well-presented performance was a refreshing night’s entertainment. In the first half some of the songs from Oliver! and Sound Of Music, usually sung by children, were given a new dimension when sung by adults. Good chorus numbers like Food Glorious Food, Oom-Pah-Pah, Do Re Me and So Long Farewell were interspersed with duets like  I’d Do Anything and female soloists making a fine job of It’s a Fine Life, Where is Love? As Long as He Needs Me, Consider Yourself, an interesting and moving rendering of I’m Reviewing the Situation and Edelweiss.  The men were not to be outdone, with storylines acted out in You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket and Something Good.  The settings, groupings and graceful movement created tableau which, along with costumes reflecting the contexts, resonated with the audience. This was also the case in the second half which turned attention to America and West Side Story and a medley from modern shows. Good harmonies in chorus and duets impressed in America, Maria, One, Tell Me It’s Not True, If my Friend Could See Me Now.  Solo numbers like Everybody Needs Somebody, What a Night and duets and groups for Somewhere, The Apple Doesn’t Fall Very Far From The Tree delighted.  The only number I was not familiar with was One Hand One Heart which I found very moving.  Shows such as Blood Brothers, The Rink, Jersey Boys, Miss Saigon and Evita were all represented.  Rounding off the evening appropriately was a nicely harmonised and phrased Thank You for the Music. The new MD has worked on this group’s talents and introduced new harmonies in unexpected places. Movement was slick and purposeful creating visually attractive scenarios and varying the pace.  The musicians were well led and effective. All in all, thank you for giving us an evening of favourites and famous songs with players enjoying the whole process. Thanks indeed for the music.

Ensemble: Alison Alcock, Alison Wright, Caroline Thomson, Christine Shields,  Karen Forrester, Claire Weatherston Corrie Hall, Mary Fullerton, Claire Smith, Ann Pearston, Helen Latham, Jean Bennett, Julietta Carmichael, Sheila Morris, Ricky Cassidy, Alan Devlin, Joe Millar, Douglas Bloomer, Archie Alexander, Jason Thomson and Kevin Doherty

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