Musical Magic

Musical Magic

16/5/25

West Kirby Musical Theatre Company.

Westbourne Hall

 

There was a full house at Westbourne Hall West Kirby for their concert’ Musical Magic’ to celebrate seventy-five years of musical theatre performances by West Kirby Musical Theatre Company. Formally known as West Kirby light Opera Society initially formed in 1950, were Joined for the evening by the thirty plus members of Heswall Concert Band. Led by multi talented musical director Greg Williams, providing  musical support throughout the evening.

It was a great atmosphere, an audience of musical theatre aficionados, anticipating a joyous evening’s entertainment, they were not disappointed, opening with the orchestral piece Love’s Sweet Song from Gipsey Princess, followed by a full chorus ‘Who Will Buy’ from the musical Oliver. WKMTC has acquired a reputation for the strength of its choral singing, with a wide and varied repertoire, from timeless classics to modern hits, talented performers bring favourite songs to life, back in their West Kirby spiritual home Westbourne Hall.

Mike Ellis is The Master of Ceremonies for the evening introducing the musical’s songs and performers for productions dates 1950 up to 1999, after an interval shows from 2000 to 2024. This is an extremely well supported society as the enthusiastic atmosphere in the audience testifies, the anticipation is tangible as the distributed programmes detail the shows to be celebrated.

The shows chosen for the first half of this celebration concert began with ‘Leaning on a Lamppost’ (Gerry Johnstone) from the show Me and my Girl. ‘Let the Grass Grow’ (Colin Hill & Mike Ellis) from the show Free as Air. ‘If I Loved You’ (John Phipps & Debbie Simnor) from Carousel. ‘Stout Hearted Men’ (Derek Thomson, Gerry Johnston). ‘Put on your Sunday Clothes’ (Samantha Arnold, John Phipps, Brian Berry & Chorus) ‘I’m just a Girl who can’t say No (Amy Duggan). ‘Oklahoma’ (Brian Berry, Malcolm Large, Barbara Richards, Kelly McNee, Chris Steele & Chorus), from Oklahoma. ‘Bill’ Fran Allen. ‘Only Make Believe’ (Debbie Simnor & Gerry Johnstone) Showboat. ‘Matchmaker’ (Danielle Greenall, Joanne Barker, Kathy Jorden). Fiddler on the Roof. ‘Still’ (Gerry Johnstone, Fran Allen) ‘In Every Age/Sail on Titanic’ Chorus. The end of the first half was greeted with a spontaneous applause from am appreciative audience.

A rousing opening to part two is from no other than a Gilbert & Sullivan ‘When a Foreman bares his Steel’ (Tony Clare, Amy Duggan, Kathy Jordan, John Phipps & Chorus). The Pirates of Penzance.’ Adelaide’s Lament’ (Samantha Arnold). ‘Sit Down you’re Rocking the Boat’ (Chris Steele& Chorus) Guys & Dolls). ‘Just you wait Henry Higgins’ (Danielle Greenall). ‘I Know Him So Well’ (Samantha Arnold & Debbie Simnor) Chess. ‘Being Alive’ (Kelly McNee, Barbara Richards, & Chorus) Company. ‘Once in a Lifetime’ (Mike Ellis, Chris Steele, Amy Duggan & Chorus). Once upon a time at the Adelphi’.  ‘Don’t Cry for me Argentina’ (Joanne Baker & Chorus). Evita. ‘Come to the Garden’ (The Chorus). ‘Nobody’ (Kathy Jordan & Chorus) Betty Blue Eyes. ‘If I Can’t Love Her’ (Chris Steele). Beauty & the Beast. ‘Medley’ (Brian Berry, Dawn Griffiths, & Chorus). WKMTC next production for June 2026 at the Gladstone Theatre, Shrek the Musical.  As the full company gather on stage for the finale Mike Ellis knowing they were in the audience for the 75th celebration graciously invited the original cast of Titanic to join him on stage. What a finale the full compliment sang ‘In every age/Sail the Titanic it was ‘Magic’.

It was an evening of celebrating memories; everyone gave their all to this special performance at the Westbourne Hall. How on earth you chose the  twent two musicals from over sixty performed I do not know. Thank you for my invitation it was an absolute delight to be involved in such a special occasion.  Am looking forward to seeing you all once again for Shrek.

 

Joanne Rymer

NODA

District 4.

 

 

 

 

 

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