Musical Memories

This concert showcased an assembly of Sidmouth and surrounding districts finest talent, all for a very worthy cause. Chock full with up to forty songs, content was taken from past productions, firm favourites, and a sprinkling of excerpts from west-end shows. Stylish touches such as Illuminated posters around the proscenium arch and projected information on the back cloth embodied the medleys of agreeably selected material, each lighting individually when accompanied by the relevant performance. To say the show dazzled would be an understatement with sparkly, multi-coloured costumes and as much razzmatazz a performer could muster, a feast for the eyes as well as all other conceivable sensory channels. I must give a slight chastisement to the Sidmouth audience who chatted away unmercifully during the Overture to the Mikado, distracting those of us who tried to listen and enjoy the excellence of an accomplished band of musicians, shame on you! Vocal chorus pieces were sung with expression, discipline and energy, coupled with artistic choreography which was polished and moved with style. An energetic tap routine from the ‘Anything Goes’ sequence was particularly delightful. As the concert progressed, I quickly lost count of the numerous ‘best in show’ performances deserving special note, amongst which, a spine-tingling ‘Stars’ and ‘Little fall of Rain’ from the Les Miserables section, was a definite melting moment! All too often benevolent concerts such as these, find the audience wrapped up in the emotional atmosphere of the event, forgiving of any shortcomings that may occur. There was nothing what so ever to forgive in this superb, entertaining show, a befitting tribute to a charming lady.

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