Olde Tyme Music Hall

~~I say, I say, I say – Let’s all go to the Olde Tyme Music Hall and that’s what we did – being invited to a splendiferous evening of entertainment from members of LCBP.  Met by Chairman/Director Elisabeth, I joined two charming ladies dressed in their bonnets ready to share a nibble and the amusement at a decorated table, smack in the front of the Theatre.
Our illustrious Chairman was none other than Dave Bourne, who did a splendid job.
On the table we had an A4 black/white programme depicting an Edwardian couple on a tandem, with acknowledgements, the cast and production team list, with one exception Secretary Lyn Ford who was indisposed due to the breakage of an ankle – We always say in the theatre world  ‘break a leg’ but this is taking it a step too far!
The stage was well dressed.  I particularly liked the conception of the rotating three dimensional stands either side which when turned created a different scene, a clever idea designed by Gill Dyer nicely painted by Maureen Payne and Margaret Osgood.  Additional pieces of furniture and small props were placed as required by Elisabeth Doust, together with cast members. Graham Payne was SM, as well as performing his weightlifting demonstration complete with leopard skin.  What a feat and wasn’t the lady strong who carried off the dumbbell! Also what remarkable control over   splendid, loaned tandem, belonging to Clem Collins.
The stylish costumes were made by Gwyneth Ludkin and a good effort was made with accessories and footwear. 
MD Margaret played keyboard with aplomb on stage throughout the performance.  We sang numerous chorus songs from our Song Sheet, with rivalry running strong between the left and right side of the hall.  Our side definitely sang the heartiest – oh yes they did!
Comedy sketches, monologues Stanley Holloway’s ‘Albert and the Lion’, ‘The Battle of Hastings’, ‘My word you do look queer’, ‘Sam, pick oop tha Musket’ to mention but a few. There were short melodramas,  I loved the Chinese story of Me Ping, Pong and the Compost Heap,  as well as the group rendition of ‘If I were not upon the Stage’, so so very funny.  Conor O’Hara showed off his dancing skills with an energetic Cossack routine, and there were some very charming vocal solos, duets and group performances. 
We had a pleasant tea/coffee interval and the raffle was drawn.  A most enjoyable evening was had by all, showing the diversity of the group. 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.