Showcase Christmas Concert

What better way to spend a cold December afternoon than relaxing and listeneing to a selection of Christmas songs.

The programme was very varied including some more modern numbers as well as traditional favourites. The first half included the well know duet ‘Baby It’s Cold Outside’, ‘When A Child Is Born’ and a rousing ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’. ‘Don’t Fall In Love With An Elf’ was a new one to me and fun. Showcase has traditionally included the John Lewis Christmas advert music in their programme  and I did enjoy the arrangemnt of ‘Golden Slumbers.’ In contrast to some of the bouncy numbers the duet ‘Pie Jesu’ was sung brilliantly.

The guest appearance by some of the children from the company The Young Ones was delightful. Dressed in their elf costumes they told us that ‘It Feels Like Christmas’ and that they ‘Want A Hippopotamus for Christmas.’ ‘Hush A By Mountain’ from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang  where they were joined by one of the Showcase members was quite charming.

After an interval with mulled wine and mince pies we enjoyed a variety of numbers including a medley of Christmas numbers recorded by Elvis Presley. The vocal arrangements for some of the numbers were original, fresh and interesting. A swing duet arrangement of ‘White Christmas’ and the arrangement for five voices of ‘Silent Night’ were most impressive. ‘Oh Holy Night’ is one of my favourite songs and the soloist here sang with real sincerity and was indeed one of the highlights of the afternoon. ‘Jingle Bell Rock’, 'A Fairy Tale of New York’ and the final ‘Jingle Bells’ were all sung with Christmas cheer and verve.

This was a most enjoyable programme delivered by the talented Showcase who continue not only to entertain but also to raise money for McMillan..

To date they have raised more than £260.000. Apologies that in the last show report it stated £26,000.

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