Something For Everyone

This was the penultimate production of Richmond’s 90th Anniversary year, and whether for practical or nostalgic reasons they returned to their former ‘home’ of over fifty years, the previous Zetland cinema (now the Influence Church).  It certainly was nostalgic for myself having not been in the venue for over 30 years.

The concert entitled “Something For Everyone” lived up to the billing as this was a ‘nod’ to many of the productions the group had been associated with over its 90 years. Numbers ranged from G&S, The Arcadians, Mr Cinders, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Kismet, and ended with a selection from Sondheim and the group’s November production, “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum”

This nostalgic trip had many highlights including the haunting singing by the ladies chorus of the “Pipes of Pan” from ‘The Arcadians’, and Gail Barlow’s fine voice giving a moving rendition of “Why Can’t You Behave” from ‘Kiss Me Kate’. Husband and wife duo of Gary and Julie Winn gave us “Anything You Can Do” from ‘Annie Get Your Gun’, whilst the ever popular “Hymn to Him” from ‘My Fair Lady’ was sung by John Holliday with conviction.

Choral numbers were up to the high standards expected of the group, with a splendid version of “Sunrise, Sunset” from ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ involving many soloists. Perhaps the highlight for me was the four part harmony arrangement of “And This Is My Beloved” from ‘Kismet’.

Compere for the evening was Christopher Wellings, and he told a little of the history of the group as well as the productions from whose numbers the concert comprised.

Sadly the attendance was not as high as deserved which may have been a reflection of the scorching weather outside.

The group had added extra lights to compliment the now limited lighting of the venue, and effective use was made of them. No microphones were used but the acoustics of the venue and voice projection allowed for little problem in hearing. Congratulations also need to be paid to the combo of musicians who performed very well.

Overall this was an entertaining trip down memory lane and a welcome addition to their anniversary year. Well done Richmond OS

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