Songs From Stage and Screen

This was my first time attending a fundraising concert where there was no charge on the evening, I did of course put a donation in the box, how else would the group make those much needed funds to be able to produce their next production advertised as The Snow Queen? I as reliably informed it will be their first step into Panto land.The Social club was a good setting for the concert with a raised area for the cast to relax whilst waiting, a large dance floor and also a stage area, ample room for the 25 strong cast to show the audience everything they had.Taking note of rules regarding concerts, no costumes were worn. The audience could choose to sit where they wanted in a cabaret style.

Compères Rob Pushkin and Heather Baldwin introduced each section from a range of well-known musicals and films. Luckily, I knew all but one musical number, its fair to say I was trying hard not to join in with some of my favourites. The performance was jam packed with 11 numbers in Act 1 followed by a short break another 12 in Act 2. Without listing all the tiles in the programme there were some great harmonies throughout, I would like to mention some of the standout numbers of the evening for me.

Rebecca Eastwood, Iona Mistry and Ella Sanders sang ‘Opening Up’ from the fantastic Waitress. I also enjoyed ‘Quiet’ from Matilda sang by Iona and Rebecca joined this time by Elenor Hewer and Rebeka Nagy. I loved the staging of ‘I Know It’s Today’ from Shrek performed by Rosie Forster, Becky Murray and Isabelle Pollock.One of the best- and well-known numbers was an a Capella version of ‘Somewhere’ from West Side Story

Act two opened with the rousing ‘One Short Day’ from one of my favourites, Wicked. Here Gemma Collins and Becky were joined by the large ensemble.There was a wonderful rendition of ‘Stars’ from Les Misérables performed by Frank Foley,Tom Cullen, Matthew Britt, Anthony Nick Britt, Derek Hartley and Samuel Hickman.The final number was ‘I’m A Believer’ from Shrek, the cast openly encouraged audience participation, it really was a super end to a fun evening's entertainment.

Congratulations and well done to all involved, really looking forward to seeing the pantomime.

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