Speakeasy

Subtitled “Music from and in the style of the 20s and 30s”, this concert featured mainly songs from that era with one or two more modern show/film tunes and a couple of pop songs.  The audience happily sang (or at least hummed) along.  I was entertained and, where appropriate, amused by every number/performance. 
 
Ian Drever bravely took on two Sinatra standards, “I Could Write a Book”, with vocal support, and “The Very Thought of You”, solo, offering very acceptable versions. Jon Blakey sang “Fever”, “Spread A Little Happiness” and “Tainted Love”. Oliver Jennings performed “I’ll Build A Stairway to Paradise” and “Bye Bye Blackbird” with Chorus and boy group respectively, plus “The Land That Might Have Been”, solo, and a duet of “Careless Whisper” with Holly Hutchinson.  Gareth Graham gave us “You Were Meant for Me”, with vocal support, and joined Pamela Alderson for a duet on “Outside of That I Love You”.  Tom Berry was very amusing, in otherwise female company, performing “You Gotta Get A Gimmick”.

Before leaving the boys, I have to say it is heartening to see so many there, willing to put themselves front and centre, albeit with considerable support on occasions. So, what about the girls.  Well, Sarah Healy proved herself something of a torch singer, performing “Second Hand Rose” and “Miss Celie’s Blues” both with female support, “Le Jazz Hot” and “Someone To Watch Over Me”, solo.  Holly Hutchinson, in addition to her duet with Oliver, performed “Thoroughly Modern Millie” with support from Stephanie Nicholas, “Somebody Loves Me”, solo, and “Let Me Entertain You” with support from the boys.  Pamela Alderson, in addition to her duet, had solos with “My Favourite Things” and “Pennies From Heaven”.  Marion Faulkner gave us “Jazz Baby” from “Thoroughly Modern Millie” and I must mention two sad songs, well performed – “Miss Otis Regrets” from Susan Howard and the girls and “Ten Cents a Dance” from Rosalie Perry, solo, which started a little timorously but grew into something quite moving.

I have not really commented on individual performances because it’s difficult to do so.  The show was thoroughly entertaining.  Everybody gave what was required of them and, whenever the Chorus took over for the seven numbers they performed together, the ensemble singing was most effective.  That is my favourite bit, hearing all those voices together.  One final word - for the set.  It was designed by Mike Austin, a silver and black homage to the era, with large pictures of stars of the time prominently featured, which set off the performances beautifully.

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