Spring Showcase 2026

This annual event is always a joy to see with a varied range of musical numbers with excellent accompaniment from Lisa Cheadle on the piano. This year, members Ed Gerrie and Guy Eade joined as a two-piece band providing Bass and Percussion.

For the first half they presented Trial by Jury, a short one act Gilbert & Sullivan comic operetta. Since these works are no longer protected by copyright, you have the discretion to alter the time setting to vary the characters and style of comedy.  Here we met a most unlikely mix of characters who included Sherlock Holmes, Elvis Presley and an artist.  The Learned Judge, (Paul Jennings), arriving late, was rather inebriated and at one point had trouble staying awake. The equally unlikely looking mix of bridesmaids and Bride To Be (Mareth Bassett) and the rest of the ensemble all added to the comedy in this totally unruly courthouse. The Court Usher, Alan Way, desperately trying to keep order along with  Phil Tattershall as the Defendant.  It had been said “Critics and audiences praised how well Sullivan's witty and good-humored music complemented Gilbert's satire” which summed it up perfectly. The cast certainly all looked like they were having fun, as was, equally clear, the audience’s enjoyment.

In the second half we were treated to many favorite melodies from the musicals with all the cast looking very smart in their black dresses and suits. There were excellent solos and full chorus numbers from shows including Cabaret, Fiddler on the Roof, Les Miserables and an Andrew Lloyd Weber Medley. There was also an instrument section with Paul Kiff on violin and Rob Rogers on clarinet and followed by a beautiful version of The Sabbath Prayer which was skillfully ‘signed’ by the ensemble,  led by Amie Davies and Becca Kirby.

The collective performance of the full company demonstrated impressive vocal quality and strength. Our thanks go to Sue for such an enjoyable evening and to the ladies who made delicious homemade cakes for the interval and lovely table arrangements in the NODA blue and orange colours. It was a pleasure to come and see you all and we will look forward to The Pirates of Penzance later in October.

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