The Sound Of TheMusicals

Garforth Musical Society is a thriving group that's been entertaining audiences with musicals and pantomimes since 1946. The Sound of Musicals was a wonderful evening’s entertainment to celebrate 80 years and the audience was certainly taken on a memorable journey through 80 years of theatrical joy. An exceptional occasion deserves a very special show, and Chair, Erin Ocsko, is to be congratulated for leading a hardworking team of people to achieve just that.

Stage Manager, Andrew Oxtoby, Stage Crew, Ian Barber, Tess Cowles and Sasha Marshall, Set build, Mark Jackson, kept everything looking good and running smoothly. Lighting and sound enhanced the show thanks to Adam Holmes, Keith Fearnley and Jamie Leigh. The purple and gold theme looked stylish, featuring balloons and golden shimmer clearly depicting 80 years. This was front of house and continued onto the stage area . carried through the costumes with the purple GMS tops, perfect for the occasion. The tables were cabaret style and House Manager, Carol Holmes, along with her team, Jo Fallas, Manina Fallas, Sue Sharp, Jemma Ocsko and Doreen Escolme, did a sterling job with refreshments.

What a strong team this society has in Richard Sharp and Joanne Jackson. The show was expertly put together and musically directed brilliantly. It must have been a difficult job selecting from the extensive list of past GMS productions, but ultimately this was a well-balanced but packed programme. Well done to the cast for rising to the challenge of learning it all. There were many highlights from a plethora of wonderful shows with a good mix of full ensemble, small groups, duets, and solos. Some numbers had movement, which worked really well in the limited performance space available to the cast. The action zipped along nicely thanks to choreography by Lynne Hill.

Like all concerts, it was an opportunity to allow people to showcase their talents, and all took up the challenge to great effect. The cast’s camaraderie and love for each other and their society were very much visible. It was good to see some long-service members back on stage in some numbers. There was a lovely mix of new and long-serving members performing side by side. It is obvious that every single person in GMS is valued and all play a part in its success. The colourful programme featured each member, and what a lovely way to organise the final bows than to have everyone in order of years of service taking the well-earned applause. Old and new were all stars together with a lot of talent, both collectively and individually.

From timeless classics to modern favourites the energy was maintained throughout, concluding in a rousing Sister Act number where even the audience were up on their feet celebrating.

Jonny Fallas kept things moving along and compered the concert with style. It was a nice mix of humour and historical information. Good to see him performing as well. “Three Little Maids“ just had to be!

Richard Sharp and Joanne Jackson are to be commended for their smooth changeovers from performing to managing the music in the pit. It's lovely to see you both performing and musically directing. What a double act! Ian Barber, the longest-serving member with 54 years at GMS, and President Brian Johnston relished their time back on stage.

Newest members  Laura Denbigh gave a rousing performance in Oom-Pah-Pah and Deadwood Stage, whilst Lauren Smith thrilled with You’ll Never Walk Alone.

A talented ensemble entertained brilliantly, and it was great to see so many individuals featuring and taking on solos and duets throughout the show. Congratulations to Neil Duff, Richard Escolme, Ken Hill, Graham Oxtoby, Chris White, Rebecca Haigh, Barbara Hawksworth, Lynne Hill, Jenny Hiorns, Amelia Jackson, Val Johnston, Michaela Lovell, Elaine McAleese, Emma Morton, Erin Ocsko, Annette Roe, Charlotte Stringer, Nikki Thomas and Rebecca Wilson.

This celebration was certainly a night to remember, with members new, young and stalwart all coming together to produce a varied and memorable programme It is very apparent the amount of hard work and dedication this group puts in year after year to entertain their audiences. The obvious love for the stage and the sheer joy of performing together just radiate out.

Congratulations to all the remarkable people who continue to make GMS what it is today. I’m sure that you will all continue to carry forward the legacy of 80 years. Wishing you all many more hours of laughter, and long may you continue to create lasting memories for yourselves and the people you entertain.

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