Together at Last !

The Victorian Vera Fletcher Hall, in Thames Ditton, was the location for Hinchley Manor Operatic Society’s musical review, Together at Last. After two years of COVID restrictions, this was truly a celebration for the society members.

We received a warm welcome, were shown to our seats and issued with an attractive and informative programme.

A compilation show, like this, is such a lovely opportunity for everyone to take centre-stage. And although we were told that the company had had a short work-up, it was very well presented.

Lighting was simple but effective. We appreciate that there were constraints on how the hall’s equipment could be used. It was unnerving to watch Kelly clamber up that rickety ladder to the lighting-box…very brave of her !

Sound was well handled; and the MD, Debbi, gave good accompaniment to the songs, although one or two singers weren’t projecting sufficiently for the music. Many of the songs were chosen to emphasise the friendship and mutual support that the group have employed over the recent, horrible times. Movement and dance were well performed and synchronised throughout …particularly by the ladies.

Costumes were simple…mainly jeans and t-shirts. It was ok and it continued the theme of casual coming together…but it was so nice when something more dressy was used.

Our House was the exuberant opening number followed by the funny (and rude) There is Life Outside your Apartment, with Colin Bousfield, Abi Wingfield, Cally Green, Gill Varon, Katy Simon, Kay Colston, Lynn Cooke & Michelle Whitehead.

There were many enjoyable harmonies from Shannon Hearn, Zak Negri, Paige Fayers and Helen Wilson.

Ann Weston, Abi, Katy, Kay, Lynn and Michelle were resplendent in their costumes for Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend.

Helen and Katy sang beautiful solos in Sister Act and You’ve Got a Friend; Paige nicely executed It Means Beautiful and Abi gave a sweet and poignant rendition of My House, from Matilda.

Ken Smith and Val Carr performed several fun, well timed duets, with Val demonstrating her dancing skills in Good Morning.

Bring on Tomorrow was an attractive and well-co-ordinated finish to ACT I. Soloists were Zak, Gill and Colin Jackson.

I Don’t Need Anything But You was a good opener of ACT II.

Colin B, Gill and Katy gave a sprightly version of Together Wherever We Go; followed by Colin J’s fine, dramatic Empty Chairs at Empty Tables.

Times are Hard for Dreamers was nicely sung by Gill; and then we hit the office with a vigorous

Nine to Five followed by Abi, Cally & Ken in Been a Long Day.

The ladies sang Day by Day (Godspell); and Zak stepped in to sing Take What You Got with Paige. That boy has some energy !

Shannon sang a lovely and expressive If Mountains Were Easy to Climb; and Cally led the cast in Thank You For the Music.

The whole cast presented Together; with solos from Paige, Cally, Gill, Katy, Colin J and Abi. It was a fine finale to a show that exuded the warmth and friendship of a close-knit society.

Thank you again for a very enjoyable evening.

 

 

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