Wartime Upstairs Downstairs Christmas

Bridlington’s Christmas shows always get people in the right spirit and this year’s production was probably the best of its kind I’ve seen the society perform.  The first half was set, via costume, stage props and backdrop, downstairs in a stately home à la Downton, the second half upstairs, depicted in similar ways.

A cast of 22 members, including 8 men, presented Christmas songs and wartime numbers and there were also opportunities for the audience to join in with some carols in each half.  Mind you, most of us were singing along anyway as memories came flooding back.  Chamberlain’s historic broadcast to the country was also included which was very moving.

It was quite obvious that the production team had put a lot of research into finding music for inclusion in the show that may have been forgotten.  This was evident in the content which included Three Little Maids, Andrews Sisters and Flanagan and Allen medleys and With Her Head Tucked Underneath Her Arm along with more up to date numbers such as Empty Chairs and Empty Tables from Les Mis and the beautiful Bethlehem from Martin Guerre.

The cast had a lot of music and words to learn, the latter maybe being a bit suspect in the later stages of the performance but they all had smiles.  Solos were well performed and the group singing was first class - the best I’ve heard them- especially in the Moonlight Serenade section presented in the much loved Sing Something Simple style.  This was, therefore, a very good show.

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