We Got Rhythm

~~When this concert opened I wondered what we had come to, then quickly realised that, with no lighting whatsoever, only the pretty reflecting flashes from a glitter ball, very atmospheric but the choir couldn’t see either their copies or the Musical Director!!!!  Well done to all the members of the choir for learning their music and continuing under such dire circumstances.  The second number, lighting now on and fully restored, was a completely different performance with confident singing, four part harmony which blended well, good diction and smiling faces.   The programme, as the title suggests, was devoted to the ‘Big Band’, ‘Swing Era’ and contained a great number of favourites from the pre and post war years.

The Society was assisted by guest artists Janet and Fliss Austen who performed some intricate tap routines and later by an excellent local band the ‘Sultans of Swing’ who really got the audience tapping their feet and bouncing in their seats.  My particular favourites were ‘String of Pearls’, ‘Satin Doll’ and the close of the first half when they played ‘Twisting Drums’, an item specifically written to show off the talents of the drummer of the band and this young man really did not disappoint – he was brilliant.

The second half was equally as good as the first with the addition of solos from members of the Company.  The whole evening was unintrusively and well accompanied by Mike and Ken Gilroy and Rosie Walsh held everything together.  Mike Hellawell was the compere and a very enjoyable evening was had by all.

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