Winter Warmers

This was the second ‘One Night Show’ performed by the society at the Sunderland Empire. Once again they used what seems to be a winning combination of including local junior schoolchildren as well as the Kathleen Knox School of Dance to create a more ‘rounded’ spectacle of entertainment. Although billed as ‘Winter Warmers’, the content was more rich and varied than the festive title would have had you believe, with some fifty musical numbers and fifteen shows covered.
The two schools involved, Hill View Junior School and East Herrington Primary Academy, comprised a total of over 130 eight to eleven year olds. Each had a section in which to perform during each half, and both schools took the opportunity to impress the audience. Their ability to hold a tune and enunciate clearly with confidence bodes well for the future of performing arts in the region. It is perhaps wrong to single one song out amongst the many fine renditions, but I was particularly impressed with the harmonies and ‘feeling’ imparted during “The Rose” by one of the school choirs – really moving.
The Kathleen Knox school of dance once again showed their versatility and talent throughout their performances which were up to the exacting standards that Kathleen requires. The most enjoyable and ambitious in my opinion was the potted version of that most seasonal of ballets, “The Nutcracker Suite” which was truly outstanding.

SAOS members themselves impressed throughout the show with some splendid choral singing and also ‘looked the part’. Soloists, including Claire Jordan, Graeme Smith, Melanie King, Brian Leach, amongst many others, performed well. A special mention to two numbers which stood out, sisters Cara and Gemma Fowler performing a duet from ‘Wicked’, and the superbly raunchy Rachael Amundsen during the ‘Chicago’ section. Well done to Jordan Branthwaite as conductor in keeping the singers controlled. A fine night’s entertainment, performed to what appeared a larger than normal audience – well done SAOS.

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