World War 1 Commemorative concert and Old Time Music Hall

In this centenary year of the ending of the ‘great war’ it was nice to be invited along to Walkerville and witness their concert commemorating the spirit of the war and how it affected people - directed by Ann Ranson. With something for everyone the cast gave us comedy interludes and the music of the trenches along with a short sketch entitled ‘Over the Top’ written by Geoff Parker and performed by Ken Richardson and James Metcalf which was amusing and dramatic at the same time with a twist in the tale I didn’t see coming – well done.
Perhaps the highlight for me, and it seemed the audience too by their stunned silence, was the finale led by a piper, a British Legion flagbearer and Brian Harland as he gave a moving address before the whole cast joined in a beautiful rendition of Laurence Binyon’s poem ‘For the Fallen’ sung to music whilst the poppy leaves fell.

The second act of this concert directed by Alan Tomkins went back to the ‘Old Time Music Hall’ style of entertainment with John Boothroyd as the ‘chairman’ introducing the acts which were many and varied ranging from serious singing, comedy sketches, and fine choral work. Highlights for me was Helen Richardson’s ‘Berlington Bertie’, James Metcalf’s “I’m Shy Mary Ellen” and the very humorous rendition of “Old Man River” by Alan Tomkins (and a ‘heckler’ from the audience sitting extremely close to me – Thanks Grayson!)

The whole evening was very entertaining, although from an audience perspective I thought there was possibly a little too much content in the second act. That however did not distract from the splendid evening, authentic looking costumes, good lighting and sound plot and fine music as supplied by the two Peter’s from the ‘pit’.

Also nice to see the British Legion there raising funds for their admirable work.

Well done to Walkerville – always a pleasure to attend their productions.

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