Association of Community Theatre

Show Reviews November 2017

In Concert

The Three Towns Operatic Society

 

This Three Towns' presentation was a concert is every sense of the word; twenty men and twenty seven women sitting before a capacity house.

 

There was a sprinkling of soloists to the podium, but the overall star of the entertainment was the music.

 

This was not an evening singing from a pile of scores, it was a crafted musical feast.

The musical arrangements were exceptional, and the medleys of the Jersey Boys and A Tribute to Queen would have satisfied Gareth Malone.

 

There were twenty-two diverse numbers in total including, “Unchained Melody”, “The Prayer” and “Joshua Fought De Battle ob Jerico”. The ensemble knew its dots and was well rehearsed. The members sang as one, totally together, and with the four part harmonies resonating in the excellent acoustics of the theatre.

 

The soloists had a lot to live up to as the company numbers were so well delivered. Of the solo work, Sue Bradley opened the Ivor Novello’s song book with “Fly Home Little Heart” from KIng's Rhapsody. Sue captured the era of musical comedy, so much so that the Welshman would have been delighted with her rendition.

 

One of the milestones in musical theatre is Showboat and its signature song “Ol' Man River” was dramatically rendered by Winston Carmichael and was well received by the audience.

 

Léhàr’s “On My Lips Every Kiss Is Like Wine” from Giuditta was the show stopper it always is. Victoria Goulden effortlessly sang Vienna’s King of Operetta’s show piece.

In this varied  programme there was something for everyone, and for the all-important future of the group, youth had the spotlight. Lauren Smith put the thought behind the words of “I Know Where I’ve Been” from Hairspray.

 

Musical evenings of this nature are now sadly few and far between. Being part of the appreciative audience proved just how The Three Towns Operatic Society is almost single- handedly filling the gap.