REVIEW: Back2BackBacharach

I don’t know about you but I particularly enjoy the first night of any stage production. They have an edge to them – first night nerves and the feeling from the cast after all the rehearsals of ‘are we nearly there yet?’ and suddenly ‘there’ is ‘here’!

The first night of Back2BackBacharach did not disappoint with its verve of seamless songs – 18 in total – which brought much cheer and enjoyment for the audience, not to mention evoking many memories going back as far as 1962 with ‘Only Love Can Break a Heart’.

This song will probably be remembered for the version sung by Gene Pitney and – as with many other Bacharach compositions - the singer rather than the talent of the composer is what is recalled.

The show was directed by John Walker and produced skilfully by Monica Spalding - both also took an active part on stage with 17 other members of the society.

All the cast are to be congratulated on a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining evening. Every song was sung with great flair - solos, duets, full chorus were all delivered with great professionalism.

The gentle humour in places enabled the audience to be transported away from the tedium of current times and the finale of ‘That’s What Friends Are For’ lifted that sentiment even higher.

There may have been fireworks outside but inside the Arts Centre was a real sparkler!

CONTRIBUTED