A DELIGHTFUL evening of Gilbert & Sullivan music was presented by Hemyock Singers at their annual Christmas concert with musical director Matthew Bale and Nigel Atkinson as accompanist

The rousing Ring Forth Ye Bells from The Sorcerer was the opening number followed by three songs from HMS Pinafore – by chance the Singers’ first stage production over 40 years ago, with Mo Anderson attempting to entice sailors to spend their money as she portrayed Little Buttercup and Chris Hudson (bass) confirming to all He Is An Englishman.

Music from Ruddigore, Iolanthe and Patience followed with solo by Sue Bennett (alto) Oh Foolish Fay, whose strong voice carried well. This, along with her very clear diction, was also obvious in her second solo When Our Gallant Norman Foes (The Yeomen of the Guard).

Jenny Doble is well known to local audiences and her soprano solo from Ruddigore was as always a delight as her voice soared to easily reach the higher notes of Hail the Bride of Seventeen Summers.

A piano duet of music from The Mikado by Nigel Atkinson and Matthew Bale drew warm applause

The ever popular Dance a Cachucha from The Gondoliers sung at speed had the audience’s feet tapping and was in complete contrast to the opening bars of In a Doleful Train Two & Two We Walk

As the concert was followed by a traditional turkey dinner it was appropriate that the final chorus was from The Sorcerer – Now To The Banquet We Press. Some of the words had been adapted to fit the occasion causing laughter as spuds, sprouts, turkey and hot Christmas pud were sung.

The 24-strong chorus are to be congratulated as throughout the concert their musical control, entries and diction was good and the choir clearly enjoyed singing this music to a very appreciative audience.

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