What began a list of requests from the choir members, this evening of informal ‘indulgence’ for The Gisborne Singers resulted in one of the most enjoyable and often hilarious concert events for both audience and performers in some years.
Adopting a cabaret style, with seating at round tables and the audience bringing their own food and drink, this evening of musical variety was beautifully enhanced by a display of Art and Crafts from members, friends and local artists.
We are delighted to present this review by Christina Finch
On Saturday 6 August the Gisborne Singers hosted a night of Visuals, Voices, Victuals and Vino at the Holy Cross School Hall (New Gisborne). The Cabaret-style evening was co-directed by Barry Firth and Stephen Brockman. It was a deliberate departure from the usual formal style and repertoire. Master of Ceremonies Antony Marshall provided fulsome descriptions of all items together with gentle stirring and gratuitous alliteration, and never once allowed the persistent audience interjections to rile him.
The Visuals of the night was a display of clothing, pottery and painting by members and friends. The musical program ranged from Handel to American folk songs, to Lloyd-Webber. Individual members of the choir had some nice solos in songs arranged by Rutter and Copland. The school’s little piano was rocking as the four hands of Alan Grinton and Barry Firth romped through Bizet duets. Amongst the hilarity of the evening, a beautiful moment was the performance of Bach’s Sheep May Safely Graze with flutes played by Margaret and Stephen Brockman. Stephen later returned as the affected, amusing and slightly puzzling Right Reverend Ernest Psimpersing in the skit Take a Pew. The night even included a singalong, finishing with the Hippopotamus Song by Flanders and Swan (Mud, mud, glorious mud) led by President Robert Blair. Twenty-five items were performed, which made for a longish evening, but an uplifting one.
Adopting a cabaret style, with seating at round tables and the audience bringing their own food and drink, this evening of musical variety was beautifully enhanced by a display of Art and Crafts from members, friends and local artists.
We are delighted to present this review by Christina Finch
On Saturday 6 August the Gisborne Singers hosted a night of Visuals, Voices, Victuals and Vino at the Holy Cross School Hall (New Gisborne). The Cabaret-style evening was co-directed by Barry Firth and Stephen Brockman. It was a deliberate departure from the usual formal style and repertoire. Master of Ceremonies Antony Marshall provided fulsome descriptions of all items together with gentle stirring and gratuitous alliteration, and never once allowed the persistent audience interjections to rile him.
The Visuals of the night was a display of clothing, pottery and painting by members and friends. The musical program ranged from Handel to American folk songs, to Lloyd-Webber. Individual members of the choir had some nice solos in songs arranged by Rutter and Copland. The school’s little piano was rocking as the four hands of Alan Grinton and Barry Firth romped through Bizet duets. Amongst the hilarity of the evening, a beautiful moment was the performance of Bach’s Sheep May Safely Graze with flutes played by Margaret and Stephen Brockman. Stephen later returned as the affected, amusing and slightly puzzling Right Reverend Ernest Psimpersing in the skit Take a Pew. The night even included a singalong, finishing with the Hippopotamus Song by Flanders and Swan (Mud, mud, glorious mud) led by President Robert Blair. Twenty-five items were performed, which made for a longish evening, but an uplifting one.
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