Equally renowned for their Light Opera and Variety shows, SALOS choose to deliver what their supporters want to hear. This evening was no exception, as the largely senior audience lapped up the huge range of songs from movies and musicals, comedic interludes and some well-chosen Christmas numbers in an uplifting evening reminiscent of the music hall entertainment of years gone by. Director Pam Tucker encourages all of her 25 performers to showcase their varying levels of talent, with each getting their moment to shine.
Under the able direction of Musical Director Peter Potts and with piano by Sue Penhale, flute by Robert Brown and percussion by Miriam Wilson, the cast covered varied classics such as the Tom Jones favourite Green, Green Grass Of Home, the 1930’s Ivor Novello’s Waltz Of My Heart, and the Peter, Paul and Mary 1960s chart topper Puff the Magic Dragon. Several medleys were presented from stage and movie musicals, and even a country and western set, all with photographs and a biography of the content cleverly displayed on a screen at the back of the stage to satisfy the usual “where is this from?” audience debate at the start of every number.
There were limited opportunities to sing along and I was bursting to join in at several points of the evening but did not want to offend the performers or subject my neighbours to my personal renditions without the appropriate permission to do so! Perhaps something to consider for future performances.
There were some stand out vocalists, namely Dione Baker and Katrin Treloar, however the evening’s highlights were the ensemble numbers, with a riot of colourful costumes and enjoyable harmonies. The cast clearly enjoyed themselves and their audience did too. Long may this Christmas tradition continue.
