‘RULE BRITANNIA!’

 

The Marchington Singers and

The Uttoxeter Town Brass Band

 

... and what a night it was!

 

The Singers had a capacity audience on Saturday July 17th at Thomas Alleyne’s School Theatre in Uttoxeter for their Summer Concert ‘Rule Britannia!’  Together with Uttoxeter Town Brass Band, led by Matt Pope, a programme was presented which unashamedly celebrated all things British, from Ascot Day and Fish ‘n Chips through to ‘Land of Hope and Glory’.

 

The Band played some lively marches and one or two reflective pieces, a bit of swing and a touch of nostalgia.  Their medley ‘Keep Smiling Through’ included wartime melodies which were instantly recognised by those in the audience who were not, of course, old enough to remember the words (!), and the poignant ‘Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square’ was beautifully played.

 

The Singers, with accompanist Michael Woodhead, presented music from around the British Isles, including the haunting ‘Londonderry Air’, ‘All Through The Night’, ‘My Love is Like a Red Red Rose’, and a spirited medley from Lionel Bart’s ‘Oliver!’.

 

A rousing finale saw the entire audience singing, clapping and stamping to ‘Jacks’ The Lad’ - an ever-accelerating hornpipe, part of Henry Wood’s Fantasia on British Sea Songs - then of course joining voices with the Singers and the Band in ‘Rule Britannia!’.

 

The audience loudly demanded an encore, and ‘You Raise Me Up’, performed by the Marchington Singers accompanied by the Uttoxeter Town Brass Band, closed the most enjoyable evening.

 

Here are just a few of the comments we have received about the concert.

 

“Brilliant.  Absolutely loved it.”

“You make a fantastic sound!”

“Such talent, here in Uttoxeter.  It’s just amazing!”

“Wonderful!  Can’t wait for your next concert.”

“What a night!!  On behalf of Matt and the Band, can I say a big thank you for last night’s concert – it was a delight to take part with a choir of your calibre, and I know our players thoroughly enjoyed it.” - Trudy Kennedy, Uttoxeter Town Brass Band.

 

“Although it’s not my favourite song, the audience just loved Healthy Eating (aka Fish & Chips)!

 

“The capacity audience were brilliant - singing and waving their Union Jack flags!  It makes all the hard work worthwhile.”

 

“That was great!  We should record it together!”

 

Click here images of the concert