just how to get the best out of Victoria Wood’s “Ballad of Alan and Freda”. The laughter rang out, it was such a crowd pleaser. What better way to bringing two voices together for a duet than to sing the evergreen “Anthem” from “Chess”? Beth Garrett and Kate Blezard were emotive in their telling of the love triangle within the show. George Gershwin is one of the best-known American composers. He crossed genres from popular to classical music. After a slightly shaky start Ken Rees soon got into his stride with "I Got Plenty o' Nuttin'" from “Porgy and Bess”. We were treated to another great Hungarianborn American composer, Sigmund Romberg, and “Romance” from his musical “The Desert Song”. Victoria Goulden took control as she delivered this almost forgotten piece. Victoria’s technique (I do not believe she breathes when singing) is so good, especially her phrasing. Romance is a word rarely used today but on this occasion the audience was romanced with Victoria’s singing. In May 2025 The Three Towns will be presenting a fully staged production of “Die Fledermaus”, and as a teaser, the company sang the “Champagne” song. This, along with the evening’s entertainment, was a great advert for the society which will sell ticket. The evening I attended was a cold, stormy weekend: the concert lifted spirits and sent the audience home with a warm glow.
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