WOODLANDS TRIUMPH

I already knew that interest in this concert was massive but I was confronted by at least five shady characters, before I`d left the station, who assured me that they had access to the venue..... FOR A PRICE!!!

I arrived at the venue and was pleased to find that the security was holding the growing crowd at bay, I quickly took my seat. The buzz of anticipation in the audience was at near fever pitch as the musicians took their places.

My heart sank, only a pianoforte and a single acoustic guitar, but I should not have had any misgivings as the virtuoso performances were perfection personified.

The Master of Ceremonies, resplendent in black suit, bow tie and sporting a magnificent moustache (that surely would have filled Edward VII with pride) then appeared and we knew the “show was on the road”.

After the opening announcement by the M.C we heard the sounds of the opening song as the performers appeared on stage singing and dancing carrying with them an infectious happiness that was to last throughout the show.

We were then treated to refreshingly new arrangements of familiar songs as well as some great choreography, punctuated liberally with solo performances, a great version of “Cockles and Mussels” leaps to mind. To this was added surprise mystery guests, I remember a marvelous duet featuring a diva, sporting bright green hair and an amazing pair of spectacles, with her beau. The M.C again took front stage as the cast left the stage and the audience had time to catch its breath.

After a short interval the cast reappeared, this time in military ensemble, and the cast treated us to a “tour de force” of more of our favourite songs. During a touching rendition of that heartfelt song “Lili Marlene” a sultry figure clothed in a Macintosh moved to centre stage, the Macintosh was opened to reveal a basque. I was left clutching one of her stockings with a memory that will warm me eternally.

As the sounds of the songs abated one of the cast stepped forward to treat us to a wonderful “stand-up” comedy spot. The material was first class and some of the jokes were unknown even to this jaded hack. The versatility of these performers seems to have no bounds.

The M.C then introduced us to another surprise guest a “Mr Motivator” who turned out to be a petite lady with outstanding biceps. The sounds of “The Stripper” blasted out and the cast began to undress to reveal lycra gym clothes, we were then treated to a `break-neck` version of that charabanque classic “Head Shoulders Knees and Toes”

The M.C brought us back to earth and led us singing “The Woodlands Anthem” ............. A fitting end to a fine show.

WOODLANDS TRIUMPH

Rafe St John Fitzedmund

Fine Arts and Court Correspondent