VARIETY SHOWCASE 6th July 2018 HESWALL MUSICAL SOCIETY
​Having been a member of Heswall Operatic Society in its more halcyon days, it is exciting to note that, along with a new name (Heswall Musical Society) there is a new enthusiasm in the air which augurs well for its future. The show promised us a celebration of events which have great historical significance in this country; 100 years from the end of the first world war, 100 years since women gained the right to vote, 70 years since the start of the National Health Service. Andrew Lloyd Webber's 70th birthday also came into the picture. With all those things going for it, the pre-event publicity offered much and certainly did not disappoint us. The Society was joined by the Heswall Concert Band under the direction of Mrs Becky Thomas for the band and Mr Greg Williams for the Society. The audience was thus able to hear some strong singing coupled with excellent musical interludes. Johnny Kennedy the former Radio City DJ compared the proceedings, Lesley Lyne produced for HMS and choreography by Fran Anyon. Another Opening Another Show from Kiss Me Kate brought the shades of Cole Porter and Irving Berlin to life, the ensemble continuing with a selection of songs from My Fair Lady. Another and perhaps more surprising anniversary then gave us two songs,from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang which will be 50 years old in December of 2018. Like Chitty itself, doesn't time fly! Four of Andrew Lloyd Webber's shows provided us with a chance to wish him a belated birthday greeting, followed by Johnny Kennedy's complete professionalism and the concert band with the Dambusters theme, Moments for Morricone and Pirates of the Carribean Completing the first half the audience got their chance to join in the fun with songs to commemorate the end of WW1. Almost unbelievably we found ourselves celebrating another birthday; Elaine Page star of so many West End hits was also 70, just 17 days prior to Lloyd Webber. Anything Goes, Cats and Evita enabled us to send our good wishes to that very talented lady. The success of women generally not only through the Suffragettes (Sister Suffragette from Mary Poppins) but also the recognition from the men that there really isn't "Anything Like a Dame" from South Pacific. Harking back to 1948 " A Spoonful of Sugar" and "If I Only Had a Brain" reminded us what a wonderful job the NHS has done and continues to do in its 70 year old history. Heswall Concert Band were then on hand to give us excerpts from "Dances with Wolves", Jesus Christ Superstar and the Symphonic Beatles, all great stuff! Being a long time fan of Les Miserables it was a pleasure to listen to a closing selection from that show. Excellently sung, this was a fitting end to a very entertaining evening! The reaction of the audience was all that was needed to emphasise what a good night this had been and both Heswall Musical Society and Heswall Concert Band are to be congratulated. For the Musical Society, a new beginning which can surely only lead to a brighter future, so now is your chance to join them and be part of this revival!
Budge. ​

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