Newport Operatic Society are currently celebrating the 90th anniversary of their first production, and what better way than with a musical revue.
Having performed initially at Newport's Lyceum and Empire Theatres, they lay claim to being Newport's oldest musical society, and how fitting that their tradition is firmly guaranteed with younger members sitting very comfortably alongside the company’s experienced stalwarts.
The evening began with a musical tribute to their first ever production, The Mikado and moved through their years of change from operetta to the timeless classics of Calamity Jane, Guys and Dolls, My Fair Lady and Half a Sixpence before coming bang up to date with a selection of numbers from We Will Rock You, Miss Saigon, Wicked and Whistle Down the Wind.
It’s testament to the society that they have any number of leading ladies in Sharon Fitzgerald, Louise Haycock, Frances Watkins and Julia Rose but how fitting that Sandra Hourahine raised the biggest cheer for the very contemporary Grandma’s Song from Billy Elliot.
Not to be outdone, Chris Edmunds was not only an informative and charming compere, he also made his mark alongside the other talented male vocalists, John Weldon, Greville Lucas, Gareth Kilvington and Dave Edwards.
Full credit must go to Sharon Fitzgerald and Cathy Robins who triumphed with the diversity of the programme.
The infamous rousing choruses still brought goosebumps…here’s to the next 90 years.
The production ends on Saturday.
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