ANY worries I had about sitting in a cold, draughty church bored stiff by stuffy Christmas carols faded within seconds of arriving at this lively concert.

After a scenic stroll alongside Weymouth harbourside marvelling at the twinkly lights from the cosy pubs, restaurants and homes (it’s perfect this time of year) I was ushered into a toasty warm church stuffed with Christmas trees.

Weymouth Operatic Society started the show with a West Side Story medley.

Such is the intimacy of this venue, I was instantly transported to New York City, with the singers so close to the audience sashaying along to America, making the most of Hope Church’s new stage area and floor.

James Neilson and Geoff King as The Bold Gendarmes from the operetta Genevieve de Braban, were fantastic and set an energetic tone for the evening.

As we moved into the classical music section, I was blown away by Stella Brading’s performance of Nella Fantastia.

She hit and felt every note and I became lost in the song.

As an ensemble, the society then sang Pokarekare Ana, a beautiful Maori love song written by a homesick soldier.

If you are looking for the highest standard of entertainment in the run-up to Christmas, this powerful anthem belted out in this little church, has to be heard.

The ensemble blends together perfectly for the harmonies and Anna-Maria Geare’s solo parts were strong and stirring.

After Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus and an interval, I couldn’t help but be a little disappointed by the beginning of the Christmas Section, I Wish It Could be Christmas Everyday.

Maybe it’s my sense of humour, but I didn’t really find the society’s men dragging it up as ‘Mrs Santas’ very amusing.

Compere Geoff King stitched together performances with aplomb, motivating the audience to take part in Good King Wenceslas Looked Out and O Come All Ye Faithful.

I even found myself enjoying an unusual Christmas ‘wrap’, not to a P Diddy number, but to Stop the Cavalry, using a piece of Christmas wrapping paper as a musical accompaniment.

This is a concert for everyone, encompassing a wide range of musical styles performed in a warm, cosy venue with an atmosphere to match.

I came away feeling like the society had finally made my Christmas start and they encapsulated how it should be – full of entertainment, laughter and warmth.

Christmas With a Touch of Class is at Hope Church in Trinity Street tonight and tomorrow from 7.30pm.

Tickets are available on the door for £7 for adults and £5 for children, including a glass of mulled wine or fruit juice.

JOANNA DAVIS