CONCERT REVIEW

CHRISTMAS SHOWCASE

WEYMOUTH OPERATIC SOCIETY

HOPE CHURCH, WEYMOUTH

I'M glad I left any festive cynicism at the doorstep as I stepped into this celebratory concert.

It took me to church, both literally and metaphorically, as they say these days.

Coupled with the twinkling lights of Christmas trees dotted throughout this pretty little harbourside church, the society's vocal talent dazzled the audience to the point of blindness.

This Christmas Showcase was split into two acts with the first taking in musicals with a festive twist and the second packed with carols and modern Christmas songs.

The company passed the test of two soloists struck down with illness hours before curtain up with flying colours.

"The show must go on," accomplished compere and musical director Geoff King told us.

Particular mention has to go to Stella Brading, who stepped in to perform How Great Tho Art, with a couple of hours notice.

Her daughter, Shakira Brading is a true talent, whose rendition All is Well, sung with perfect control, was my highlight of the evening.

She wasn't the only soloist who shone - Cate Steel showed off her sweet, charming tones in Silver Bells and Laura Greenway performed a roof raising Oh Happy Day with the full company.

Just one of the numbers - For Unto Us A Child Is Born - dragged a little and didn't sit so well in the line-up, but the rest of the programme was expertly chosen.

The collective voice of Weymouth Operatic Society resounding throughout Hope Church was spine-tinglingly memorable.

And you have a chance to experience it tonight, for the society's final performance of this show. Tickets, at £7, are available on the door.

JOANNA DAVIS