REVIEW: Joyful and triumphant! Aylsham singers redefine the word ‘amateur’

The Grand Dickensian Christmas Show was always going to be popular as the Aylsham Singers Choir has earned a high grade reputation and an eager following. Tickets disappeared in a flurry as soon as they appeared and St. Michaels Church in Aylsham was full to the capacity they prefer, keeping enough room for people to be comfortable and with a good view. The view was especially important as the choir had donned costumes of the Dickensian era (as did some of the audience) and it made a much more interesting spectacle.

I don’t know if it was the costumes that created a special Christmas atmosphere and feel but the audience responded with the very first notes that their talented conductor Geoff Davidson played. They clapped along to the beat with smiles and laughter and this light hearted enjoyment continued throughout the evening.

The choir was faultless as they sang Christmas carols, songs and extracts from the musical Scrooge with guest artists and singers supplying additional singing, poems and readings and with superb antics from Father Christmas and Scrooge! Guest artists and singers were Sarah Brown, Genevieve Plunkett and Mr. and Mrs. Howell.

It was Christmas all the way with mulled wine and ginger cakes in the interval and it was a perfect way to start the Christmas season. It held a tinge of sadness however as the show was dedicated to Canon Michael Butler, a long established singer with the choir who was recently killed in an accident.

All in all it was a memorable night and it would be great if Christmas shows from this choir became a new tradition in Aylsham. I know of many people who were disappointed that the tickets sold so quickly; maybe the choir could consider putting on such a show for more than one night to accommodate them?

Congratulations to the choir, their conductor and guests and all involved in its production it was a great success.

Lee Todd

PICTURES: Edward Taylor

Aylsham singers in full Dickensian dress