As the title says - it certainly was a 'Grand Night for Singing'! From the first entrance of the chorus to the last, the company had the audience with them all the way. I think compilation shows are much harder to produce and stage than a straightforward musical with a script so congratulations to Karen Anstiss and Sian Bowles-Bevan on their first production. It had pace, comedy and pathos. A comment for the future - perhaps the excellent version of 'The Surrey with the Fringe on Top', should have ended before bringing on the superb comedy duo of Maureen and Dawn. The audience started to titter and it rather spoilt the ending of a fine song. I thoroughly enjoyed the staging of the chorus numbers, in particular 'Honey Bun' which, for me, was the highlight of the show. Dave S gave a highly entertaining performance and the choreography for this number was original and extremely witty. No wonder the audience begged for more at its reprise in the finale! I found the different styles of choreography interesting and Sian, Karen A, Jo, Linda H and Linda K are to be congratulated on keeping it simple and well polished so that everyone could move well and look good. To choreograph such large numbers was a feat in itself! Musical Director, Martin Wilcox did a fine job with all the wonderful music of Rodgers and Hammerstein. I was very impressed with how the company tackled the songs from so many well-known and not so well-known shows. The Band, as always, was impeccable and it was nice to speak to Lee during the interval. May I also add my congratulations on his recent marriage. Whilst all the soloists performed well, there were some in particular that really excelled. Nick had superb control of his voice in both his numbers - a pleasure to listen to and a great asset to the company. Jacqueline, and in particular Karen S really entertained the audience with their number 'I Can't Say No'. Karen's facial expressions were a delight to behold and her characterisation was just right. Richard's rendition of 'Maria' was very good and I enjoyed the rapport with the band. He is extremely charismatic on stage and was not phased by the explosion of one of the speakers during his song! I had not previously heard the song 'The Gentleman is a Dope' but I really enjoyed the performance by Angela and Sarah W. Who ever would have thought an Andrew Sisters version of 'I'm Gonna Wash that Man Right Out of My Hair' could be so good. It was extremely well executed by Alex, Linda H and Sue - a memorable performance. The beautiful song from Carousel, 'If I loved You' was sung with real feeling and sensitivity by Stephanie. The man of comedy has to be Adrian! 'Shall we Dance' brought the house down especially with the pairing of couples in their various sizes. Linda K had Martin and Richard (and may I say also the audience) eating out of her hand in 'That's the Way It Happens'. Her delivery of the line 'I was hungrier than I thought' was perfect. Martin and Sam gave a confident performance with a well-delivered 'All At Once You Loved Her'. The second half took off with gusto featuring Colin in Wild Western mode - a good personality on stage with a strong singing voice. However, I was slightly distracted by his mic pack which looked like a bleeper. Karen S, Ken and Stephanie gave a great performance of 'The Man I Used to Be'. Ken is a very easy mover with good facial expressions. An enjoyable trio. Liz Y excelled in her solo 'It Might as Well be Spring' which she sang in a nice reflective way. The jazzy 'Kansas City' was given a very good rendition by Jo and Sian. However, I would like to make the point to Jo that in a venue such as Drayton Manor, which has the audience on the 'flat', try to perform to your audience instead of singing to the back wall as you might, say, at the Questors. Linda K had a smash hit with 'It's Me'. It was a number just for Linda and she attacked it with just the right amount of tease and sex appeal. Her 8 dancing men, Nick, Martin, Sam, Ken, Phillip, Colin, Miles and Richard were splendid. How good to see men who can dance and not just shuffle around! Something Wonderful' was sung with real heart by Sian and Ken sang 'This Nearly was Mine' with strength and feeling. Well done also to Sarah K who has a lovely smile on stage - just needs a bit more confidence. Other members not mentioned above but worked extremely hard were Becky, Emily, Ruth, Ann, Margaret, Alex, Sue, Vicky, Jane, Karen B, Dave B and David S. The company all worked well in the chorus numbers and looked as if they were enjoying every minute of being on stage. With regard to costumes, I felt the dresses and waistcoats worked well but I would have liked to have seen something different in the second half. Well done to the Wardrobe team - Karen S, Jaqueline, Barbara and Georgina. My adverse comment for the evening has to be the make-up. Whilst some had really tried hard, a few of the ladies seemed to have put on just a bit of eye shadow and pink lipstick. The men appeared not to have bothered. Under strong stage lighting, correct make-up is essential. What about setting up a make-up workshop for the company? Lighting by Pete Balls, was certainly adequate for this production but, unfortunately on this occasion, the sound by Andrew Lumsden seemed to let down the performers. Some throat mics appeared not to work and I would have thought by the last night technical hitches should have been ironed out. The set was simple and effective and the Stage Manager, Peter Campbell and the crew undertook their few changes slickly. Properties by Sam Thomas, Box Office Manager, Peter Ward, Front of House team and Bar Co-ordinator, Karen Steel all added to the success of the show and an excellent evening. The programme, designed by Martin Wilcox, continued the colour theme of the set and costumes, was informative. I liked the quiz but as yet haven't had time to find the missing person! Summary This was a splendid opportunity for Gloc to show off their talented company. Superb staging of numbers and enthusiasm from all the cast made for a very enjoyable evening. No wonder the audience called for more!

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