Andy Gibson, trumpeter in the touring theatre show Bugle Boy, is back in town this weekend playing with Swindon’s Kentwood Show Choir in their annual showcase.
Founder and musical director of the choir, Sheila Harrod, said she was delighted to have Andy in the Kentwood show. “He was performing in the Glenn Miller story last week and he is back at the Wyvern Theatre playing with us this week,” she said.
The Kentwood extravaganza is on Saturday at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.
Andy will perform with Paul Maguire and his Little Big Band alongside musicians playing trombone, reeds, piano, bass guitar and drums. The band have their own solo slot as well as playing for the singers.
As soon as one Kentwood show ends Sheila starts her singers working towards the next, so the choir has been rehearsing since last November when the Kentwood Christmas Cracker finished.
“We need that time to create the complex harmonies and produce the quality of work that I want,” said Sheila.
There are 50 cast members, ranging in age from seven to 68.
The finale features songs from West Side Story, Carousel and Les Miserables.
“They are three of the greatest musicals ever,” said Sheila. “We have a special moment which a lot of people are really looking forward to, when Graham Davison-Smith sings Soliloquy from Carousel.’’ The show is raising money for the Open Door charity in Swindon. The choir spent an hour singing at Asda Walmart recently and earned £146 for the charity. The Open Door choir have been invited to sing at the Kentwood Christmas Cracker this year at the Wyvern on November 25, which will also feature the Aldbourne Band.
Sheila has been brushing up her keyboard skills as she is playing a piano duet, The 12 Street Rag, with Paul Maguire. In fact, the show opens with a jazz set including 76 Trombones, and has a set of the classical numbers plus some MGM magic with songs from the movies. There will also be songs from The Beatles and a romantic medley.
As a tribute to this year’s Diamond Jubilee and Olympic Games the youngsters will be performing in the first half with songs all about London.
Tickets are £12.50 from 01793 524481.
– FLICKY HARRISON
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here