Brighton and Hove (Actually) Gay Men’s Chorus returned to St Andrews last night with their new show On The Beaches.

Guest of honour for the evening was Dame Vera Lynn, the forces sweetheart, who received a standing ovation as she took her seat in the church.

Maybe it was the presence of Dame Vera, but the Chorus certainly raised the bar last night with as good a vocal performance in the first half of the show as I have ever heard from them.

The show opened with a rousing performance of the Rhythm Of Life followed by a fabulous arrangement of Franz Lehar’s Entrance of the Merry Widow and Vilia featuring the fine soprano voice of Fiona Baines.

A contemporary arrangement of Robbie Williams Angels followed, accompanied by harpsichord, which gave the chorus the opportunity to show off their unaccompanied acappella singing.

Can’t Help Lovin The Man of Mine accompanied by saxophonist Nick Warr followed with both chorus and instrumentalist capturing the sexy smoochy feel this number needs.

Dies Irae from Mozart’s Requiem showed the choir off at its best. Big sound, no holding back it was wonderful, stirring stuff.

The closing section of the first half featured Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody which tested the ensemble strengths of the choir to its limit and a rousing version of Rogers and Hammerstein’s You’ll never walk alone complete with soaring vocals from Fiona Baines.

The first half was beautifully put together and expertly compared by David Raven who the older he gets, the funnier his ab libs are. He was on particularly good form last night,

I could only stay for the first half but a quick look at the second half of the programme was mouthwatering. Dambuster March, Bless ‘Em All, Abide With Me, The White Cliffs of Dover and There’ll always be an England, the list goes on an on. All wartime classics and stirring patriotic numbers.

The proceeds from last nights concert will be shared between St Dunstans in Ovingdean and the Dame Vera Lynn Trust. The chorus also supports the Church Conservation Trust who along with the Friends of St Andrew’s do so much to ensure that St Andrews remains open for the use of the local community.

There is a second performance of the show tonight at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10 and are available from the Iron Duke, The Aquarium Theatre Bar and the Dome Box Office on 01273 709 709 and at the door.

For more information about the Brighton and Hove (Actually) Gay Men’s Chorus view:
www.bhagmc.org

The Chorus will be singing in the Three Choirs Concert on Friday, October 9 to celebrate the unveiling of the Brighton Aids Memorial that afternoon.

The Chorus is also looking forward to its popular Christmas show on Wednesday, December 23.

The Chorus rehearses every Thursday at St Andrews Waterloo St. Hove.