The latest production from Actually Gay Menâs Chorus, One Night Only, featured a variety of styles from contemporary and classic pop, to wartime ditties and operatic arias all performed with genuine emotion, humour and a touch of wistful reflection.
The secret behind any successful concert programming is in its dynamism, which was achieved by the chorus traversing highs, lows, reflective and inspired moments, considered collaborations and a hugely effective finale.
The choir were in great voice from the off. Titanium served as the opener and was triumphant with real metal in the solo, and leavened with the chorus’ beautiful unity, while the gorgeous blending during Unchained Melody resonated with many of the audience.
Guest for the evening was the multi-faceted Australian soprano Laura Wolk-Lewanowicz who ripped into the comic The Girl In 14G, before being joined by the chorus for a selection of iconic Beatles hits, including a beaufully controlled Yesterday and a sombre Let It Be, which benefitted from the restraint of soloist Sam.
Chris and Adam took on Air Supply’s All out of Love, which benefitted from stunning percussion and then a rousing I Believe, perhaps the highlight of my evening, played to the chorus’ strengths in what one can only describe as a ‘wall of sound’, which reached an impenetrable crescendo.
The wonderfully entertaining presenter Gerry McCrudden peppered each performance with humorous repartee, interesting facts and in one emotional segment commemorated World War I by reading a Letter of Death, which introduced the touching, and charming, World War I section featuring What a friend we have in Jesus.
Interestingly, the finale at first leaned to the more classical with Laura performing a stunning Un Bel Di from Madama Butterfly, before a reprise of the disco classic, and show’s namesake, One Night Only, brought the house down.
The evening was conducted by Jason Pimblett, who is also responsible for most of the choir’s choral arrangements and hallmark sound.
The choir’s next production I Feel Love, a concert for Pride, will take place on Friday, July 18 and Saturday, July 19 at St Andrew’s Church in Hove will be hosted by Miss Jason and conducted by musical director Jason Pimblett.
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