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Reviews

Moody, myself and Phoenix FM's lucky competition winners were at the Victoria Theatre the other night to see The Essence Of Ireland. It's an ambitious title to match an ambitious show covering a wide range of musical styles and dance.

There were lilting airs played by the very talented fiddler Éimear Bradley (also a member of Ade Edmondson's Bad Shepherds ). There were hearty singalong medleys delivered with great good humour by the whole band fronted by vocalist Ged Graham (a recent guest on Megan Longworth's show). Another singer with a fine, big voice, Nathan James, gave us handful of sentimental classics - You Raise Me Up, My Heart Will Go On, Danny Boy.

The dancers, led by Jamie Meek and Jennifer Gainey, performed with unflagging exuberance throughout, each time they reappeared sporting different costumes. I was a bit unsure about their routine representing (I assume) the Troubles, which had them wearing camouflage and banging dustbin lids. It was certainly skilfully done like all the rest, but their bright dancers' smiles didn't really match the subject. Otherwise, their input was a real treat.

The lighting was used to great effect to set the mood, from a starlit sky with a single shaft of green light illuminating the soloist to the colours of the flag, and there were even fireworks at the close of a couple of the big numbers.

All in all, a great show which kept the audience very happy. Bran, one of our regular listeners who won tickets to the show, was particularly impressed by the way the show brought together the past and present of Ireland. If you missed it, or want to see it again soon, you can catch Essence Of Ireland at Wakefield Theatre Royal on April 7^th. More info and dates at www.essenceofireland.co.uk

Ruby and I went along to the opening night of Kismet, performed at Halifax Playhouse last week by All Souls Amateur Operatic Society. It was a bright and colourful show, playing to a close-to-capacity audience who all seemed to be really enjoying themselves.

Ruby was particularly impressed by the scenery, which was constantly recreated in an astonishing variety of combinations. She and I both enjoyed, too, the comedy anachronisms - a Halifax "For Sale" sign on one of the houses, mobile phones.

As you would expect from an operatic society, there was great singing. Ian Moorhouse, who played the central character, has a very strong voice and the production gave him an excellent vehicle to show off his skills before he retired from the stage at the end of the run. Other soloists also sang very well, and a highlight for me was And This Is My Beloved performed by Jessica Patterson, Brian J. Harrison, David Prosser and Ian Moorhouse.

There was always plenty to look at as well as listen to, with attractive bazaar scenes, lovely outfits and lots of dancing. It was a pleasure, too, to see that the performers were clearly having fun as well as the audience. Thanks for a great night out.

For more information on the group and future shows, visit www.myspace.com/asaos