Christmas concert: REVIEW: Actually Gay Men’s Chorus

Q – What is the difference between a Straight Men’s Chorus and a Gay Men’s Chorus?

A – Nothing. They all sing with both rich and delicately pure voices.

Actually, there IS one important difference. A good gay men’s chorus will find extra meaning and depth to lyrics that may well have been gender specific in the original writing and this is what happened at “Let it Snow” at St Andrews, Hove on 21st December.

This Actually’s concert was supporting The Sussex Beacon,  you could feel the emotion in the air and the delivery, especially the last soloist in Circle of Life and, my favourite, Benedictus was breathtaking. Another special moment was Panis Angelicus sung by musical director Sam Cousins. This was conducted by the father of the late Mark Slater-Hyndman to whom tribute was paid alongside Roy Perkins, Richard Tredgett and James Ledward, all lost within the last difficult year.

The programme balance was excellent – we only had to join in three carols and we didn’t have to stand!  Simon Gray led the well-used Harvey’s Brass Ensemble who supported the voices but did not interfere with the excellent a cappella moments from the Chorus. The soloists all delivered with clarity and style albeit with a touch of occasional nerves. This is to be expected when building up to sing just one nerve-wrecking solo verse. Personally, I would love to see the soloist mics one step upstage to be within the MD’s eyeline so, at the end of the solo, they would only need to back off mic and stay in-front until the end of the item thus avoiding the “walk of shame” back to place during the song!

As ever, Karen Orchin floated in the air with her exquisite soprano voice and Kara Van Park, respondent in sexy, red sequinned Santa outfit, brought musical theatre skills to the new, poignant interpretation of A Child is Born.

A beautiful poem, written and delivered with passion by Jack Lynn, told of a mouse who discovered his potential when snow melted the underground soot from his coat to reveal his true colours.

Gerry McCrudden hosted the evening as usual with lots of wit and info….perhaps a little long at times?….and introduced new Chairman, Nick Paget who gave a concise and heart-felt speech.

Simplicity was the strength of the evening including one basic lighting state and this excellent concert was cheered and applauded by a happy and well-packed audience . In the words of the encore – we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Carol Todd reviewed for Gscene