On a very hot summer evening the beautiful Altringham Garrick Playhouse showcased its very own stunning Altringham Garrick Show Choir. This was the second ever performance from this amazing choir and it was for one night only!
Musical Director (MD) Dan McDwyer, a graduate from the RNCM, is a vocal coach working across the UK, and currently holds the position of MD for Manchester Lesbian And Gay Chorus. McDwyer is no novice to the stage as he has worked as a MD for shows both in London and Manchester as well as several shows at the Altringham Garrick Playhouse. With many TV appearances and a accolades for arranging music for many top artistes in the show world, this incredible human has created a well-polished phenomenal choir that would be able to grace any stage in the UK.
The community spirit was palpable as we entered the very hot and humid auditorium, with a considerable amount of proud family members and friends from the show choir present. It was evident that this large choir love what they are doing as each and every member put their heart and soul into the performance. The choir’s ethos is all about the joy of singing together and creating music in a relaxed environment with joy, laughs, music and harmony! The show was extremely inclusive as individual members got to introduce the show songs and the background to each musical that was showcased.
Within the show there were two guest performers who sang individually and as a duo, Dale Bassett from the Sonata Piano & Cabaret Lounge, graced the stage with his fabulous rendition of ‘Friend Like Me’ from Aladdin, ‘Don’t Rain On My Parade’ from Funny Girl, and an impressive duo with Hayley Russell, ‘Shallow’ from ‘A Star Is Born’. Russell who is an extremely talented and well-established singer and actress sang her flawless solos of ‘Science Fiction’ from The Rocky Horror Show and ‘Somebody To Love’ from ‘We Will Rock You’.
McDwyer led by example and displayed his impeccable and faultless vocals as he sang two solos whilst his proud choir watched in admiration. His execution of ‘Lost In The Waves’ from ‘Out Of Our Heads’ and ‘Out There’ from ‘The Hunchback Of Notre Dame’ were superb!
The choir sang their hearts out throughout the evening and were an absolute pleasure to watch, they were spotless in their delivery of each and every song, but most importantly they all looked like they were living their best lives up there on the stage.
The choir sang a medley of songs from ‘Frozen’, ‘Come From Away’, ‘Les Miserables’, ‘Fiddler On The Roof’, ‘West Side Story’, ‘Sister Act’, ‘Chess’, ‘Waitress’, ‘Newsies’, ‘The Greatest Showman’, ‘Sunday In The Park With George’, ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ and ‘& Juliet’.
It is hard to believe that this magnificent choir has only performed twice at The Garrick Playhouse as their talent should be showcased and celebrated at every opportunity! I was simply blown away by their talent, and they received a well-deserved standing ovation. I’m sure everyone left feeling uplifted and rejuvenated as I know we certainly did!
Well done to everyone involved
Reviewer - Katie Leicester
on - 7.7.23
on - 7.7.23
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