A Lowestoft audience of nearly 80 were served with a delightful musical repast at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Lowestoft on March 5.
The Merry Opera Company entertained with a wide range of extracts from a variety of composers in their revue 'Eat, Drink, Love!'.
Directed by locally born John Ramster, the revue was in complete contrast to their last visit to Lowestoft which was their interpretation of Handel's Messiah. Opening with 'Food, Glorious Food' from Lionel Bart's 'Oliver!' the audience were soon amazed at the power of the professionally trained voices of the four members of the cast, Andrea Tweedale (soprano), Gemma Morsley (mezzo-soprano), Lawrence Olsworth-Peter (tenor) and Matthew Quirk (bass-baritone).
They presented us with selections from such classical composers as Mozart, Bizet, Lehar, Bach and Purcell which were interspersed with such lighter contributions as the music hall songs 'I've Never seen a Straight Banana' and 'Oh that Gorgonzola Cheese', Tom Lehrer's 'Wiener Schnitzel Walz' and Flanders & Swann's 'Have Some Madeira M'Dear'.
You 'can't please all the people all of the time' but this programme pleased virtually everyone. The opera aficionados had their selection of classic pieces and those preferring lighter music having their tastes catered for as well. Even if one particular piece was not a favourite then the quality of the voices added considerable value to the experience.
There is a rumour that The Merry Opera Company will be back in the autumn with Verdi's Requiem. If true that is certainly something to look out for.
MICHAEL SIMS
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