Wiltshire Times
TROWBRIDGE AMATEUR OPERTATIC SOCIETY:
The singers of TAOS showcased their considerable talents last week in a highly entertaining evening of songs from the shows. A Little Night Musicals, in Trowbridge Civic Hall, provided a taste of some of the most popular musicals seen in and out of the West End over the past 10 years.
From Grease to Blood Brothers, Martin Guerre to Sunset Boulevard, the evening not only had something for everyone in the audience, it also gave many of the society's singers the chance to shine in solo parts.
Expertly compered by Clive James - who also made an appearance in a superbly executed number from Cats - every set of songs was fully staged and beautifully costumed. Humour, romance, tragedy and show-stopping song-and-dance routines made for an evening of contrasts.
The older members of the society were well-represented, with a superbly comic number from Martin Guerre, and a starry performance from Joan Francis as Sunset Boulevard's Norma Desmond. At the other end of the age range, Whistle Down the Wind and Grease turned the spotlight on the youngsters, all of whom are shaping up to be regular stars in years to come.
There were no weak performances: the soloists were assured and professional, the chorus impressive in their ensemble work. Particular highlights, though, were the scenes from Chess, Blood Brothers, Sunset Boulevard and - my personal favourite - Chicago. It would be wonderful to see TAOS perform the whole show; there is certainly more than enough talent among its members.
Joceline Bury