‘OONE VOICE’ CONCERT in aid of DEVON PEOPLE FIRST

Saturday, July 11^th 2009, The Shaftesbury Theatre, Dawlish was the venue for an evening of PURE VARIETY.  What a line up of multi-talented artists who performed without any payment on behalf of the Charity Organisation “DEVON PEOPLE FIRST” to enable people with learning difficulties to speak up for themselves.

The most outstanding performer of the evening was undoubtedly TONY ENGLAND (who was the runner-up in one of the finals of “STARS IN THEIR EYES”).  He certainly proved how talented a singer he was with his varied repertoire of vocal styles, receiving a well deserved standing ovation for his classic operatic aria “NESSUM DORMA”.

The close harmony duo “NOUVEAU” (Vanessa Moir and Beth Wedlake) gave their full house audience, a wide, well sung choice of numbers.  Definitely a most popular act during their two appearances.

Another popular treat of the evening was Henry Dunn and the “SO WHAT” Jazz Band who had the audience clapping and stomping to their rhythms.

It was great to see evidence of what this Charitable Organisation was all about in the happy, smiling faces of THE HONEYTONES.  They certainly loved their music and the audience loved them.

In a more relaxed style KATHI CONNICK sang beautifully to her own guitar accompaniment with one moving unaccompanied number.  This artist also had the unenviable position of starting the show.

The dancing trio – all sister act – SALLY, SARAH AND SOPHIE BRIMACOMBE shone when backing some of Nouveau’s songs and with a cowboy inspired dance to Tony England’s ‘Rawhide’ rendition.

Throughout the whole evening JOHN DYER hosted proceedings in a casual but professional manner, which kept the performance running at a good pace ably assisted by NICKY AVER and TONY ALEXANDER.

This was certainly a show to be proud of and the organisers should be thrilled with their efforts not forgetting the financial rewards which are vitally needed to keep such a worthy cause functioning.

WELL DONE and SPECIAL THANK YOU’S to EVERYONE CONCERNED in making this evening the success it turned out to be.

Geoffrey Wildey

Professional Actor and Theatre Critic