ZENITH’S productions are not so much shows as complete theatrical experiences, and audiences at this eclectic mix of songs, dances and humour in celebration of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee were greeted with an auditorium bursting with props in keeping with the evening’s theme.
Lampshades in the form of paper globes, Empire memorabilia on the walls and tables decorated to represent each featured country competed for attention with a superb stage set and a vast array of outstanding costumes – largely thanks to the inspiration of one person, the very talented Ann Whitaker, who was also co-devisor of the show with John Kingswell.
Humour was high on the menu, with hilarious sketches including a version of Hava Negela, the like of which has probably never been seen on a stage before. But the highlight had to be Sheila Garrett’s wonderful World’s Greatest Conductor sketch. Barely uttering a word, she reduced the audience to near hysterics as she tried to get everyone to clap to the waving of her baton.
Among the more serious items, Eileen Martell-Bennett’s solos, especially the Skye Boat Song, went down a treat, and the thoroughly entertaining evening ended appropriately with Land of Hope and Glory and the National Anthem.

Linda Kirkman
Courtesy of the Bournemouth Evening Echo