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A CELEBRATION IN SONG
Swanage Choral & Operatic Society
Mowlem Theatre
Swanage
November 2003

FIFTY years after their Coronation year formation, SCOS have just celebrated their anniversary with a concert featuring songs from several of their past productions, and what an enjoyable evening it was.
Instead of the modern all-singing, all-dancing modern format, with people forever coming and going, the company reverted to the more restful style of everyone being seated on stage throughout, standing only to perform their numbers.
Many of the 45 or so taking part were former members, with four, including musical director Michael Keats, having been in the very first production. The years had plainly done nothing to dim their enthusiasm, and in fact several of the ‘oldies’ could have shown one or two of the younger members a thing or two about the art of smiling on stage.
Songs from Merrie England, Gilbert & Sullivan, The Merry Widow, Half A Sixpence and more were a delight, and the audience plainly enjoyed the chance to join in occasionally, thanks to the song sheets so thoughtfully provided.
The most informative programme, packed with detail, was excellent, as was George Willey’s ‘Song of SCOS’, a humorous potted history of the society which he presented between sections in his own inimitable style.
Long may SCOS reign.

Linda Kirkman
Courtesy of the Bournemouth Daily Echo


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