MADAM,
The recent musical production at Monmouth Comprehensive School provided one of those rare occasions when I travelled home feeling completely exhilarated.
The players, directors, producers and all those who brought the show to fruition should be very proud of themselves. Upwards of 70 students at the school provided a first rate show which bristled with energy right from the start when the whole ensemble rushed into the hall to take up position for the opening number.
It was one of those theatrical moments when the "hairs on the back of your neck" stand up and you feel your eyes welling with pleasure and excitement. The talent and wholehearted enthusiasm displayed by the cast was infectious and, by the end, the audience were on their feet cheering. Two hours of magic!
There are many in the town who heard about the show but were unable to get tickets. But now there is a chance to get a taste of the production at the Haberdashers' Monmouth School for Girls on Friday/Saturday, March 2nd /3rd.
The School will be reprising elements of their show as part of Showcase Spectacular, an evening of comedy, music and dance in aid of the Mayor's Charities, which this year are the Waldbronn Twinning Association, Bridges, MONday Appeal and RNLI.
A full programme of top class live entertainment includes Monmouth School's acclaimed Brass Band, the Townrow Tappers, Monmouth Operatic Society and Off Centre Theatre.
The finale of the first half of the Showcase is given over to the girls of HMSG, under the musical direction of Mario Conway, who will present excerpts from their forthcoming School production of The King and I.
The whole evening will be compered, in his usual inimitable fashion, by Jim Newcomb in the guise of "Little Willie from Waldbronn". With the Pantomime season over, Monmouth's favourite Pantomime Dame is back wearing trousers again. Jim is reported as finding the experience "rather restrictive!"
Tickets are now on sale priced £5 (£4 concessions) from the Monmouth Cycle Centre, Beaufort Arms Court: telephone Monmouth 772779 and will be on sale on the door on the night.
Cedric Gibbons
(Address supplied)