SIR,

May I record my thanks to the students and staff of the schools in Monmouth and to the Monmouthshire Scouts and Guides, for their participation in the Mayor's Charity Concert on March 5th.

A record Showcase audience of over 400 were at The Blake Theatre to support the host of young performers who provided an entertainment in aid of the Chosen Charities of the Mayor of Monmouth, Councillor Terry Christopher.

The composure and patience of the students waiting, sometimes in constrictive conditions backstage, for their entrances was admirable. My thanks go to Sally Ellerington who arranged for the North Monmouthshire Senior Wind Band to open the show under the direction of Peter Morgan; it was quite the perfect opening to the Concert.

Thanks also to the Monmouth Comprehensive School of Dance which, year on year, has been a stalwart supporter of Showcase; directed by Bryony Hammersley and Sian Wilson, they opened the second half with an exciting range of dance styles including modern, Rock and Roll and ballet.

Many thanks also to the HMSG Jazz Crusaders, making a first appearance in Showcase. They made a fitting and very special finale to the Concert, exciting and cool sophisticated swing jazz and showstopper vocalists. A big thank you to their director Mario Conway for giving the townsfolk the opportunity of seeing and listening to this fine band.

The Monmouth Scout and Guide Gang Show Team were welcomed enthusiastically and the youngsters put on a remarkably mature performance to excite and charm the audience.

My thanks go to all the children who have been rehearsing diligently for Showcase since New Year and to the creative team of Tracey Mapp, Kate Westoby and old campaigner Rex Tabb. This was a first appearance of a Gang Show Team in Showcase - surely not the last!

The sweet voices of Rachel and Sophie Stevens delighted the audience with three lovely songs during the evening. My thanks to the young ladies who, without any prior rehearsal on stage, came up trumps on the night.

Thank you also to Off Centre Theatre who added some silly comedy, with particular thanks to Thérèse Casemore, the frumpish but still delightful W.I. Lady.

Many thanks to David Evans making his first time appearance as Compère in Showcase.

On the night David was faced with several last minute changes to the show and had to cover, with impromptu stories and monologues, for the movement of performers and equipment behind the curtains. He did so with aplomb as one would expect from such an experienced performer.

The one-off Showcase Concerts are only put together on the night – basically the performers turn up, get on stage, do their bit, get off and go home. However much planning is done, hiccups will happen.

So the final thank you must be to Stage Manager Steve Brettle and his team and Andrew Shakeshaft of the Blake Theatre and who, along with David, put the show together on the night. You made it happen – well done!

Cedric Gibbons

(Monmouth)