I can’t stop grinning as I leave the church. No, I have not just got married, nor have I just attended the baptism of my first godchild. I have just seen the Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus ‘Nautical but Nice’ show.
The singers’ enthusiasm was infectious; and you could really tell they were doing something they love, having a laugh in the process.
The first half started a little slowly after a grand entrance from the chorus, who incidentally looked dapper in their sparkly black waistcoats and red satin ties. The pace soon picked up and everybody really got into the show. The singers’ enthusiasm was infectious; and you could really tell they were doing something they love, having a laugh in the process. There was something for everyone, from Lady Gaga through to Coldplay, interspersed with some old classics and foot-tappers. The songs were accompanied by funky backing music and a live piano (though how he managed to play so well with a hook for a hand I’ll never know). The pieces ranged from jazzy group numbers, to duets and soulful solos. Their voices cannot be faulted; they hit every note and it was easy to lose yourself in their mesmerising melodies. Perhaps it was the setting, but they sounded truly angelic. Not only were they fantastic singers but they tried their hand at acting too. We were treated to amusing monologues and comedy skits between songs with wonderfully smutty references - a pirate called ‘One Eyed Dick’, anyone?
The nautical theme was a little tenuous at times; there was a loose storyline about pirate ancestry running throughout the show but when a link did make an appearance it was done very well. Sometimes the cheesiness was a little too much and there could have been a greater effort to include the audience; equally, the production was not flawless - the staging and special effects left a lot to be desired (a few red disco lights and a banner). Still, the pure talent of the singers and the enthusiasm they put into their performance meant these slight niggles were happily overlooked; any hiccups were forgiven due to their fantastic showmanship and delightful demeanour shining through.
This show is perfect if you want a feel good evening that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It will certainly hit the spot if you want a fun few hours with some talented, good-humoured singers. Sorry - pirates.
