Sing for Victory, Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond

RICHMOND Operatic Society’s autumn production was an original piece – 21 Second World War songs linked together by a tale of young lovers separated by the war.

Written and directed by the society’s chairman John Holliday, the 21-strong cast donned khakis and wardens' uniforms, floral housecoats and headscarves and threw themselves back in time.

Adrian Bramley provided stalwart accompaniment on piano at the rear of the “shelter” during the first act, and the “welcome home” celebration hall in the second.

Brigette Martin gave very creditable performances of Bluebirds over the White Cliffs of Dover and A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square as teacher, Miss Foster, and it was heartwarming to see young children performing alongside the adults.

Some wonderful props had been deployed too, such as the vintage suitcases carried by the youngsters as they were evacuated to the country and the radio from which Mr Churchill disclosed the strategic details of the war.

Gail Barlow, as Edith who is enjoying a mid-life romance with the local headmaster, lit up the stage with a contagious smile, a credible character and a beautiful singing voice.

The best vocal performance of the night came from Bridie O’Donnell with We’ll Meet Again and there were enjoyable comic moments when Laura Morten and Prudence Nun as Olive and Maggie took their drunken men to task with the traditional weapon of a rolling pin.

Scene changes were a little clunky in parts, but the device of allowing young lovers Beth and Toby narrate their letters to one another worked well.

There were some rousing chorus renditions – in particular There’ll Always be an England and the grand finale Rule Britannia. With a powerful solo by the very operatic Deborah Wilson, this finished the evening on a very high note indeed.

Christina McIntyre