Your performances...

We've been hearing good things about your own local performances recently.

Up in the Manchester area, the United Christian Singers have performed Saints Alive for Pentecost. They performed at Atherton and Sale, and both events went exceptionally well. Walter, the choir trainer, described how the choir had come up with a special programme including hymns and readings covering the resurrection appearances before leading into the musical which begins with the ascension of Jesus. After a couple of months off, the choir will be rehearsing again ready to perform Two Sisters and a Funeral.

In Oxfordshire, the Witney Choir have been putting on Snakes and Ladders. Shirley reports:

We had our performances on 18 & 19 June and they went absolutely brilliantly! It was a very complicated production, involving 17 different actors/soloists, and the first time all the different aspects (choir, drama, children, dancer, PA, lighting, 18-piece band, costumes, props) all came together was in the first performance! However, it all worked out amazingly well, and many people - both in the audience and choir - found it very moving, especially the Jacob scene (we had a fantastic dancer representing the angels) and the crucifixion. We had around 120 people watching each evening. Many folk said it was our best ever production - and, as Paul is stepping down as MD this summer, it was a fitting tribute to his leadership. It really is a very powerful musical.

Two Sisters in Stowmarket

Towards the end of May, Roger, Jonathan and Amy travelled over to Stowmarket.  This has become quite a regular trip to the town - Mike Arbon, the conductor of the choir over there regularly puts on Roger's musicals, and sometimes asks Roger to come and spend some time with the choir before conducting the final performance.  This time they had been working on Two Sisters and a Funeral, and had provided all of their own soloists, who were wonderful.

Roger, Jonathan and Amy also took part in the morning service at the church on the Sunday.  One of the highlights of the performance came at the end of 'O the deep, deep love of Jesus', where all of the soloists in turn sang out what they thought God was saying - despite very few of them having done this before.

We had some lovely feedback from the event both on Facebook and by email:

One lady wrote this:

Sorry I had to rush off on Sunday evening. I thought it went well. I don't know about the people listening but I had a lump in my throat and struggled to speak and sing after the crowd were shouting Crucify. Thank you so much for coming to Stowmarket and sharing your thoughts with us, helping us to achieve so much and for being obedient and writing such amazing musicals. I can't think of a better way to celebrate my birthday, with friends and singing about God's love for each one of us. I hope the journey home is quick and safe. God bless you and Amy and Jonathan. Hope you come to Stowmarket again before too long.

And another lady sent this email:

Dear Roger,

I thought I'd just drop you a line to thank you again for last weekend's presentation of Two Sisters and a Funeral. We have had some very encouraging feedback.
One man in particular, a Reader Emeritus now in his 80's, came along to see the musical "rather sceptically" as he put it. He thought it might be too "over the top" for him. He told me on Monday that, on the contrary, he had found the whole event very moving - so much so that he stood at the end when people applauded.
Given that you made the break with the big events to concentrate on local church presentations, I thought this might be an encouragement for you too.
Every blessing
Jane Stretch (a.k.a. 'Mary'!)

Roger and Mary in Bognor Regis

Last month Roger and Mary spent a few days on holiday visiting a good friend in Bognor Regis.  Their friend Brenda is a member of Aldwick Baptist Church, and she roped Roger in to speak at their church anniversary services over the weekend.  So in the middle of their holiday Roger was able to share with the church in both their morning and evening churches, speaking and leading the music.

Roger's very busy Sunday also happened to be his birthday - so on his birthday he preached, led the praise, prayed with people, and accompanied the congregation singing 'happy birthday' to him!

CMM Choir in action!

The CMM Choir held their first performance of Two Sisters and a Funeral at Harborne Baptist on 15th May.  Harborne Baptist is Sylvia Whalley's home church, and Sylvia trains the West Birmingham part of the CMM choir, so for this special occasion, Sylvia conducted the performance.

Annie reported:

Last night’s ‘Two Sisters’ production went really well. Paul and Kim [technicians] did a super job. Sylvia conducted well and mouthed all the words at us, which was really helpful. Alan spoke well – and Jonathan gave a word in song at the end of Song 10, which Alan picked up on. The soloists all did a very good job – Sue Walker, Linda Chappell (in apron, with duster), Alan Walker and Jonathan Chappell – and I was especially proud of David Newell who is playing the solo Priest and has worked really hard at learning his part. Harborne Baptist Church was packed. I sang alto, and played the organ for a rousing rendition of ‘To God be the Glory’ at the end. Alison Fuggle came, and Alan honoured her, so that she stood and was applauded. The minister gave us a warm welcome, and was round for the whole time during rehearsal and break, helping in practical ways. A very uplifting evening – thanks for your prayers.

Annie x