Those fortunate enough to attend the Variety Concert in the Alexandra Memorial Theatre on Sunday afternoon were treated to almost three hours of first-class entertainment from performers of all ages.
Sponsored by the RSA Gentlemen Singers and conducted by Colin McKay, the concert opened with a joyful singing of a bracket of popular favourites.
This group of fine elderly gents should be admired for bringing so much pleasure, not only to themselves, [but to others] by regularly entertaining at local rest homes.
They were followed by dancing pupils of Judith Campbell, who showed their skills in tap, jazz and ballet dancing.
Dunstan High School pupils' drama, guitar, vocal and piano performances were all good and made it clear that we can look forward to seeing more of these talented youngsters as they mature.
Among the soloists, Noel Davie, accompanied by Les Richardson, showed that after 50 years of stage work in Dunedin, his tenor voice is still very easy to listen to and his three songs were well received.
Tim Cadogan, singing with the Les Richardson Jazz Group, stood out as a man with special talents and his tribute to Pavarotti was sublime.
Naming Mark Wilson as one of the greatest entertainers in any company cannot be disputed, and this was clearly demonstrated on Sunday with the gifted Kate Willyams.
His piano accompaniment was brilliant and his impersonation of Elton John was, in my view, the concert highlight.
The Les Richardson Jazz Ensemble, made up of five well-seasoned professionals, showed just why they are in such demand over a wide area.
With wonderful good humour, the concert was compered by Chloe Hishon, Anna Enright and Colin McKay who, with his wife Esther, made a significant contribution to this outstanding event.
For entertainment value I give it full marks.
