The performance is presented to us as a monologue of the last hour of Peter Warlock's life on earth. As Peter narrates his life to us, a band of Oxford reprobates sit behind him on the pretence of being mere observers in a pub. However, unsurprisingly, these eight people are more than they seem. Throughout the performance we are treated to many unaccompanied harmonious excerpts alongside some very fine solos.
The best of these was left till last. A bass, Christopher Borrett, with a truly unique and powerfully capturing voice sang Bethlehem Down to a quite stunned and silent audience. It was a moment when one is not entirely sure what to do next, has the performance ended on that dramatic note? Personally I think it should have done, but we were lead on to a pleasant enough rounding off by the team of eight, however with not half the drama that the bass solo had created.
The few props are used to great effect, and with real beer being consumed the performance could hardly go on beyond the hour. A most refreshing time span. The audience are all still awake, the chairs are yet to become uncomfortable and that person in front of you is yet to annoy.
The acoustic of the Chapel made for a truly sumptuous sound filling it, and it was a comfortable atmosphere too. The audience were all more than satisfied with their chosen evening's event.
It's a great achievement by Alex Clissold- Jones who orchestrated and wrote this play. Most surprisingly and in my opinion most importantly, the script and musical performances held the audience's captivation till the very end. No impatient shuffling or watch checking was in sight, and instead we wondered why more concerts can't be more like this.
The best of these was left till last. A bass, Christopher Borrett, with a truly unique and powerfully capturing voice sang Bethlehem Down to a quite stunned and silent audience. It was a moment when one is not entirely sure what to do next, has the performance ended on that dramatic note? Personally I think it should have done, but we were lead on to a pleasant enough rounding off by the team of eight, however with not half the drama that the bass solo had created.
The few props are used to great effect, and with real beer being consumed the performance could hardly go on beyond the hour. A most refreshing time span. The audience are all still awake, the chairs are yet to become uncomfortable and that person in front of you is yet to annoy.
The acoustic of the Chapel made for a truly sumptuous sound filling it, and it was a comfortable atmosphere too. The audience were all more than satisfied with their chosen evening's event.
It's a great achievement by Alex Clissold- Jones who orchestrated and wrote this play. Most surprisingly and in my opinion most importantly, the script and musical performances held the audience's captivation till the very end. No impatient shuffling or watch checking was in sight, and instead we wondered why more concerts can't be more like this.