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Gypsies, Tramps And Thieves, Unison Theatrical Choir, Barrington Theatre, Ferndown.

THIS semi-staged concert was exactly as its publicity described it – a lively, colourful musical journey providing an evening of variety and fun, so what a pity that so few people actually bothered to go and see it.

Director and deviser Sonia Gilson certainly knows the value of dressing the stage well, so the different scenes – a gypsy encampment, London, Tramps Night Club and a quayside were well depicted with excellent props and costumes. The projected backdrops were also a good idea, although I was a little bemused at what was clearly the Royal Opera House in the “On the Steps of St Paul’s” section. Now had it been Covent Garden…

But perhaps I’m nit-picking. The entire evening was thoroughly enjoyable, and all those various vagabonds went down a treat, with some super songs and readings. If I was pressed to pick out some favourites I’d go for both the choral and spoken versions of The Pied Piper of Hamelin and the smashing Charlie Chaplin ‘silent film’ piece. Then again, I also loved the raunchy Lovely Ladies, the moving It Beggars Belief and the haunting Smuggler’s Song that I remember from my childhood. Well, lets be honest – I liked it all.

Linda Kirkman

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