Back in February we went to our  local Theatre to see a fabulous tribute act, New Purple Celebration who perform the most amazing, realistic and energetic Prince Tribute act you will ever see. You can read all about it here

We had seen them previously and they blew us away.

When we knew they were coming back again we hastily bought tickets and waited a couple of months for it to come round.

We arrived with around 30 minutes to spare and on the walk up the hill to the theatre I could hear live music. I started to panic thinking would could not have possibly missed the start of the show, but there was no other explanation.

The evenings Look

That is, until we walked into the theatre itself. Down in the lower open basement section was a large choir, singing the most amazing songs.

We grabbed a drink and stood closer to watch them. Made up of around approximately 40 members (at a guess) they performed so many different styles of songs from Bob Marley, Gospel Standards, pop and more.

My absolute favourite was when a young lady got up and in following with the theme of the evening sang ‘Purple Rain’

Now, I have this particular opinion that NO-ONE will ever live up to his Royal Purpleness’ version and they frankly shouldn’t even try.

However, this lady moved me. I stood there with tears rolling down my face. It was just perfect.

At the end of the performance the MD of the Choir announced that this was a warm up for a concert they would be giving later in the year and tickets would be going on sale soon.

Well, that was too good an opportunity to miss.

I waited, watching the website until I saw the tickets come online and snapped up a couple in the front row.

I wasn’t sure who would come with me as Mum was away on holiday and Hubby wasn’t really bothered if he saw the choir or not, especially as it was a Saturday night and he would have worked over 14 hours.

Either way the tickets were a bargain at£12.50. I just had to wait a few months now for the date to come around.

Finally Saturday 26th May rolled around and Mum and I set off for the Concert. Mum was a little apprehensive as she had no idea what to expect, whereas I was really excited as I knew what a great night we were in for.

We grabbed a drink from the bar and settled ourselves in the middle of the front row. Sat near me was a lady who was so excited. Her friend was a member of the choir and they had come along to support her.

The choir filed onto the stage. A wide range of people. Male, female, old, young, black, white and everything in between. All brought together by the love of music, and more importantly communal singing.

Awaiting the start…

And what great group of singers they were!

It started off with a set of Disco Classics, enough to get people clapping and dancing. The Jacksons and more. All made to get the party started.

There was a great mix of songs for everyone. Some gospel, pop, soul and even a Bob Marley section.

The MD welcomed a man called Sam up to the front and he started singing. It seemed like a very spiritual song and Mum and I literally had tears rolling down our face. His voice was like melted chocolate and we could have listened to him all night.

Mum and I having a selfie moment

The Interval came all too quickly and we went to grab out drinks and have a natter about what we had seen so far. It was literally so much better than our expectations and I was so glad that Mum was enjoying it.

We returned for the  last half and again, we were clapping and dancing around. The duets and solo singers were wonderful and it was so lovely to see so many different singers get to come to the front and show off their talents.

Sadly, around an hour later the show was over and after a few words from the choir, the MD said they would do one last song.

This turned out to be 1999 by Prince. A final ending to a show that had started off by seeing a rehearsal and hearing the wonderful version of Purple Rain that I have posted above.

It really was such a spiritual and lifting evening. We all came out with massive smiles on our faces and I for one felt a new spring in my step. Like a weight had been lifted just by an evening of watching a group of people take such delight in singing with each other.

All I can say is that I hope they have another concert pretty soon. I for one will be in the front for the tickets again.

I would like to extend my thanks to the Royal and Derngate Community Choir for the most amazing and uplifting evening. You really did take some of my cares and trouble away.

Can you arrange another evening again soon? Please?

Till next time,

Tx