26th July
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Together Again 3 Opera House 7:30 pm We had seats A21 & A22 in the Dress Circle for this performance

It was with great anticipation that we made our way down into Buxton for the first event of the festival (to be strictly pedantic the first was Simon Butteris during the afternoon but as we are going to this on the last Sunday I do not count it here!)

The first shock was that they had modified the area in front of the Pavilion complex and were not allowing cars to park there - so we could not get our "usual" spot right by the door to the Paxton Suite.  However, after parking the car on the official car park we made our way into the theatre.

What a joy to see so many good friends again!  After much catching up we eventually made our way to our seats - and what good ones they were - Row A 21 & 22 just to the left of the aisle.

The performance opened with the usual introductions from Ian Smith which involved the selling of raffle tickets (our friend Susan won it it and after the show she picked up a CD of the collection of John Reed's patter songs on the Decca label)

The first part of the concert consisted of items from individuals and groups who had been winners in some of the categories over the previous festivals.  The main chorus was from Derby G&S Company.  They performed items on their own and also with soloists.  One of the first soloists was David Lace who won best Male Voice in the first festival - he gave us a sprightly "Tink-a-Tank" from TBJ.  The Savournin family performed a parody on the duet from Ruddigore "I once was a very abandoned person"  Stephen Godwood's cheeky song "I wish I was single again" was wonderful

The famous Savoynet Dragoon Guards gave us a reprise of their award winning performance of "Soldiers of the Queen".  They were joined on stage by Gareth Jones for the Colonels song.

We had a double Gamma with two excellent "disagreeable men"  Overall I felt the first part lacked a little sparkle and also a lack of rehearsal was apparent.

The second act opened to reveal a multi tiered cafe setting full to the brim with actors from the D'Oyly Carte.  Although I did not recognise the majority of them I was able to identify most of those on the front row.  The compere for the evening was Cynthia Morrey.  Kenneth Sandford was the first to be introduced - he was "mobbed" by the girls as he acted out some of his Grosvenor role.  However, when he suggested he sing to them the story of the magnet and the churn they all ran off with pleads of "Oh no not again!" - most amusing.  Ken sang the song despite this and it was delightful - he still has such wonderful diction that every word is crystal clear.

Thomas Round was then introduced and he sang.  He still has a clear accurate voice and the enthusiasm for the stage comes over in everything he does.  It is wonderful to think that at 87 he can still perform these tenor songs.

John Reed then came on - he was helped by the Smiths due to his failing eyesight - however, once in position he was soon demonstrating his sparkling wit and lively actions which have made him one of the most famous and loved members of the D'Oyly Carte.  John was reveling in the attention and recounted anecdotes about several of those present, including his "Mum", Beti Lloyd-Jones, who looked after him in the theatre for many years.  

Valerie Masterton then came on and gave moving accounts of the trio and her experiences in their company.  John Fryatt then entertained us with parodies about the special guests and presented each with a framed certificate at the end of their song.

We then had three volunteers for the "When Britain really ruled the waves" and there was much jollity as they each struggled to be the "star" - Gareth Jones, John Ayldon and John Dennison had great fun.

The Major-General's patter song was then performed at an astonishing rate by Adrian Lawson who understudied John Reed from 1962 to 1965

Followed by a wonderful rendition of the song to decide the major's bride from Patience which featured Pauline Wales, Abby Hadfield, Tom Round John Ayldon and John Dennison

Nesu Dorma was then magnificently sung by Kenneth Collins - seen here with John Fryatt behind..

We had a wonderful "Three Little Girls from School WERE we" from Anne Sessions, Roberta Morrell and  Abby Hadfield.

Peggy-Ann Jones then gave her moving tribute to the three stars, Michael Rainer lead a motley crew as the sergeant of police which included some wonderful deep long notes from John Ayldon. 

Finally Jean Hindmarsh entertained us with her wonderful, clear, pure voice.  Peggy-Ann Jones in the background.

The festivities closed with the whole chorus.  

A worthy tribute to three wonderful men and all the others who had been part of the D'Oyly Carte.

We left the Opera House with many thoughts in our minds, how could the D'Oyly Carte be left to just fade away in commercial terms, why was there not more financial help available at the time, how fortunate we are that the Smiths have had the courage and dedication to start these festivals and to keep them running and improving year on year.

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