Star line-up at St Mary’s festivities

A grand celebration of Christmas words and music will take place at St Mary’s House, Bramber, on Saturday 7th December.
Simon BrettSimon Brett
Simon Brett

This ancient house will be decorated with holly garlands, the traditional illuminated Christmas tree and a blazing log fire for a joyous, reflective, festive programme of songs and seasonal readings.

During the interval, audience members will be able to enjoy a plated Christmas tea in the afternoon, and wine and canapés in the evening, served in the beautiful medieval panelled rooms of St Mary’s.

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The star line-up is headed by TV actress Susan Jameson, and author Simon Brett. Best known for the TV dramas When the Boat Comes In and Take Three Girls, Susan Jameson has appeared in the popular BBC1 series, New Tricks. Simon Brett is one of our top writers of crime fiction, having written over 80 books, and was author of the comedy series, After Henry.

The seasonal readings, chosen from Peter Thorogood’s archive of poetry and prose, are interspersed with music and carols performed by soprano Jacquelyn Fugelle and baritone Giles White.

Jacquelyn Fugelle made her debut at Covent Garden Opera House and has played soprano leads with Kent Opera, English National Opera and many performances in oratorio at the Wigmore Hall, Royal Festival Hall, the Queen Elizabeth Hall and many other venues.

Giles White is a regular oratorio soloist and was appointed in 2006 as a Lay Clerk at St George’s Chapel, Windsor. They are accompanied by Terence Allbright, who is both pianist and composer.

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He has accompanied some of the world’s most famous singers including Dame Felicity Lott, Jane Manning OBE and Dame Ann Murray, and composed some 50 musical scores for BBC Radio dramas.

It is a very popular programme – the matinee performance is already nearly full. So you are encouraged to apply quickly for tickets, which are £25 including the refreshments.

Tickets may be obtained from the Box Office, St Mary’s House, telephone 01903 816205, online via the website www.stmarysbramber.co.uk, or email [email protected]

Report and pictures contributed by St Mary’s Bramber.