REVIEW: Joyous Edwin James’ Prom Concert sang with gusto

That was on offer at St James’ Church, Littlehampton, on Saturday (July 27), when the Edwin James Festival Choir and Orchestra staged its eagerly-awaited Prom Concert, plus an opening concert entitled ‘Animated Movies’, featuring tunes from cartoon films ranging from the 1930s-90s.

The church was decorated in red, white and blue, with a large inflatable Mickey Mouse which shadowed musical director James Rushman. Not only did James conduct the choir and orchestra, but alternated this with piano playing and informative introductions to the orchestral pieces.

The large, enthusiastic audience joined in many of the choruses, especially relishing Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?, only to be joined by a Disney-type wolf , much to the delight of the children present.

During the evening, other animated characters performed, including a gorilla (The Jungle Book), and a rabbit (Watership Down, and Alice in Wonderland).

The choir was in fine voice and soloist Veronica Cringle opened the evening with a delightful rendition of When You Wish Upon a Star, from Pinocchio.

Other numbers came from various animated films such as The Lion King, Bambi, The Lady and the Tramp, Pocahontas, Toy Story, Cinderella, Pete’s Dragon, Prince of Egypt, Beauty and the Beast, Song of the South, and Snow White. There was also a beautiful solo performance by Pat Franklin of Dream to Dream, from the 1986 movie, American Tail.

Accompanying the choir was the Edwin James Festival Orchestra under the expert leadership of violinist, John Grover.

The 27-piece ensemble enchanted the audience with a selection from Walt Disney’s 1940s film Fantasia.

The musicians also came into their own in the second half, with a selection of the well-loved Sea Songs.

The audience sang all the Prom songs with great gusto, and much flag-waving. There may have been thunder and lightning outside the church, but it was no match for the joyous singing and playing inside the building.

The Edwin James Festival Choir and Orchestra is celebrating its l5th birthday this year, and during this time has raised in excess of £100,000 for local and national charities – Saturday’s beneficiaries were the Arthrogryposis, and the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome charities.

Review by Gill Kelly