Saturday 24th June saw the return of the Ipswich Gilbert and Sullivan choir to the church for the first time since 2016.  It was a quintessentially British way to celebrate mid summer – the lovely cool church resounding with the beautiful voices singing many of the old G & S favourites.  There was a capricious rendering of Three Little Maids and a heartrending version of Buttercup.  This is from the operetta HMS Pinafore, which the Society are staging at Seckford Theatre, Woodbridge this autumn (check their website for details http://www.ipswichgands.org.uk).  We were also entertained by Sylvia reading Rendercilla, an amusing version of Cinderella in the style of Stanley Unwin, with words altered in a playful way. Pia from Lithuania sung a solo in her native tongue, backed by the choir for the final verse.  What dedication to learn such an unusual language!

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Strawberries and cream were served in the interval, with many of the audience and choir taking the opportunity to go outside on such a warm evening.  We are very grateful to Wilkin & Sons for donating the delicious strawberries.  They were thoroughly enjoyed!

The second half of the concert was just as entertaining and the finale was a beautiful choral version of Over the Rainbow, and a toe-tapping performance of Rhythm of Life, which sent us all home with a spring in our step!

The Friends Committee would like to thank the choir for travelling all this way to perform for us (some come from deepest, darkest Suffolk), Wilkin and Sons for the fabulous strawberries, the volunteers who helped on the night and with the organisation, No 4 and Myrtil and Rose for ticket sales, and lastly, all of you who came along on the evening to support us.  We hope to see you again at our next event.