STOURPORT Choral and Operatic Society's spring concert comprised songs from musicals, such as The King and I, South Pacific, The Sound of Music, Carousel and Oklahoma!.

Knowing all these shows well, I could picture the characters when every song was performed, and I thoroughly enjoyed most of the performances.

Unfortunately, the concert got off to a bad start when the orchestra's attempted to play the Carousel Waltz. I wish they hadn't bothered.

From then on, however, we were treated to such delights from the chorus as There is Nothin' Like a Dame, Do-Re-Mi, and Whistle a Happy Tune, and the programme was packed with superb solos.

Jonathan Darby had a busier night than he had expected as, apart from his own solos, he had to stand in for an unwell Mike Birch.

Although singer and orchestra parted company briefly during the Soliloquy from Carousel, it was still one of the highlights of the evening and his rendition of Some Enchanted Evening was lovely.

Brian Potter was in fine voice, especially in If I Loved You - though the orchestra contrived to drown him out - and Younger than Springtime, while Vivien Seville sang Hello Young Lovers superbly.

Claire Worboys can always be relied on for an excellent performance, and did not disappoint, with Mister Snow and The Sound of Music, while another ever-reliable performer, Mary Sinclair, led You'll Never Walk Alone.

Another highlight was the delightful rendition of People Will Say We're In Love by Robin and Jill McMillan, which preceded the final ensemble number, Oklahoma!

This was a super evening at the musicals, pity about the start.

VJS