Birthday Party Concert

Last night we could be justified in thinking we were in the West End of London and not the Stephen Joseph Theatre to celebrate the 75th birthday of Sir Alan Ayckbourn. The party was in the form of a concert which featured the best of the best. Compared by the lovely Janie Dee, multi-award winning actress and singer, currently appearing in Blithe Spirit with Dame Angela Lansbury at the West End Gielgud Theatre.

Janie also sang and brought the house down with her amazing voice and delightful style.  A treat for all of us.

Other performers were the fantastic Tom Townsend, born and bred in Scarborough, influenced greatly be Sir Alan and much talented blues/folk singer.  

David Newton - voted best jazz pianist for the 10th time in 2011.

Steve Phillips and the Rough Diamonds. Steve and the band`s latest critically acclaimed album, North Country Blues (2013) features a number of self-penned songs.

Peter Cropper, Benjamin Nabarro and Martin Cropper - a more accomplished trio of chamber music musicians would be hard to find, totally world class in every respect - the atmosphere in the theatre was such that you could hear a pin drop - truly wonderful.

David Newton and John Pearce - Jazz musician, was something to be believed.  John playing violin accompanied David on the piano and with such skill, precision and passion was out of this world.

Lastly, our own wonderfully talented Director of Scarborough Spa Orchestra played for the SJT Quirky Choir who ended the show with two songs and then the choir and audience joined together in singing Happy Birthday to Sir Alan.  A memorable and historic night as to have such diverse and talented musicians and performers together in one place, would be hard to repeat.  It could only happen at the SJT. Fabulous.

To have Janie Dee stay with us at Tall Storeys was the icing on the cake!