Jubilation! Gala Evening Full of Nostalgic Music and Drama

Published on: 4 Jun, 2012
Updated on: 5 Jun, 2012

by the Stage Dragon

Jubilation! – performed at Guildford’s Electric Theatre on Saturday, June 2 – featured a cast of 60 local performers who took us on a fantastic nostalgic musical and theatrical journey through the past 60 years.

The cast of Jubilation!

A packed house enjoyed a show that began in the 1950s as Queen Elizabeth came to the throne, with each decade then marked right up to the present.

Narrators set the scene for each decade with snippets of history, both local to Guildford and national. Within these there was reference to the arts – the music of each era as well as the dramas and stage shows enjoyed at the time. This was presented a;long with a backdrop of vintage images of Guildford.

With effective accompaniment by pianist Peter Roberts, cast members brought us an inspired selection of songs – from the pop music of the time to music from the shows.

The cast was drawn from members of local drama groups who are part of the Guildford Amateur Theatre Association (GATA). All of them were completely at home with the numbers selected. Given the fact that they had only had four rehearsals, their singing was faultless. It was obvious they were really enjoying the moment that this concert presented, one and all coming together for such as special celebration.

The GATA members were joined by students who currently make up the Guildford School of Acting (GSA) Singers.

Not only was there music, but a number of drama sketches too. These included excerpts from productions such as Jack Rosenthal’s Barmitzvah Boy and John Godber’s Shakers, plus some glorious comedy courtesy of Monty Python and the Two Ronnies.

Members of the Electric Theatre’s Man in the Moon theatre group also took the stage with a sketch based on films of the 1990s.

As well as celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the show marked the 15th anniversary of the Electric Theatre itself. A little of the history of the building was given (it was once Guildford’s electricity generating station) along with the founding of this important venue that is now funded and managed by Guildford Borough Council.

Amy Yorston (left) with mum Majella and the Electric Theatre's patron Michael Buerke.

Special mention must go to mum and daughter Majella and Amy Yorston, respectively, who directed and produced the show. In fact, it was a bit of a family affair, as Majella’s other daughter Holly, choreographed Jubilation!, and was also a members of the cast, and Dawn Hetherington (sister of Majella), who was also one of the singers.

There really is a lot of talent in Guildford and many of them came together for this special one-off show. A geat way to kick off the Queen’s diamond jubilee weekend.