DON'T BLAME US FOR THE BAD SUMMER....

I can assure all readers it was not the case that anyone at St. Mary's had a premonition about the awful summer we've all just endured when the "Pro Musica" Committee decided early last Spring to put on a performance of Benjamin Britten's "Noye's Fludde" in the Autumn! We all thought it would be an excellent way of raising the profile of our Music Department in the local community and, perhaps, show that members of the Parish Choir have even more talent than can be seen on a normal Sunday.

Following much preparation, the last Saturday in September saw a packed church watch in delight as our own Parish Choir and the choirs of Emanuel School, Clapham (year 8) and Kingswood House School, Epsom joined a large orchestra to perform the piece with style. With Organ Scholar, Jeremy Cole, at our mighty machine, Simon Gregory and Ed Liddall at the piano, five professional percussion players, three buglers and a professional string quartet leading the way they were joined by youngsters playing violins, cellos, and recorders (this section being ably helped by the ever versatile ["What haven't we got? I'll play it"] Sarah Holmes).

The evening started with Director of Music, Jonathan Holmes, giving the audience a hymn practice as participation is a key element in this inspired work based on the mediaeval Chester Miracle Play. To make things just that bit more difficult, the words are in Middle English (hence the title "Noye's Fludde").

The hymn "Lord Jesus, think on me" sets the scene and, with God (not unnaturally) played by the Vicar (unseen but etherially heard via the PA system), the piece started and the spectacle began. In a demanding vocal part, our own Richard Verth-Brown gave an confident performance as Noah ensuring the safe passage of the participants both into and, subsequently, out of the ark. Rachel Gunton had clearly taken lessons from Miss Piggy (of "Muppets" fame) as she gave a wonderfully crafted performance as the headstrong Mrs Noah. Three young men from Emanual played Noah's sons and were vocally assured. Their wives were played by Head Chorister Hannah Crick, Deputy Head Chorister Rebecca Gocher and Librarian Grace Shephard. To no-one at St. Mary's surprise they sang very confidently and clearly, blending well with their husbands. The rest of the Parish Choir's upper voices (bar the Churchwarden!) played the "Gossips" (no comment!) or one of the array of mammals, birds, etc. required in the script.

The youngsters from the two schools were made up as one of the myriad of creatures required by God to be saved and, when the floods came, they all trooped up to the gallery, which had been transformed into the ark. The audience joined in the hymn "Eternal Father, strong to save" followed by the orchestra launching into a violent rendition of a storm.

When the 40 days had passed, Michael Humphries, playing the raven (who failed to find any sign of foliage in the story) went searching. Despite his effort of looking diligently and energetically in the church's every nook and cranny he was still unable to find a leaf. Subsequently when sent forth, Sophie Clark stylishly played the dove and, with carefully crafted balletic movement, searched for some greenery to bring back to Noah.

The piece drew to an end having put the audience through its paces again with a 7-part rendition of the Tallis canon "Glory be to thee, my God, this night" and God giving his peace to the world.

It was a wonderful evening and, if audience reaction is anything to go by, it was well received. We hope that all the amateur participants gained much from the experience of working alongside professional musicians, who we thank for their expertise and willing assistance.

Many thanks especially to all the helpers; most notably the team of face painters (who provided one of the best quotes of the day by saying "What does a redshank look like and would anyone be able to tell what it was even if we get it right!!!!"), Ian Burgess for the lighting and, of course, to Jonathan Holmes for his direction. A special "thank you" to the Headmaster of Kingswood House School, Peter Brooks, for supporting his school on the night, and for agreeing to them taking part. We hope they all enjoyed the occasion.