Night out at Proms (with pies)

AN amateur dramatics society held its own version of the Royal Albert Hall Proms to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

About 50 people attended a “Proms, Pie and a Pint” evening in The Studio next to the Kenton Theatre on Saturday, organised by Henley Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society.

The group, which holds its rehearsals in the space, was raising funds for the Henley Poppy Appeal, which is set to launch tomorrow (Saturday) in Market Place.

Guests dressed in Proms-themed attire, including Union flag bow ties and tiaras ands saw performances by the group and members of Henley Brass.

They were served pies with gravy and bottles of Searchlight beer, a limited-edition Brakspear beer that was donated to the Henley branch of the Royal British Legion for the VE80 celebrations.

Henley Brass, which comprises a number of military musicians, played a selection of songs in keeping with the night’s theme.

Smartly dressed in red and black military jackets, the band opened with the National Anthem and Under the Double Eagle before a set which included the British Legion Military March, A Life on the Ocean Waves, British Grenadiers and St Louis Blues.

The band also played a number of songs which appealed to the theatre enthusiasts in the crowd including Cabaret, Food Glorious Food and an ABBA medley.

Following a performance of show tunes from the cast of We Will Rock You, who are set to take to the stage next month, Henley Brass returned and closed the show with a number of classic Proms tunes including Jerusalem and Land of Hope and Glory. The band was formed earlier this year and features reserve sergeant Gary Hamilton, who has accompanied a number of shows from the pit at the Kenton Theatre as well as performed several minor roles on stage.

Sgt Hamilton, who currently serves as a reservist with the Rifles regiment, explained that the group had first played together during a VE Day street party in Upton Close, Henley.

He said: “It’s all military bandsmen whom I met through the military, so they are all a good standard of musicianship.

“I actually got the guys together to play in my street party in Upton Close, which was a bit of a disaster. Nobody turned up and we outnumbered the audience!” However, the band’s fortunes quickly changed after they were invited to perform in Market Place at the request of Richard Pinches, the chairman of the Henley branch of the Royal British Legion, for the town’s VE day celebrations earlier this year.

During the performance they were spotted by Lady Judy McAlpine, of Fawley Hill, who booked them to perform at the Thames Traditional Boat Festival, which she organises.

Sgt Hamilton, who is also a member of Henley Symphony Orchestra, said: “Tonight I have liked it because it’s quite full and so when we’re playing especially, I can actually hear the audience singing everything.

“Playing Cabaret was a ‘wow’ moment. It’s a very receptive audience and that obviously makes it much more fun when you're on the stage.”

John Green, the president of the Legion, said that he had enjoyed the music, especially the ABBA medley.

“It’s a great evening for a great cause,” he said. “It’s nice to see so many happy faces, it’s a real community event.”

Clancey Smith, who is the group’s secretary, said the group thought the Proms theme was a fitting way to raise money for the Poppy Appeal.

Ms Smith, who has been a member of HAODS for more than 20 years, said: “Henley Brass has just been formed but we were already family with them because of Gary. I thought they were fantastic.”

Suri Poulos, who was at the event with her husband Darrel, said she had enjoyed the songs as well as the running commentary from the musicians of Henley Brass.

“I’m enjoying it very much,” she said. “The band is very good and funny, and we are enjoying singing along. I hope I can get up to dance. Never miss an opportunity to dance.”