Post by grant on Jul 9, 2010 13:50:52 GMT
Hello everyone
Part 2
There are a number of eateries on the promenade below the Cliffs Pavilion and, whilst Karsten headed back to his B&B to change, Gordon, Richard and I made our way down the winding steps in search of sustenance. Our luck was in – the heat of the afternoon encouraging most patrons to sit outside – we found one with a cool and empty interior which we quickly occupied. Our friendly, pretty waitress brought drinks whilst we studied the menu; thus it was, that a couple of hours later, we found ourselves making our way back to the theatre having consumed platefuls of scampi Cajun chicken and Knickerbocker Glories (that’s a sundae made with fruit, ice cream and yummy stuff ) and feeling very contented.
And so to the concert itself. Our seats – B12-B14 couldn’t have been better situated where they were directly in front of Hayley’s microphone. It is very warm in the auditorium and several patrons behind us were heard to comment that “it doesn’t look as though the air conditioning has been fixed” It hadn’t but, to give the theatre credit, copious quantities of iced water were provided for the cooling of patrons and this was much appreciated, although yours truly did end up with rather more ice cubes than the little plastic beakers provided could cope with!
I have only one negative comment to make about the evening and that is I would have liked maybe a couple more songs from Hayley than the seven she sang but then I guess we can never have enough Hayley! Other than that it was a very memorable evening and one which I thoroughly enjoyed once the sound level of narrator Squadron Leader Tom Jones had been corrected and we could hear what he was saying. His narration was well thought out – sometimes poignant – sometimes humorous whilst the concert itself was interspersed with recordings of Winston Churchill and ‘flypasts’ by Merlin engined Spitfires loud enough to set ones spine tingling!
Karsten has already provided a detailed set list in his Eastbourne review and tonight’s was identical. Although I have never been a fan of the ‘big band’ sound The Central band of the RAF gave a splendid performance, but it was Hayley’s presence that made the evening so special for me. She was, quite simply – awesome! Wearing a simple red dress, we had to wait some time for her first appearance and, despite my comment earlier, the lack of quantity was certainly made up for by the uniqueness of much of what Hayley sang.
Of course, hearing Hayley sing about white cliffs and nightingale’s singing in Berkeley Square is perhaps one of the most important aspects of these concerts for Hayley fans – the opportunity to hear Hayley sing songs from the war years; songs that could be heard on the battle fronts of Europe and in the music halls of London and elsewhere throughout the war years – songs that gave people hope; hope for peace and hope that their loved ones would return, and Hayley didn’t disappoint. The highlight for me has to be “Abide With Me” – only the second time I have heard Hayley sing this live – it brings a lump to my throat just typing the words – and of course, Hayley’s contribution could not have been complete without the inclusion of “We’ll Meet Again” - all in all a very special selection of songs on a very special occasion.
Outside there is now a welcome breeze blowing off the estuary. We don’t have to wait long for Hayley to appear and, although there aren’t that many people waiting, there are some who, it seems, must have every single one of their Hayley possessions signed making it difficult for Hayley to give time to others wanting to spend a few moments with her. In any event, Phil is anxious to be away and whisks her towards the minibus after five minutes or so. At least I managed to get a few nice pics which I will post later.
Best wishes
Grant
Part 2
There are a number of eateries on the promenade below the Cliffs Pavilion and, whilst Karsten headed back to his B&B to change, Gordon, Richard and I made our way down the winding steps in search of sustenance. Our luck was in – the heat of the afternoon encouraging most patrons to sit outside – we found one with a cool and empty interior which we quickly occupied. Our friendly, pretty waitress brought drinks whilst we studied the menu; thus it was, that a couple of hours later, we found ourselves making our way back to the theatre having consumed platefuls of scampi Cajun chicken and Knickerbocker Glories (that’s a sundae made with fruit, ice cream and yummy stuff ) and feeling very contented.
And so to the concert itself. Our seats – B12-B14 couldn’t have been better situated where they were directly in front of Hayley’s microphone. It is very warm in the auditorium and several patrons behind us were heard to comment that “it doesn’t look as though the air conditioning has been fixed” It hadn’t but, to give the theatre credit, copious quantities of iced water were provided for the cooling of patrons and this was much appreciated, although yours truly did end up with rather more ice cubes than the little plastic beakers provided could cope with!
I have only one negative comment to make about the evening and that is I would have liked maybe a couple more songs from Hayley than the seven she sang but then I guess we can never have enough Hayley! Other than that it was a very memorable evening and one which I thoroughly enjoyed once the sound level of narrator Squadron Leader Tom Jones had been corrected and we could hear what he was saying. His narration was well thought out – sometimes poignant – sometimes humorous whilst the concert itself was interspersed with recordings of Winston Churchill and ‘flypasts’ by Merlin engined Spitfires loud enough to set ones spine tingling!
Karsten has already provided a detailed set list in his Eastbourne review and tonight’s was identical. Although I have never been a fan of the ‘big band’ sound The Central band of the RAF gave a splendid performance, but it was Hayley’s presence that made the evening so special for me. She was, quite simply – awesome! Wearing a simple red dress, we had to wait some time for her first appearance and, despite my comment earlier, the lack of quantity was certainly made up for by the uniqueness of much of what Hayley sang.
Of course, hearing Hayley sing about white cliffs and nightingale’s singing in Berkeley Square is perhaps one of the most important aspects of these concerts for Hayley fans – the opportunity to hear Hayley sing songs from the war years; songs that could be heard on the battle fronts of Europe and in the music halls of London and elsewhere throughout the war years – songs that gave people hope; hope for peace and hope that their loved ones would return, and Hayley didn’t disappoint. The highlight for me has to be “Abide With Me” – only the second time I have heard Hayley sing this live – it brings a lump to my throat just typing the words – and of course, Hayley’s contribution could not have been complete without the inclusion of “We’ll Meet Again” - all in all a very special selection of songs on a very special occasion.
Outside there is now a welcome breeze blowing off the estuary. We don’t have to wait long for Hayley to appear and, although there aren’t that many people waiting, there are some who, it seems, must have every single one of their Hayley possessions signed making it difficult for Hayley to give time to others wanting to spend a few moments with her. In any event, Phil is anxious to be away and whisks her towards the minibus after five minutes or so. At least I managed to get a few nice pics which I will post later.
Best wishes
Grant
