Sellout Performances For 'I Knew A Simple Soldier Boy'

Community turns out in force to support unique Armistice Day concert

The local community turned out in force for the Remembrance Day concert, 'I Knew A Simple Soldier Boy' last Sunday (11 November), at St Paul’s Church, Grove Park.

Drawing on the personal reminiscences of ordinary people and contemporary soldiers' songs and music; it was a poignant and uplifting evening. Readings were from private unpublished memoires, transcripts from the Imperial War museum's oral record (Forgotten Voices), as well as prose and poetry extracts from Siegfried Sassoon, Robert Graves, and Wilfred Owen.

Popular actor Simon Shepherd narrated and the performance was directed by the award-winning West End Director Michael Reed who conducted an orchestra of fifteen professionals, including Bea and Ben Chappell.

A large choir of local residents, along with children from the Unicorn school in Kew were among the hundred performers involved.

The music ranged from Salut d'Amour and The Lark Ascending (Elgar), to favourites such as Oh What A Lovely War, It's A Long Way To Tipperary. Roses of Picardy, Alexander's Ragtime Band and Keep the Home Fires Burning, were also favourites.

The soaring soprano voices of Andee-Louise Hypolite and Rebecca Gresson were a particular highlight.

With all performers in Edwardian dress, lighting by experienced theatrical designer Andrew Voller, plus film and images on a huge screen, it was described as an immersive and emotional experience, with the audiance clapping along and joining in.

Profits will be shared between the Royal British Legion and St Paul’s.

November 18, 2018