Choir members jailed – for singing opera

THIRTY members of Warrington Male Voice Choir were “jailed” – for singing in a Beethoven opera.
But their incarceration was not a punishment – in fact it was an opportunity to perform with an opera company.
The choir travelled to Buxton at the invitation of the New London Opera Players to play a part in their production of “Fidelio”.
In a real break from their normal activities they left their familiar blue blazers at home and donned costumes and make-up to become members of, and to perform, the “Prisoners’ Chorus”.
Robin Green, artistic director of the New London Opera Players, said:
“We were absolutely delighted with the performance that the gentlemen of the Warrington Male Voice Choir gave.
“Not only was the sound full and vibrant, but the extra mile the gentlemen went in donning both costumes and make-up to make convincing prisoners impressed us all. Some of them seemed to enjoy it almost too much….”
Choir secretary Dave Knight said: “This was one of the choir’s most unusual bookings and all involved enjoyed every minute of it. From the audience reaction they obviously appreciated our performance, although we were locked up again straight after it. but lovers of Fidelio will know this was, of course, all part of the opera”.
The choir is now rehearsing for its tradition two nights of “Christmas Voices Christmas Brass” at the Parr Hall.
Joining them on Friday and Saturday December 14-15 will be the Pemberton Old Wigan DW Band, one of Lancashire’s finest brass bands.
There will also be an opportunity for the audience to join in the singing of some familiar traditional Christmas carols.
Tickets, priced just £10, are available by ringing 01942 515272 or 07929 033538.
Pictured: Choir “prisoners” await their curtain call.