Mount Charles Band

Last Night of the Proms
Conductor: Garry Cutt
Minack Theatre
Porthcurno
Friday and Sturday 23rd/24th September

Neither thunder nor lightning could stop the Mount Charles Band at their ‘Last Night of the Proms' concerts at the spectacular Minack Theatre, Porthcurno over the weekend of 23rd & 24th September.

With guest conductor, Garry Cutt, the band put on a great show for the sell out audiences in all three performances with Proms classics such as Jerusalem, Fantasia on British Sea Songs and Land of Hope and Glory (Pomp & Circumstance No. 1).  John Maines was compere for the concerts and kept the audience in jovial mood with his witty sense of humour.  The concert was complemented by the beautiful singing of Cheryl Brendish and Caroline Harries for the evening concerts and matinee concert respectively.

For those who have not been, the Minack is an open air theatre which has to be seen to be believed.  Set in the rugged cliffs at Porthcurno, it is a 750 capacity theatre.  There is no backdrop – just the English Channel and the skies.  It attracts a sturdy audience who are used to watching and hearing performances despite the elements and come equipped for the task together with their hampers complete with pasties, beer, wine, and in some cases, champagne!

The first half saw the band open in fine style with the march The Melody Shop followed by a performance of Judges of the Secret Court, being the test piece for the forthcoming National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall, London.  The band put in a good show and preparations for the contest were clearly heard to be going well.  Next up was the lightening (!) quick Freikugeln Polka by Strauss, some great playing from Sarah Robins in the horn solo Demelza and more high tempo action in the Armenian Sabre Dance before the band wrapped up the first half with Goff Richard's audience favourite, A Disney Fantasy.

On the Friday, before the band played A Disney Fantasy, band stalwart Keith Thomas who has recently retired from playing was presented with engraved crystal glasses to mark his retirement from playing.  These were presented by Garry Cutt who praised Keith and all others like him present in bands throughout the country.  Garry added that, without the dedication of such people, bands would not continue to exist.

After a 20 minute interval the band came back in style with the Latin American Valero featuring the cornet section before Nick Hudson's superb and seemingly effortless rendition of Do Nothing till You hear from Me.  At this point on the Saturday evening concert, the band was getting ready to play The Dam Busters when, somewhat eerily, a lightening storm started about 10 miles out to sea.  The additional rumbles added to the atmosphere of the piece.  Visually, it was as if the Dam Busters were in action off the point of Land End!

Next up was Sailing and, sure enough, on the Sunday matinee, there was a yacht passing by at the time.  Jerusalem, Fantasia on British Sea Songs, and Land of Hope and Glory followed with John Maines as the official adjudicator in the band v. audience contest in the Hornpipe.  The band (as always!) were victorious in all 3 concerts.  Having said that, what the audience lacked for in their clapping ability, they more than made up for in their singing.

By this time on the Friday, the lightening storm was fast approaching the open-air theatre when the band started the 1812 Overture.  It only added to the atmosphere as the last section started and the fireworks were let off with the odd flash of lightening joining in as well.  Garry Cutt, meanwhile, was keen to ensure he didn't raise his baton too high to avoid becoming a lightening conductor!

After an encore of Trelwany the audience left having sung their hearts out yet again but, for the Friday, as quick as possible to avoid the storm which had now settled right over the theatre.  Within the space of 5 minutes after finishing lightening was right over the theatre with one flash literally within a few hundred feet.  Nobody was injured but the heavens soon opened leaving most of the band sodden.

Nevertheless, it was all worth it and the band thoroughly enjoyed performing to such a receptive and appreciative audience.  The band is pleased that the Minack Theatre has already booked it up for next year although the dates have yet to be confirmed.

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