When it comes to Grimethorpe, always expect the unexpected.

Brilliant at the Yorkshire Area, but well off the pace at the British Open, stars of a recent Sky television show, then sackers of conductor Luc Vertommen less than a week before the National Finals.

Anticipation

No wonder the audience at Regent Hall was in a mood of anticipation as the men in the famous pink shirts took to the stage under Dr Robert Childs, less than 24 hours before their Albert Hall appearance. 

When they left a couple of hours later though they knew this Grimethorpe was in a mood of serious intent - after they delivered a no nonsense concert that certainly had one dynamic eye on the acoustic of the old Kensington cake tin rather than the less forgiving Regent Hall.

Humorous and hard core

Only Grimethorpe can mix and match the humorous and the hard core in just about one breath.

Shaun Crowther mischievously teased as a prelude to launching into the familiar Grimey crowd pleaser, 'Lucerne Song', before all smiles were wiped as Dr Robert Childs (who directed with an equally firm, but relaxed sense of direction) led them through Edward Gregson's, 'Prelude for an Occasion', full of rhythmic vigour and pin-point precision. 

You could hear the murmurs of impressed listeners in Piccadilly. 

Startling

That was added to with a startling account of ‘Of Distant Memories’ – one which held the audience spellbound. 

The MD’s clear understanding of the composer’s musical intentions ensured his players knew exactly what was expected of them – the result of which was playing that combined lyrical elegance with thunderous excitement.

The reception it received surely sent a tremor of fearful expectancy into any rival’s final rehearsal on the night.  

Neat

There was also a neat account of Robert Redhead's 'Reflections in Nature', and the euphonium duo of Michael Dodd and Philippe Schwartz enjoyed themselves in Peter Graham's 'Brilliante', first performed 26 years earlier by the Childs Brothers.

To close the first half, Grimethorpe unearthed the oldest of lollipops in the 'Finale' from 'William Tell', which must have had even the MD dreaming of lifting the famous trophy on high above his head the following day.

Unprinted

Understandably, the second half bore little resemblance to the printed programme, with a sparkling 'Funiculi Funicula Rhapsody' followed by a silky smooth Chris Gomersall in Bill Geldard's 'Dark Eyes'.

Karl Jenkins' atmospheric take on 'Abide with Me', was contrasted with the sharp wit of Wilfred Heaton’s ‘Praise', whilst Percy ’Grainger's 'Molly on the Shore', featured the excellent baritone playing of Michael Wells.

Fifth Legion

The thoughtful control of John Rutter's 'What Sweet Music' (such an apt title, when performed like this) provided the last moment of repose before the turbo boosters were fired and anyone of a nervous disposition was left quaking in their boots with the 'March' from the 'Pines of Rome' - which sounded as if the Fifth Legion had just stomped down Regent Street.

Shaun Crowther’s neat dry wit on 'Lucerne Song' rounded things off with the expected unexpected so to speak.

It was pure Grimey through and through.

Malcolm Wood