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AMATEUR THEATRE REVIEW: What Sweeter Music – Chester Operatic Society,
AMATEUR THEATRE REVIEW: What Sweeter Music – Chester Operatic Society, All Saints Church, Hoole, Chester.
There is nothing quite like a winter’s evening spent in a beautiful church, surrounded by festive lights, warm smiles and the sound of glorious music. I had the pleasure of attending Chester Operatic Society’s Christmas concert, What Sweeter Music, at All Saints Church in Hoole, Chester – an evening of Christmas splendour that even Scrooge himself would have found hard not to enjoy.
From the moment I stepped inside the church, dressed exquisitely in blue and gold Christmas decorations, twinkling lights and a glowing Christmas tree, I felt an overwhelming sense of welcome from the Chester Operatic Society and the friendly front-of-house team. The atmosphere was already buzzing with festive joy, with warm smiles greeting the audience as we took our seats. During the interval, audience members; many dressed in Christmas jumpers, sipped hot mulled wine and enjoyed mince pies. Laughter, conversation and Christmas cheer filled the space, setting the perfect tone for a truly uplifting evening.
What Sweeter Music, musically directed by the remarkable Jan Hutchings, was nothing short of magical. Jan is clearly the heart and soul of this production. Her musical leadership was outstanding, bringing together a chorus of 40 voices and an exceptionally talented live band with precision, warmth and joy. From her place at the front of the orchestra, Jan guided performers and musicians alike with confidence and care, creating a seamless connection between voices and instruments. The harmony, balance and emotional depth achieved under her direction were a testament to her skill, passion and dedication. It was evident throughout the evening that this was a team effort led by an inspiring woman who truly understands how to bring music to life.
As the opening notes filled the church, a wave of nostalgia, peace and happiness swept over the audience, that familiar feeling that only Christmas music can evoke. Christmas can be a challenging time of year for many, filled with financial pressures and family stresses, but this concert was a beautiful remedy. It reminded us of the joy, wonder and whimsy that we sometimes lose as we grow older. Singing carols together in such a stunning setting, surrounded by cheerful strangers, created a sense of unity and calm that stayed with me long after the final note.
The first half featured a rich selection of traditional and classical Christmas pieces. Sussex Carol stood out as a beautifully delivered number, while Away in a Manger, performed a cappella, was truly breathtaking. The acoustics of the church allowed the voices to soar, creating a moment of stillness and awe. The First Nowell encouraged audience participation, bringing everyone together in festive spirit. A standout solo performance came from Helena Stroud singing O Holy Night! Her voice invoked peace and stillness, holding the audience completely captivated.
The musicians accompanying the chorus were exceptional throughout the evening: Margaret Corlett (Piano), Alison Dale (Drums, Percussion & Synth), Iain Morton (Drums), Henry Hutchings (Double Bass & Guitar), Emma Stevens (Flute & Saxophone) and Lyndzi Williams (Clarinet & Saxophone). Their musicality elevated the performance to another level, supporting the chorus with confidence, sensitivity and flair. A particular highlight for me was the flute; calm, delicate and beautifully expressive, adding moments of pure serenity to the production.
Act Two brought a playful and joyful contrast, with performers donning tinsel and Christmas hats, embracing the fun of the season. Winter Wonderland and Boogie Woogie Santa Claus were full of energy and charm, with eight ladies sparkling in gold tinsel and festive hats, making it impossible not to smile. The Night Before Christmas for Teachers, read by Rosemary Barfield, was a delightful interlude; as a teacher myself, I found it highly relatable and wonderfully funny, offering a perfect pause between musical numbers.
The evening continued with moments of humour and heart. Julian Eyre, singing I’m Getting Nuttin’ for Christmas, had the audience chuckling throughout, aided by a child joining him on stage at the end with a present – a lovely, memorable touch. Mele Kalikimaka, led by Will Shaw and supported by Ruth Buckley, Karen Drury and Mark Traynor, introduced me to a Hawaiian Christmas song I had never heard before, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Hot Chocolate quite literally raised the roof, filled with samba rhythms that made you want to dance in the aisle, while Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, beautifully sung by David Whitley, was a standout emotional moment and one of my personal favourites of the night.
Throughout the evening, chorus members introduced numbers and shared the history or meaning behind songs, adding warmth, context and personality to the performance. Every member of the chorus shone, contributing bright, confident vocals and reinforcing the sense of unity and teamwork that ran through the entire production. While Chester Operatic Society is proudly an amateur theatre group, there was absolutely nothing amateur about the strength, blend or quality of their voices.
A special mention must go to Chester Operatic Society’s commitment to community. Their support of Blood Bikes (Shropshire, Staffordshire & Cheshire) through a raffle highlighted just how community-minded this group truly is. Thank you to the Society for their kind invitation and warm hospitality – it made the evening all the more special. If you want to donate to this important charity please visit their website: https://ssbbgroup.org.uk/
If you missed What Sweeter Music this year, there is plenty to look forward to from Chester Operatic Society. Upcoming productions include Top of the Pops (10th–11th April 2026 at St Mary’s Creative Space), Follies (1st–3rd October 2026 at Chester Town Hall), and their annual Christmas Concert on 11th and 12th December 2026 at All Saints Church, Hoole. Tickets will be available from the Society well ahead of each production.
This was a joyful, heart-warming evening filled with festive magic, outstanding music and a powerful sense of community. I would wholeheartedly recommend this concert this year and for many Christmases to come.
Reviewer: Abigail Bradbury - AMT Productions
Date: 12.12.25
If you want to see Chester Operatic Society upcoming productions. Please follow the link below to book your tickets.
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Bwalya Mutale-Kibaris
Bwalya Mutale-Kibaris has always enjoyed writing, whether it be fictional stories, the first 10 pages of a script or book, or writing reviews for random brochures back in her university days! Bwalya loves putting words together to create something that is hopefully informative, engaging or at the very least, easy to read and understand! She is grateful to AMT Productions for giving her the opportunity to write a review for a play in 2024. This was a rewarding learning experience that Bwalya will take with her to all future ventures as she plans to fill much of her time writing with the hope of leaving readers suitably entertained.
Rebecca Topping
Rebecca Topping studied Drama at Queen Mary University of London and has been writing and producing plays professionally for over 10 years. She has experience of performing and directing on London’s West End and is currently teaching Comedy and Drama for the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts and working creatively in communities for a charity in Birkenhead. With sell out runs of comedy shows in London, Liverpool and Edinburgh, she is no stranger to the jokes and gags needed to have an audience in stitches.
Abigail Bradbury
Abigail is a Choreographer, Director and Movement Director for professional and amateur large-scale musicals, plays, films and pantomimes across the UK. Abigail has worked extensively within the industry, appearing in her first TV series at the tender age of 6. Abigail HAS Radio, Film and television credits with BBC, ITV, BBC Merseyside Radio and Heart Radio. In addition to her radio and television credits, Abigail’s professional performing career also includes leading roles in ‘Peter Pan’, ‘Pied Piper’, ‘Her Benny’, ‘Christmas Carol’ and ‘David Copperfield’, in a variety of touring theatres across the UK, AND HAS recently performed in ‘Shrek the Musical’, ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ and ‘The Sound of Music’ at the Liverpool Empire.
Abigail has always had a passion for teaching and sharing her knowledge and skills within the theatre industry.
Matthew is a Director of AMTP LTD and has also starred in multiple TV & film appearances, Matthew has been involved in large scale productions of both theatre and fashion events throughout his life and has a passion for the arts.