On Tuesday 15 March, “Concert for the Young at Heart” put on a wonderful free show, welcoming hundreds of older people back to the Victoria Theatre, Halifax.
Prior to the pandemic the show has been performed annually for 18 years, and now after a two-year gap, “Young at Heart” was back, sponsored by the Maurice Jagger Centre and bringing a night of music and entertainment to an appreciative crowd.
Ian Moorhouse opened the show with charm, good humour and good voice – singing a nice rendition of Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline. He was not afraid to entertain the “older folks” with jokes about men and aging – which went down well with the audience.
Organisers Anne Redfern and Janet Fletcher thanked the audience for coming back to the show after the two-year gap and paid a warm tribute to Maurice Jagger who established the centre in 1982. This year the Centre is celebrating its 40th year.
One of the highlights of the night was ventriloquist and comedian Max Fulham performing with puppet “Grandad Eugene”. Max travelled up from Surrey to be part of the show and has featured on TV in Vernon Kay’s “Game of Talents”.
More entertainment was provided by Stage Door Studio’s adult and children’s dancing and singing groups which were clearly enjoying being in the spotlight alongside professional performers including comedian Lea Roberts, local folk singer Roger Davies, the CYH band and magician Michael Jordan of High Jinx.
“Bring me Sunshine” rounded off a heart-warming evening’s entertainment.
For many people in Calderdale this free event may be their only opportunity to go to the theatre due to the cost of show tickets. The evening’s of entertainment relies on sponsorship, donations on the night and fundraising by the organisers.
Next year’s event is scheduled for Tuesday 21 March 2023. Tickets will be available after Christmas by writing in to Concert for the Young at Heart, The Studio Rooms, 11 St. James Street, Halifax HX1 5SU.
Stage Door Studio will be staging a production of “The King and I” at Halifax Playhouse at the beginning of October and are looking for young people aged 16 years to 27 years of age who can sing to join the cast.
Stage Door Studio are also recruiting for their adult song and dance troups who rehearse weekly and will be performing in next year’s concert.