Review: Lace City Chorus, Albert Hall

WITH the World Barbershop Championships etched in their minds, the fabulous Lace City Chorus limbered up for their Nashville engagement later this year with a scintillating show of their talents.

The 90-strong chorus inspired by musical director Glenn Chaney and his wife Alyson served up a masterclass in barbershop singing in a concert called Thank You for the Music, compered by Roger Williams.

Joined by Swedish world champion quartet Salt and the UK's fab four Monkey Magic, the Lace City team, looking resplendent in red, began on a dazzling note with Great Big Beautiful Eyes and You Make Me Feel so Young.

They shone with a repertoire that included a Hooked On Classics medley which put a new slant on Mozart and Handel's masterpieces.

Monkey Magic made up of Alan Hughes, Zac Booles, Duncan Blackeby and Joe Knight showed brilliant close harmony."

The Swedish sirens earned an ovation for Isn't She Lovely.

In a remarkable second half the Lace City Chorus dressed in 60s-style costumes and served up a feast of songs.

Lace City's versatility shone through on a night of barbershop magic.

Peter Jordan