The traditional image of Barbershop is of four men, each with a specific role within a defined structure. ‘Surrey Harmony’ sweeps that idea aside. This all-female group fielded over fifty vocalists for an entertaining evening of a cappella as part of Caterham’s Miller Centre Festival.

Led by their ever-active director Jenny Lawson they soon warmed up the full house audience by launching the programme with It’s a Good Day, followed by a melodic interpretation of A Wonderful World. After that, the group gave an almost non-stop, well-balanced mixture of foot-tapping numbers and ballads.

With so many people on stage, the show could have become static. However, the front row managed some eye-catching, if simple, moves which added interest to several items; Love Potion Number Nine, for example made a particular impact with nifty footwork as well as expressive hand movements. Vocal control, faultless throughout, was most noticeable in I Never Meant to Fall in Love.

There are traditional quartets within Surrey Harmony’s full chorus. ‘Zig Zag’ took the spotlight to perform Once Upon a Time and ‘Hunky-dory’ showcased with You Gotta See Momma.

There was room for humour when three solemn looking members tangoed across the stage with male mannequins fixed to their shoes.

Although there were a few relatively recent numbers, such as glimpses into the musicals ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ and ‘Chicago’, rather too much of the programme seemed to be rooted in the early days. There must surely be plenty of post-war – and even more modern - songs that would respond well to the ‘Surrey Harmony’ treatment.

The team not only sang well but was also colourful to watch. Having started the show wearing impressive, matching red outfits, they all changed into flapper-style dresses in an array of shades and rounded off the evening by unveiling their striking new costumes of hot pink tops and red trousers for the finale. ‘Surrey Harmony’ always welcomes new members.

There could have been no better recruitment advertisement than this concert.

Tony Flook

Reproduced by courtesy of 'The Surrey Mirror'