Music brings double delight for playgoers

Two groups of local musicians will provide double delight for playgoers attending the first two open air shows of the season at Lytham Hall.

The Guardian Concert Band, under the baton of Paul Cooper, will be in action at the opening play of the season, Great Expectations, on Sunday June 11 when they will play for 40 minutes before the show and for 20 minutes at the interval.

The Lytham Community Choir, conducted by Graham Warrington, will then entertain before the stage performance when Illyria present The Lost World on Sunday July 9.

Julian Wilde, organiser of the four play outdoor season, feels that the music will complement the on-stage action perfectly.

“The Guardian Band and the Community Choir are amongst the most popular musicians in the area and their performances last year were a much appreciated addition to the evening. I had no hesitation in inviting them both to appear again and was delighted to have a very positive response from Paul and Graham,” he said.

The Guardian Concert Band, founded over 30 years ago by of the employees of Guardian Royal Exchange Group in Lytham, rehearse weekly at the town’s Park Street Methodist Church. Conductor Paul Cooper has been at the helm since 2003.

The 250 strong Lytham Community Choir, founded in 2011, have a strong base at St. Bede’s School where they rehearse. Conductor Graham Warrington is Head of Music at the school and accompanist Andrew Barnett is Assistant Headteacher.

Tickets for Great Expectations and for The Lost World are on sale now on line from www.chapterhouse.org and www.illyria.uk.com and from six local outlets including Lytham Hall and the Lowther Pavilion Box Office.