A Feast of A Cappella, St George’s Church, Nailsworth, Monday May 23

A FEAST was promised, and I’m delighted to say it was well and truly delivered, with the Akabella Choir and the BNaturals providing an eclectic evening’s entertainment.

First up were the 11 members of the Akabella Choir, who took the audience on a world tour with music from Macedonia, the Hebrides, Italy, South Africa and Greece, interspersed with a couple of popular pieces.

They provided a gentle start to the evening, although I felt it was a shame that it was only in the encore, as the choir processed out of the church to another South African rhythm, that they really came alive – a bit more of that spirit would have lifted the first half.

Part two, however, was taken over by the four singers of the BNaturals, who immediately showed that we were in the capable hands of a polished quartet.

The set started with Tonight from West Side Story, the arrangement proving a wonderful showcase for the vocal talents of the foursome, and the standard stayed sky-high throughout.

Along with a classic songlist – music from The Beatles, Percy Sledge, Mozart, the Beach Boys and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – these performers packed in plenty of humour, to leave the audience crying out for more.

My favourite was a beautiful rendition of Hush-A-Bye Mountain, but there was something for everyone in a well-chosen selection, neatly finished off by a sing-along to All You Need Is Love.

Fabulous entertainment from the BNaturals and good support from the Akabella Choir made this an excellent evening: well done to the Festival for bringing these talents to town.

Jane Leigh