Review by Stuart Russell

A winter Wonderland

THE Bingham Hall became the theatre of dreams on Sunday, December 18 when Maria Jagusz and her MJ/UK singers entranced a capacity audience with their Christmas concert “A Winter Wonderland.”

A taste of pantomime, traditional Christmas musical fare, a selection from the classics, children’s fantasies, easy listening Michael Buble style, it is difficult to envisage a wider repertoire of seasonal music and one that covered the range of emotions associated with Christmas from religious devotion, to family excitement, to the sadness of those who Christmas has forgotten.

The array of talent on display had all passed through Maria’s teaching programme and she takes every chance of introducing her proteges to the rigours of performing in public.

In addition to her intuitive direction, her hours of coaching have given her a unique knowledge of her performers as singers and as people.

Many of her alumni returned to support her, including Steve Simms, opera stars Benedict and Alice Nelson, and the local favourite singer/songwriter Ben Maggs.

Barrie Cooper was the musical director, the sound and light men were Scott Taylor and Jan-Paul Parkin who had 24 hours to convert Maria’s directives into the reality of light and sound. It all went without a hitch.

There was a retiring collection for one of Maria’s favourite charities, Lizzie’s Roundabout Well Appeal, including a raffle boosted by the donation of several generous prizes including a week in an Italian villa.

But above all, this event was about Maria.

The performance of the singers, and the triple standing ovation at the end left little doubt of what Cirencester thought of its favourite diva.

And until she decides to step aside and relinquish her crown, she will remain the undisputed queen of musical theatre in the Cotswolds.