Songbook

Seven years ago today the theatre group I am involved in lost one of its three founding members.

We all knew that Ken was sick and had been for some time and during pantomime, prior to Christmas a plan was put in place for the group to perform a one night special thank you gala concert to Ken, with him as guest of honour.

The show was based around one song from each of the shows the group had performed over its then 15 year history, a mixture of solos, duets and roof raising ensemble numbers with an awesome live band backing us and a mixture of both evening dress and costumed numbers.

Approximately 40 hours of rehearsals took place over a six week period in the lead up to the show with over 70 group members past and present performing on stage and additional help backstage.

Sadly, the cast were informed late morning that Ken was very sick and had been admitted to hospital so would not make the show. The day was already an emotional one for me as my own step grandfather had committed suicide the previous day.

As the curtain came down at the end of the evening the cast and audience were told together that unfortunately Ken had actually slipped away from us at 4pm that afternoon.

I'm convinced he was with us and saw the show.

Tonight I shall put the DVD on and reminisce about friends past and present and how so many individuals came together at such short notice to put on one of the best shows we have ever done.