MICHAEL DRAKE Norwich Theatre Royal

MICHAEL DRAKE

Norwich Theatre Royal

It was lucky thirteenth for Norwich last evening as 50 Royal Air Force musicians reached the end of a nationwide tour of concerts supporting RAF Charitable Trusts.

In an easy listening concert, sponsored by BAE Systems, with a programme of well-known classics, popular tunes from film and TV scores including a number of vocal and instrumental solos, I guess most of the audience could still quote their service “last three” numbers to add to a strong feeling of nostalgia.

And no little atmosphere also, created by the music, notably the Poirot Variants arranged by Christopher Gunning and John Williams' Far and Away - just two pieces with woodwind joining a fine array of brass which leant themselves more easily to this ensemble conducted by Wing Cmdr Stuart Stirling.

Simon Williams, the TV actor, skilfully linked the items, which included some very smooth vocals from Sgt Matthew Little and Emer McParland.

Big band sounds were impressive, while the Glenn Miller sound from the smaller Squadronaires group was greeted with spontaneous applause.

A classy concert ended appropriately with Abba's Thank You for the Music.