Showstoppers has West End theme

This year’s production will be packed with a variety of West End classics and popular concert features performed by the cream of musical talent from across the North West. The unique combination of concert band, choir and soloists has consistently thrilled audiences all over the Province.

This year the venues include the Alley Theatre in Strabane on Thursday, November 17, Limavady High School on Friday, November 18, and the Strule Theatre, Omagh, on Wednesday, November 23. The final show sees a popular return to the Millenium Forum on Friday 25th November.

Ken and Jim Goodman share the Musical Direction, with Ken in charge of the Britannia Concert Band and Jim conducting the LMS. Shows featured this year range from classics such as My Fair Lady, Carousel and Showboat to more modern shows including Wicked, Jekyll and Hyde and Sweeney Todd. LMS soloists are made up from emerging talent such as James Kelly, Shona Lyons and Rionach McGlinchey, alongside some well known local stars such as Ken Canning, Chris McIvor and Donald Hill. Ben McGonigle also makes his Showstoppers debut as accompanist to the soloists and chorus.

The band is delighted to welcome a number of new members, both young and not so young, to share the stage with the existing mix of dedicated amateurs and local professionals. The programme this year includes the music of Irving Berlin, Ray Charles and John Philip Sousa. The band easily switches from soul with the Blues Brothers Revue to the traditional with Fucik’s Florentiner March as featured in the film “Brassed Off”. The popular tune “You raise me up” has been covered by a number of artists recently, however it is a little known fact that the tune is actually based on Danny Boy and was originally written as an instrumental piece. The band’s arrangement features a solo French Horn, expertly played by Ellen Giff.

With over 100 musicians on stage this year’s Showstoppers promises to be better than ever so book your seats early at the Millenium Box office on 028 7126 4455.