Living Advent Calendar Day 19: Musical start to final week

Henley youths sang and danced in Christ Church to begin the final week of this year’s Living Advent Calendar.

Stagecoach Henley, High Wycombe and Marlow, directed by Clare Gosling, regaled the audience with Christmas staples Silent Night and White Christmas, interpretative movements from the musical Chicago with songs Cell Block Tango, All That Jazz and Roxie and Hamilton with the song My Shot, as well as an Ariana Grande solo Santa Tell Me.

Joining arms with sponsor The Chocolate Café, their efforts supported Badgemore Primary School.

Supporting the Hop Gardens primary also forms part of Mayor Michelle Thomas’ pledge to start a “covid catch-up fund” at all four of the town’s state schools.

Upon entry, attendees were greeted with warm mince pies provided by the sponsor, after which they were led into the brightly lit chapel and seated in pews.

Despite missing 17 performers, Ms Gosling congratulated her present students on their efforts, who were met with rounds of applause.

Calendar chairman Richard Rodway oversaw the entertaining hiccups that accompanied the ensuing raffle for prizes from “the table of dreams”, ranging from confusion over the colours orange and pink, a harmoniously sung “700”, a blue “666” drawn which Mr Rodway remarked a “very festive number” and a fair few multi-wins.

Tonight’s performance will be held at the Kenton Theatre.