The Rivertones at Sidmouth’s Manor Pavilion Theatre

Residents of Sidmouth were treated to a great evening of song at the Manor Pavilion on Saturday 20th May. The Lions of Sidmouth had arranged another fund raising concert. The performers this time were Vicki Campbell and The Rivertones Harmony Chorus.

Vicki Campbell, well known to Sidmouth audiences, commenced the programme singing some much-loved songs from well-known musicals in her beautiful mezzo soprano voice. Quite delightful. Certainly many of the audience wanted to join in!

The major part of the programme was devoted to The Rivertones singing in their inimitable barbershop style. The Rivertones are a male chorus singing unaccompanied in close harmony. They are one of the best accapella groups of its type in the South West. What a great experience to see and hear so many men singing together a range of songs from ‘Hallelujah’ (Leonard Cohen) to ‘I’ll be seeing You’(Vera Lynn) to ‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight?’ (Lion King) and many others. After 50 minutes of singing on stage, the group then continued to delight those who had stayed on to a further 30 minutes of singing in the bar. A great evening.

The Rivertones Harmony Chorus is 50 men strong, 40 of whom were on stage on Saturday. Although based in Taunton, they attract men from across Somerset and East Devon. Three of Sidmouth’s own were on the stage on Saturday (Brian Pankhurst, Mike Peacock and Pete Stead). The group has established a reputation for teaching men to sing. Many of the men in the chorus had not sung before and have been taught to do so by The Rivertones. Now they just love it! The Rivertones principle is that everyone can learn to sing given the support and tuition that the group offers. Any men in the East Devon area who would like to give it a go, would be very welcome. Certainly the Sidmouth contingent would be happy to offer transport sharing to rehearsal nights on Thursdays in Taunton. Further information from the membership secretary, Alan Day, on 01460 52116.

Brian Pankhurst, Mike Peacock and Peter Stead – all local Sidmouth boys – with chorus director Peter Gover and other Rivertones looking on