EXPECTATIONS were high for The Queen Katherine School's second Arts Evening at the Brewery and the talented performers rose to the occasion, in a varied programme of drama, music and dance which catered for every taste.

The audience was captivated by the students' skills and stage-presence from the moment the stage band struck up a rousing welcome in the Malt Room, where the school's impressive art work was displayed.

Bryony Cousins then stylishly compered the main part of the evening, deftly linking each presentation. Martin Davies's skilful playing of a Debussy Arabesque set a high standard. Humour was provided by Tim Oates's monologue on the differences between the sexes and by the extract from A Midsummer Nights Dream as you've never seen it before! In contrast the improvisations on serious issues such as leaving home, oppression and war were hard hitting.

The musical highlights included Anna Etherington's foot-tapping Medley of Reels, Jo Ashcroft's expressive flute playing and Ruth Leavett's masterful performance of Poulenc's Noctume for piano. The jazz ensemble Heatwave brought this celebratory evening to a close with verve and panache.

Congratulations to all the performers and to Caroline Barber, Geoff Pegg and Lesley Talbot. The Arts are safe in their hands!

February 6, 2003 10:30