FOR a quintessential sleepy English Market Town of only two and a half thousand people, Holsworthy is well served for the recreation of its residents and visitors and the importance of culture to its relatively small number of citizens can hardly be better illustrated than by its sophisticated and delightful little theatre.

The town can seat over 10% of its population in the HATS theatre and on June 11, Mevagissey Male Choir (MMC) performed a concert in the theatre intent on raising money to assist the HATS restoration fund.

The show, organised by MMC member Phil Walter, was very well received so that at the start of the concert, there was scarce a seat to be had. The theatre’s well designed layout also allowed the whole choir to get onto the ‘risers’ quickly and tidily at the beginning of the concert, an essential yet sometimes difficult maneuver that choir marshal Humphrey Stobart compares to ‘herding chicken’.

Working alongside Mr Walter was James Morrish. Well known for his presentational skills Mr Morrish acted as the choir’s compere for the evening and managed to captivate both audience and choir with his carefully crafted ‘country yokel’ style. The choir was tremendously grateful to James for his time and energy after three days of presenting at the Royal Cornwall Show, which finished only a few hours prior to the concert.

Between the sets Meva Capella once again showed the depth of talent amongst the members in the choir. Including the performances of local and gifted George Cooper, 17, to his own guitar accompaniment.

A member said: “Choir members were delighted to have such a confident young performer provide such a competent interlude while recovered our breath”.

The choir felt that the warmth of the reception by the worthy people of Holsworthy throughout the concert encouraged the choir to give their best and put on a universally agreed good MMC performance throughout the group. The choir then retired to the Holsworthy Golf Club and were treated to refreshments, which coupled with a few afterglow songs brought the evening to a conclusion.