Nomads smash cabaret night

At St Nicolas Church Hall, Newbury

Returning once more to their regular spring event, Nomads this year decided on a Cabaret Night.

Hannah Maskell, who graduated in 2021 from Southampton University with a degree in music, took responsibility for putting together the musical numbers which had been chosen by the performers themselves.

There was an eclectic mix of music from shows old and new and Hannah had arranged them into a varied and entertaining programme.

Narration throughout was delivered by Daniel Maskell, who quickly warmed to his task and created a good rapport with the audience. At the start he informed us that unfortunately, Alice Warbis-Keeping had been taken poorly, and therefore Hannah Maskell and Colette Jones would be standing in for her.

This was an exceptionally talented group of performers, all of who had melodious voices, expressive lyrics, animated visuals and good acting skills.

There were comedic numbers performed with a great sense of fun and classic ballads sung with strength and emotion.

The cast – Shaun Blake, Neil Harvey, Colette Jones, Caitlyn Maskell, Hannah Maskell, Jane Oliver, Nikki Rands, Stoff Rands, Susanna Sales and Peter Warbis – had chosen songs from shows that they knew would either not become available for amateurs or that Nomads are unlikely to stage.

I must single out Pete Warbis, who gave a stunning performance of Betrayed from The Producers.

They concluded the programme with an energetic, vibrant group performance of Applause, after which the sell-out audience broke into spontaneous cheering.

This was an immensely enjoyable evening and I look forward to their next venture Shrek! to be staged from October 4 to 7 at the Corn Exchange.

JEANETTE MASKELL