THE Blackstone Ipswich Cambrian Choir has been singing now for 127 years in a command performance that proclaims it as one of the district’s oldest continuous community groups.
Each year they compete in the Queensland Eisteddfod and invariably add their names once more to the memorial trophies.
When they are not in competition they put on performances at their headquarters at the old National Theatre in Booval, a building they purchased back in 1985.
While it’s ideal to have their own performance centre it also comes with the anchor of paying for insurances and upkeep which test the coffers of the Cambrian group.
To offset the financial pressures, they stage four shows each year and that includes an annual theatre restaurant review.
This year’s, “Oh, What a Knight”, has just two performances to go with the final nights this Friday and Saturday.
It’s a massive production, not just on and around the stage, but also in the backrooms.
The $49 ticket to get a seat includes a three course meal and it’s prepared and served by the choir group.
One minute a Cambrian singer may be on stage giving their best rendition of a classic rock song and the next they may be in the kitchen dishing up 110 plates of pumpkin or minestrone soup.
Last Saturday the hall was packed and the choir provided another polished performance.
The 31 singers on stage had rehearsed for two months to get ready for six performances that not only serve to promote the talent of the choir, but also help to raise funds to keep the doors of the Cambrian Centre open.
Sir Galahad and his friends gave a rousing performance last weekend and thoroughly deserved the loud applause. If you’re lucky there may be a few seats left for this weekend.
