MEMBERS of Caldicot Musical Theatre Society (CMTS) made a rare trip to Monmouth for a fund-raising concert in aid of Cancer Research.

The concert, featuring a talented cast of more than 30 ranging from eight- to 70-years-olds, at the Savoy Theatre in Monmouth raised more than £1,200.

Society Chair, Jo Postle said: “Not only was this a concert to raise funds and awareness for an excellent cause it was also a unique opportunity for the members to perform in a beautiful theatre – something they aren’t usually able to do as they currently don’t have such a facility available to them.”

Society members were joined by Blues Brothers tribute The Brothers Blue for the show which was called For One Night Only.

The programme for the show was packed with some well-known solo, duet and ensemble musical theatre numbers together with some lesser known more modern musicals giving every cast member the chance to shine. 

The evening drew to a close with a poignant and heartfelt message from society member Andy Rigden who paid an emotional tribute to friends and family of the group who have been affected by the disease.

Pink ribbons containing messages of hope were tied to a symbolic “tree of hope” during Andy’s message which will be donated by the society to the Velindre Hospital cancer centre in Cardiff.

An emotional rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone, led by Heidi Hodkinson, closed the show followed by a well-deserved standing ovation.

The group’s creative team ­– director Amy Gibbs, musical director Gareth Williams and choreographer Amie Pateman – put the evening together with the cast in as little as three weeks and proved once again their passion and ability to bring out the very best in the group. 

Sound by Josh Moon and lighting by Chris Neighbour set the scene and ensured everyone was seen and heard perfectly. 

Jo said: “Once again our CMTS family has blown the roof off with their talent and commitment.  Having just lost my grandmother to cancer, this event was particularly important to me and others in the group. 

“I’d like to thank the Savoy Theatre and their volunteers, CMTS front of house team and everyone that contributed to make this evening such a huge success. 

“I am immensely proud of what this group achieves and hope our small contribution standing up to cancer makes a difference.”

The society returns to Caldicot Choir Hall for its next show, a production of Ebenezer: The Night Before Christmas based on Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, on Saturday, December 3 and Sunday, December 4. Call 07727921466 for ticket information.