THE Rodgers and Hammerstein songbook never sounded so heartfelt and full of zest as in Bridgwater Amateur Operatic Society’s production of ‘Some Enchanted Evening’.

Performed at Bridgwater Arts Centre between November 28 and December 1, the show contained a wonderful 36 Rodgers and Hammerstein show tunes that must rank as some of the finest ever written.

Much of the credit for producing such a classy show must go to Sue Pomeroy’s imaginative direction and the skilled musical direction of Tony Pomeroy.

This, aided by the choreography of Katy Gunningham, the excellent keyboard contribution of Andrew Hinkley and beautiful colour coordinated costumes, added insight and style to the show.

The sophisticated presentation of the revue, staged with a simple but beautifully balanced and lit set, consisted of both full songs or fragments combined in medleys with solos, duets and full-cast items.

Among the many highlights was Darren Oxman’s superb rendition of Soliloquy from Carousel. Nina Wylde’s Out of my Dreams from Oklahoma was engaging, while her Love Look Away from Flower Drum Song was smoothly sung.

The twin soliloquies from South Pacific were sensitively characterised by the well-matched Alan Coles and Sue Rawle.

Dave Bonser showed what a versatile performer he is in delivering a heart-felt Younger Than Springtime from South Pacific, while Dannielle Redman had fun with tunes like I can’t Say No from Oklahoma and A Cockeyed Optimist from South Pacific.

Peter Budd was an unlikely Maria – beard and all – in How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria that was commendably sung by Liz Jarvis, Rachael Berry, Brenda Brooks and Sheila Street.

They even managed to keep straight faces – almost. ‘Some Enchanted Evening’ lifted the spirits and was so tuneful that the audience were sure to be humming some of the songs long after seeing the show.

Congratulations to this award-winning society for their high quality production. It was wonderful.

Paul Billing