by Mike Wade
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There was a feast of musical, theatrical and comedic entertainment at the Gaiety on Friday night, with the first Mannanan’s Winterfest Christmas concert.
Some of the island’s finest musicians joined together to produce an evening of glorious, festive music, with the highlights including stand-out performances from the rising stage star Alexandra Slater, who sang a wonderful version of ’O Holy Night’, backed by a stage full of Manx musicians from the Ramsey Town band, the Manx Voices choir and the house folk group, featuring Malcolm Stitt, David Kilgallon, Jamie Smith and Katie and Kirsty Lawrence.
Alexandra also performed two stunning songs in Manx Gaelic, ’The Angel Gabriel’ and ’Oikyn Anys Bethlehem’, accompanied by Mera.
Elsewhere, there were folk tunes by the house band, and a version of a traditional Whiteboys play, by the Michael Players.
The sheer variety of entertainment was highlighted by the compere, Dot Tilbury, who was on top form all night.
Amongst her many sketches and songs, the best was her hilarious take on the Victoria Wood song, ’Lets Do It’, with a harassed-looking Geoff Corkish playing her sidekick.
The sight of Dot hurtling across the stage in a frock coat on the back of a hostess trolly is a sight never to be forgotten.
Organised by Malcolm Stitt and David Kilgallon, it was a wonderfully evocative night of music and variety, and one that created a genuinely warm, feel-good, family atmosphere. It is hoped that the Winterfest will become an annual occasion, and one that will welcome the Christmas season in at the Gaiety for many years to come.