Wheathampstead Magazine
Local Music Hall...
Full of Wit, Music and Nostalgia
The popularity of Music Halls can be traced back to the taverns and coffee houses of the 18th century London where men met to eat, drink and do business. Performers sang songs whilst the audience ate, drank and joined in the singing. By the 1830's, many taverns had rooms that doubled as musical clubs, which had sing-songs on Saturday evenings. These became so popular that entertainment was put on two or three times a week.
Old Time Musical remains a very traditional form of entertainment in the UK today. It’s also very much of a tradition in Kimpton as the Kimpton Players put on their 54th Old Time Musical Hall this month.
The show gives the audience a chance to participate as many of the songs are well known and the audience is very much encouraged to join in.
Kimpton’s Music Hall, by tradition, features three acts which are perversely called the first, second and third halves.
This year first half is a continuous performance by the entire cast, featuring London and drinking and in particular beer. ‘Lambeth Walk’, ‘Maybe It’s Because I’m a Londoner’ and ‘Burlington Bertie’ are all songs that most of the audience will know.
The second and third halves feature a variety of songs that the audience are sure want to join in with such as ‘If it Wasn’t For the ‘ouses In Between’, ‘Wotcha’ and ‘Let’s All go to the Music Hall’, whilst novelty numbers such as ‘Twiddly Bits’ and ‘Comical Cock’ have everyone laughing.
It is not just an entertainment for old folk. Many people in their twenties and thirties are discovering what an entertaining evening it is at the Old Time Music Hall.
Full of wit, music and nostalgia, an evening at the Music Hall is usually a night to remember, full of laughter and pathos as well as a little something to eat and drink. The show is led by the jovial chairmen and talented pianist or orchestra. For tickets contact the box office 01 438 831294.