IT was certainly ‘Sparkle and Shine’ at ‘Music for Mac’, a show staged recently in St Mary Bourne, which celebrated and remembered the life of Mac Sutcliffe, who was killed in a crash just a year ago, at the age of 16.

Organised by his parents, Richard and Swee Sutcliffe, the show attracted many of Mac’s and his parent’s friends, both as performers and audience. Not only was everyone treated to a wonderful show, which was very moving, but a considerable four-figure sum was raised for Children in Need and Brake

The show reflected Mac’s love for musical theatre as well as the love of his friends and family for him.

Opened and closed by the entire company, was the song ‘Seasons of Love’ from the musical ‘Rent’ — And love was clearly all around.

Rebecca Anning performed a very heart-felt rendition of ‘Nothing’ from ‘A Chorus Line’ — the song was packed with emotion from one of St Mary Bourne’s finest singers.

Charlie Culley, gave a charming and sweet serving of ‘A Spoonful of Sugar’ from ‘Mary Poppins’.

One of Mac’s favourites, the musical ‘Wicked’, was showcased and three great songs were performed. First came ‘Popular’, sung by Sally Manning, another of St Mary Bourne’s finest singers, who gave tremendous skill and comedic effect with her portrayal of Glinda’s efforts to educate Elphaba (played by Olivia Anning). Olivia then gave a splendid turn on ‘Defying Gravity’. The medley then finished with ‘For Good’ and for the first time together, singing on stage, was mother and daughter Rebecca and Olivia.

A very successful auction of local artist’s work took place for the two good causes.

After the interval Richard, from the balcony, gave his Elvis impersonation from the musical ‘Joseph’, complete with Vegas shades and bouffant hair style.

Rebecca, supported by the chorus, gave a very meaningful and poignant performance of ‘Tell me it’s not true’ from ‘Blood Brothers’ and summed up for many the feelings everyone has arising out of the loss of Mac.

David Blake, got together a splendid show, as musical director and showed his arrangement and performing skills well. Together with the soloists named, the chorus comprised Richard Anning (looking splendid in a spare room curtain material ‘shorts suit’), Jo and Shannon Exelby, Jonathan Frere, Valerie Kennet, Polly Marks, Craig Marshall, Rachel Morgan, Lyn North, Diana Robinson and Richard Sutcliffe.

Derek Kane