Jenny Pollard, The Buloke Times
A mix of the traditional and the contemporary had Carols at The Rex hitting the right notes as Charlton celebrated the lead up to Christmas with a message of hope and a whole lot of fun and colour at last Sunday night’s “glowing” event.
Adding to an atmosphere of barely contained excitement, the Rex auditorium was a kaleidoscope of pin-prick lights as all age groups raised their glowsticks – and their voices – in the time-honoured tradition of sharing the music and camaraderie of the festive season.
The opening by a smaller-than-usual Charlton / Wycheproof Citizen’s Band (somewhat depleted by members’ involvement with harvest) saw a newcomer step in (Troy Heenan) and a welcome back to “Haddy” Winsall who travels from Bendigo. Delivering on their commitment to participate, the Band received warm applause at the conclusion of their items.
Setting the tone
Setting the tone for the night, MC Greg Towers, began with a “G’day, G’day, G’day” intro as the program unfolded into a selection of much-loved carols before presenting an Aussie flavoured rendition of “The Twelve Days of Christmas”. With a guitar in hand and accompanied by a group of children (and with the scene taking on a “Sound of Music” type vibe), Greg led the youngsters through the verses with Australian fauna replacing the original rings, partridge, lords, ladies, etc. (Think, two pink galahs, five kangaroos and an emu up a gum tree. Not a turtle dove or French hen in sight!)
It was an upbeat sound as St. Joseph’s Catholic School then took to the stage, belting out “Jingle Bell Rock” and “Aussie Christmas” before their innovative presentation of the Nativity story as a shadow play. Behind a backlit screen the silhouetted figures formed tableaux narrating highlights of the story against the evocative background music of Leonard Cohen’s song, “Hallelujah”.
Message of hope
Another change of pace saw the school Chaplain, Tom Ayars, bound on stage to share a Christmas address.
In a conversational style which covered all the fun and exciting things about presents and Christmas, Tom shared the deeper meaning of the season – the message of hope – which was brought to life through the coming of Jesus.
Charlton College students were up next – also adopting a classic pop style, with renditions of “Elves Just Wanna Have Fun”, the Beach Boys inspired “Little St. Nick” and “Revving Up the Reindeers”.
More carols, then Reverend Judi Bird and Ian Scutt presented the country and western sounding “Jesus Was A Country Boy”, complete with accompanying props and plenty of action.
Audience interaction throughout the night kept the youngest attendees enthralled with questions such as: “Have you been naughty or nice?”, “What do you want Santa to bring?”, and giving “Jingle Bells” a vocal workout on the MC’s microphone.
It is thanks to the input of many who delivered what the Rotary Club expertly handled for so many years, that Carols continues and provides the outlet for community celebration at this time of year.
Acknowledgements for the Band, the schools and the staff who co-ordinate, prepare and rehearse the students, for the religious component by Chaplain, Tom Ayars, the musical support by Gil Gretgrix and the liaison and tech support from Hayden McKinnon from The Rex Theatre, left no doubt that Sunday night’s show was an outstanding success.
Here’s looking forward to 2024!
See all the pictures in the issue.
This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 15 December 2023.
