A successful concert billed as A Night at the Theatre was held at Bolton Priory raising over £2,500 for the Priory Heritage Fund. Headlined by professional soprano Elizabeth Frankland and interspersed by the voices of Belle Canto it was attended by a packed audience. Elizabeth’s petite stature belied her soaring voice and her opener “I Could Have Danced All Night” was a superb choice. The professional accompanist for the evening, Anthea Shepherdson-Peel, squeezed the concert into her busy schedule. It was most fitting therefore that a magnificent grand piano was generously put in place and sponsored by Yorkshire Pianos especially for the occasion.

One of the evening’s many highlights was Elizabeth’s and Sarah Penrose’s Barcarolle from the Tales of Hoffman this time accompanied by Stephanie Highett. All in all, with songs from Fiddler on the Roof to Les Miserables and La Boheme to Carmen, it was an uplifting musical evening. The Priory, dressed for the occasion the Priory Flower Team, could not have looked more beautiful.

Five times Chelsea medal winner, Erica Berry of Ilkley donated beautiful bouquets and rose plants for the performers.

Elizabeth Frankland said: “I have long wanted to perform at Bolton Priory for its wonderful acoustics and am delighted it was such a fund raising success. I sincerely hope to make a return visit sometime next year.”

Liz Clayton