Soaring classical music is performed in the tranquil grandeur of Old Saint Paul's Scottish Episcopal Church. Different performers paint the still, late-night air throughout the festival. And, if the talents of Judy Dennis and Joe Doody are a benchmark, Hot Chocolate at 10 is well worth the calories. The sweet delight of their voices complement one another and the setting. Tonight's programmes is Benjamin Britten & the English Song.

After a rather dragging but delicately-handled opening number - Canticle II: Abraham and Isaac (Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)) - the singers' performances take off. Sensitively accompanied by Simon Nieminski on piano, Judy Dennis's voice soars. Her tone is pure and warmm and she fills the vaulted heights with ease. Fears that this is some amateur act of church-hall indulgence vanish.

Joe Doody's performance is equally accomplished. Though his voice is perhaps a little less extraordinary, his charm bubbles. Laughter at the slight naughtiness of Man Is For The Woman Made (Henry Purcell (1659-1695), realised by Britten) may be of the middle-class variety, but Joe Doody is expressive and playful. He could afford to be more so and relax into such effortlessly-written ditties. Benjamin Britten's arrangement of four traditional folk songs is performed with panache. Judy Dennis captures all the sadness and the fragile, eerie quality of Bonny At Morn. Her voice pours forth, unforced. Her body is in tune with the music. Despite a few off-notes in The Ash Grove her renditions are winning.

The show ends with another duet. Encouraged by an excellent performance the pair ease themselves into a teasing number: The Dialogue Of Corydon And Mopsa (from The Fairy-Queen (1692) by Purcell) is full of jollity. 'No kissing at all', Judy Dennis shrills - physically and vocally commanding her duet partner. He rises to the challenge, having visible and audible fun with the song, and achieving the vocal quality which his previous tension slightly restrained. Tonight's programme, which begins a little tentatively, ends on a high note. Hot chocolate, candlelight and classical music - the perfect preface to that most blissful and uncommon Edinburgh Fringe occurrence - a good night's sleep.

Cast Credits: (alpha order): Judy Dennis – mezzo soprano. Joe Doody – tenor. Simon Nieminski – piano.

Music Credits: Abraham and Isaac (Canticle II) – Benjamin Britten (1913-1976). The Blessed Virgin's Expostulation - Henry Purcell (1659-1695). Evening Hymn - Purcell, realised by Britten. Man Is For The Woman Made - Purcell, realised by Britten. Four Folk Songs (including Bonny At Morn, The Ash Grove) - traditional, arranged Britten. The Dialogue of Corydon And Mopsa - Purcell (from The Fairy-Queen (1692)), realised by Britten.

Company Credits: Director - uncredited. Producer - uncredited. Company - Old Saint Paul's Music. Website - www.osp.org.uk.

END

(c) Rebecca Gibson 2009

reviewed Wednesday 12 August 09 / Saint Paul's Scottish Episcopal Church, Edinburgh UK

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012

www.fringereport.com