Gospel choir's angelic music fills Norwich venue

The angelic sounds of the CK Gospel Choir reverberated around the rafters of Norwich Playhouse on October 28, fresh from their semi-final success on Sky1 talent show Must be the Music.

 

The 13-strong Children of the Kingdom choir and musicians filled the auditorium of the Playhouse with their unique, infectious, four-part Gospel and soul for over two hours.

 

The choir opened with Higher and Higher, which could easily have described the reaction of the 250-strong audience, who several times during the show were literally on their feet to join in.

 

A gospel medley really brought the place to life with versions of Let it Shine, God’s Not Dead, Down by the Riverside and Walking on the King’s Highway blending seamlessly into each other in one glorious package.

 

Lovely Day with a solo from TJ Weekes and a mesmeric version of Bob Marley’s One Love from Adeola Shyllon, as she sang “let’s get together and we’ll feel alright”, summed up the mood in the hall.

 

Edwin Hawkins' Gospel classic O Happy Day brought the entire auditorium to its feet and the audience joined in Steve Wonder’s Signed, Sealed, Delivered to round off a captivating first half.

 

A low key start to the second half involved director Harlano introducing the entire choir to us, including musicians on keyboards and grand piano, lead and bass guitar and a female drummer, Hannah Ledwidge.

 

All eight singers, along with livewire director Harlano Weekes, had solo parts during the evening, and the sense of one big happy family working for each other was strong.

 

An upbeat Brazilian Samba was followed by a mellow version of Amazing Grace. Jesus Loves Me and He’s Gonna Work It Out continued the Gospel flavour.

 

Several members of the choir have appeared with well-known names such as Leona Lewis, Mariah Carey, Stevie Wonder, Enrique Iglesias and Phil Collins.

 

They also wowed judges on Must be the Music, including Jamie Cullum, Dizzie Rascal and Sharleen Spiteri, with their gospel energy and soulful singing.

 

A deserved encore of Lean On Me had the audience on its feet once again led by Scarlet Gabriel.