The talent and versatility of the Royal Marines Band service came to the fore at the Regent Theatre, last night, in a concert full of diverse music, superb soloists and all conjured up with a mix of fun and fabulous entertainment.

A full programme, which included a traditional finale featuring the march Celebration, Rule Britannia, Land of Hope and Glory and A Life On The Ocean Wave, was bursting with many recognisable and wonderfully-performed pieces from the Collingwood band, all under the baton of its leader Major Pete Curtis and bandmaster Warrant Officer 2 Nev Dednum.

The concert prelude Nostra Regina set the scene for the opening of the evening and was followed by the entry of the familiar Corps of Drums, resplendent in their recognisable white helmets and sashes and distinctive uniform.

Families of band members were in the 550 plus audience and managed to give a cheer for their loved ones as Maj Curtis introduced the musicians on stage.

Then the scene was set for a string of soloists: BdSgt Paul Daff: with his fabulous tenor saxophone rendition of the Pink Panther; BdCpl Steve Hall and Musc Joe Kemp, suitable dressed as skeletons, in the xylophone duet Joyful Skeletons; and the soaring flute of Musn Charlene Walker with Prelude from Suite Antique.

Songs from Broadway were featured and BdSgt Daff took centre stage again as he led the Royal Marines Big Band through a selection of familiar numbers.

The concert came to a climax with John Williams haunting Hymn To The Fallen, followed by a selection of Elvis Presley songs with BdCpl Brian Lloyd taking the role of The King, complete with his mullet and white jump suit, ably supported by the backing vocals of Musn’s Maxine Cruise, Gareth Johnsen and Charlotte Webb.

It was a fun interlude which was one of the many highlights of a wonderfully entertaining evening which was all in aid of Seafarers UK.

Russell Cook