How Green Was My Valley

“Lifted the morale” “such a delight” “holding back the tears” “best day I’ve had in a long while” “keep singing”

After a gap of 11 years, Vic Welsh reprised our presentation of a concert preceding this film at the renowned art-deco Astor Theatre. 

A large and very keen audience was anxious to secure the best seats well in advance of the 2.00 pm start. Introductions were carried out by compère Drew Hopkins and President Tony Davies provided a narration about the film and its themes and parallels between the Morgan family and his own. This was broken up by the choir singing two or three specially chosen and relevant songs in each bracket. Patrons also played their part by joining in with the old favourite Amazing Grace. Other soloists were Stephen Pepper and Gordon Parsons and Bob Ash with the very relevant Working Man.

After an interval, in which all the choc tops sold out, the film was shown without intermission.

Audience feedback included:

My Dad was sent to NZ to keep him out of the coal mines, but the depression put him into the mines. He worked underground for 35 years and I grew up there, so I related to it all. I always enjoy the choir, particularly when they sing in Welsh. Win

I enjoyed the afternoon very much. It lifted the morale.

Soloists were excellent and both pianist and conductress were excellent. A very enjoyable afternoon, thank you

It was a wonderful afternoon and such a delight to hear the choir.

Having the Welsh Choir and narration leading to the film was excellent.

One of my very favourite movies, never having seen it at the movies before. A very enjoyable afternoon. Loved listening to the choir.

It was a really enjoyable way to spend an afternoon, thank you. I do hope you will do it or a similar performance soon.

Thank you for arranging the event.

Performance beyond our expectation. The choir should be included in some of Victoria’s high profile events, AFL Grand Final, Carols by Candlelight, opening of relevant Gallery Exhibitions. ~ Tim 

A really memorable and for me a moving experience as it reminded me of my Welsh Grandparents who were a guiding influence when I was young. My Grandfather was the President of the Cambrian Society in Newcastle (NSW) during the 60s and I attended the odd Welsh Church session. The songs were all that I identified and the voices beautifully orchestrated. It was hard holding back the tears during the singing and the film. Thank you !! ~ David 

Thank you for a lovely afternoon. We really enjoyed ourselves. ~ Kay 

My Great Grandfather was a coal miner in Abercarn, South Wales. He came to Australia in 1856 and the Ballarat gold fields. We thought the show was marvellous.

Loved audience sing-along.

I’ve already seen the choir/ film at the Astor, but didn’t realise it was 12 years ago. My husband and I took my 80+ year old Dad for Father’s Day and he loved it too. My husband and I love the Astor and think that the narrative and choir enhanced an already powerful film. Thank you very much for a wonderful afternoon.

A most enjoyable afternoon which brought back memories of growing up in a coal-mining village in West Yorkshire.

Excellent day, full credit to conductor for including the audience into joining in well. The best day I’ve had in a long while. Carol

We just loved every minute – memories.

Keep singing!