First Hastings performance by The Class, 17 April

The group originally came together as the community choir in the Arts Council funded stage production Class & Corruption, a full length musical drama based on the Weill/Brecht Threepenny Opera. It was written by local author Christine Harmar-Brown and performed in Rye last year.

Drawn from the surrounding areas of Hastings, Rye and Bexhill, they were a diverse group. Most had not sung publicly and some had never even been on stage before. But over the months of rehearsals, the skills of Musical Director John Cornford transformed them into polished performers, singing and acting alongside professional actors. So close were the friendships created that on the concert’s final night a pact was made to continue singing together — if at all possible.

Some nine months later, and now named ‘The Class’, the group is to perform its own first concert, a delightful mix of songs from the 20th century interspersed with seasonal readings. Entry is free with donations to be shared between choir funds and the restoration of the organ at the Unitarian Church — where the group practice each week and where the concert is to be held.

After the music, homemade cakes and tea/coffee will be served. It sounds like the perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

For more information, and for information on how to join ‘the class’, ring 01424 426222.

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