We know that there are a lot of you out there and many of you read Dulwich OnView. Anne Shelton was a Dulwich resident for many years and her niece, Kelly Richards, is organising a tribute concert to be held in Eastbourne at the end of July. Kelly writes:
31st July 2009 will be the 15th anniversary to the day that Anne sadly passed away. The world not only lost one of the greatest female singers that England has ever produced, but also the most kindest, loving lady that one could have ever met. I thought that it would be a fine tribute, to such a fine lady of song to produce a show in her memory, and in celebration of her life, and what better than to add to that a 1940’s theme?
The next step was to produce the show for a worthwhile charity, as Anne spent so much of her life working for all sorts of charities, and was well known in the show business circle as a great fund raiser. There are so many worthwhile charities that deserve so much support, but the one that I felt would be most appropriate for this show is the Not Forgotten Association which is a charity for disabled ex-servicemen and women from all conflicts from WW2 to current day warfare. This also is the charity for which Anne did so much for, and in fact in 1991 she received the O.B.E for services rendered to the NFA.
The show will be very exciting, and the great lady herself will be featured with clips from shows, films, and indeed she will be heard to sing…all by the wonders of modern technology……..
The main attraction will be the great musicians of The New Squadronaires Orchestra, with whom Anne sang with many times. All the supporting artistes are giving their time free for the NFA, and all the songs that will be sung, and music played, will be from Anne’s own musical arrangements……
The artistes appearing are-:
- Teresa Cahill
- Clare Cunliffe
- Ian Flemming
- Mark Porter
- Swingtime Sweethearts and
- Jacquie Toye
We are most fortunate to have as our musical director Paul Davies, who will be accompanying the artistes on some songs with his original trio.
The Easy Company have kindly agreed to park up their original WW2 vehicles on the grass outside the theatre, and there will be a lot of people in WW2 authentic clothes and uniforms to add the fun of the evening.
The very talented Nobby Clarke will be playing well known 40’s songs in the Foyer of the theatre to welcome the audience.
The initial introduction to the show will be by me Kelly Richards (Anne’s niece) and then we are honoured to have Sheila Tracey take over the compering for the rest of the show.
The British Legion will be in support with standard bearers for the grand finale which will be the whole cast, headed by the opera singer Teresa Cahill singing “Land of Hope and Glory”.
I do hope that you will be able to come to the show which is at The Winter Garden, Eastbourne, East Sussex. Tickets are available from Kelly Richards P.O.Box 160, Hailsham, East Sussex BN27 4YF and cheques should be made payable to Kelly Richards, or from the Ticket Office
For more information about Anne Shelton and Kelly, read Kelly’s article about growing up in Dulwich with Anne Shelton .
This looks like a winner for Anne Shelton fans. The Swingtime Sweethearts performed at our garden opening in Anne Shelton’s old home in Court Lane last year, and were absolutely terrific.
Thank you Dulwich on View for passing on the word regarding the tribute show to my aunt Anne Shelton…..we are really hoping for a sell out performance. It would be lovely to have some of your readers there…
with many thanks
Kelly Richards (also a former Dulwich gal)
What a wonderful way to pay tribute to Anne on the exact date of the 15th Anniversary of her passing. I know that Kelly (her niece) has worked very hard to organise this show, and I am sure it will be a great success. I,my wife and daughter, together with her husband who also is an ex Dulwich boy will be there and look forward to what promises to be a wonderful and memorable evening.
Jim Woolley a fan and friend of Anne Shelton since 1940.
Instead of writing to a PO box in East Sussex, you can buy the tickets online:
http://www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk/What%27s_On/show.asp?showID=1567
Well, the big day came and went, namely 31st July, and what a day it turned out to be. This was the day we had been looking forward to for a long time. The weather was perfect.
Now a word or two about the Not Forgotten Association Anne Shelton Tribute Show at the Winter Gardens Theatre in Eastbourne. On arrival at the theatre, I was astonished to see so many people queueing, because it often occurs to me that the number of people who remember Anne must be getting fewer and fewer, but as it happened there were many of the younger generation in the audience. It really was a ‘Full House’.
Kelly Richards did a magnificent job in organising the show which really was a rip roaring success. The Artistes’ taking part really did give their all. The New Squadronnaires Big Band
brought back memories of the music scene of the nineteen-forties, and the singers in the cast really made it seem as if Anne was there, due to the fact that they all used the actual musical arrangements that Anne used when recording and broadcasting.
As I mentioned earlier, the weather was perfect, the show was perfect, and a good time was had by all. Certainly an evening to remember, all thanks to Anne’s niece Kelly Richards and her team of helpers. A really fitting tribute to Anne who really loved her home in Court Lane and is still sadly missed.
JIM WOOLLEY (A very long time admirer of Anne Shelton)