7th December 2024 – Brighton Dome Concert Hall
Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus lit up the sold out Brighton Dome with their Rocky Holly Tinsel Show, an unapologetically fun and festive mix of dazzling vocals, tight harmonies, cheeky costumes and tongue-in-cheek humour.
From the opening number, Dear Santa (Bring Me a Man for Christmas), the audience was swept into a world of Christmas magic and camp brilliance.
Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus didn’t miss a beat, delivering a powerful rendition of Steps’ Scared of the Dark with synchronised choreography. The song has never sounded better. Their harmonies were on point, blending beautifully in classic Christmas tunes like Ding Dong Merrily on High and more contemporary hits like Leona Lewis’s One More Sleep.
Each number was delivered with energy, flair and a sense of festive joy that was impossible to resist.
Between the songs, the show was peppered with comedy skits led by Brady and Jason, played confidently by James Waite and Alan Dorrington-Lock. Their Rocky Horror-inspired antics provided plenty of laughs, setting the scene for one of the night’s standout performances: John McPherson’s show-stopping take on Sweet Transvestite.
As Franky Claus, McPherson oozed charisma, delivering sultry moves and a powerhouse vocal that had the audience captivated. While other members of the chorus also took on the role, McPherson’s performance stood out as a highlight.
Solo moments added even more variety to the night. Rouge Touati-Evans delivered a spirited rendition of We Need a Little Christmas, full of festive charm, while Rod Edmunds and Andrew Farr’s duet Take Me As I Am was heartfelt and beautifully harmonised. Jessie Ivy-Booth brought intensity and emotion to The Power of Love, leaving a lasting impression.
The ensemble numbers were so impressive. Proud Mary, with its high-energy armography, had the audience clapping along, and the sheer enthusiasm of the performers was infectious. Whether it was a tender ballad or a full-blown disco moment, the BGMC brought their A-game to every song.
The mixture of songs and skits led to a few slightly disjointed moments but the audience didn’t mind. What stood out most was the camaraderie and joy radiating from the stage. The Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus clearly love what they do, and that passion is what made the night so special.
With thunderous applause and cheers after every number, it was clear the audience felt the same. This was a perfect blend of festive cheer, fabulous talent, and a touch of camp chaos. Brighton is lucky to have them.
Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus review – 4 stars
Photo credit: Nick Ford Photography
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