PARENTS' SHOW 2005
Following the Tsunami Disaster last year, the EIC has been committed to working closely with the Manacare Orphange in Sri Lanka which is dedicated to the welfare of orphaned children following the Civil War, and more recently the Tsunami Disaster. Later this Summer seven members of staff will be giving up their holidays to visit the Orphanage for up to six weeks to help in any way possible. The evening was created to raise money for the flights that would enable the teachers to go.

Expectations were not high given this critic's limited knowledge of the parents. How wrong was l?

The evening took the form of a cabaret with wine and drinks served at the table. With Steve Whittaker doing his usual turn as MC the evening kicked off with a storming impression of Roy Orbison's Pretty Woman by Dave Lonsdale. This was followed by Terri Nicholas singing a beautiful 'Halleluja' by Leonard Cohen.

Nick Cowan played a song on his guitar by Radiohead called Black Star. Cali Laliberte played a beautiful self composed classical piano piece. This was followed by Adam Burrows dressed up in full regalia for Elton John's Your Song. Yazz sang a glorious version of Eva Cassidy's Songbird. The first half of the show was closed with a brilliantly executed Salsa dance by the Los Monteros Salsets.

An interval of half an hour allowed this critic to mingle around the bar and pick up general feedback. Everyone had been bowled over by the quality of the performances. The second half opened with Yazz and the Parentations singing Say a Little Prayer for You. This was followed by Roy Orbison singing 'Only the Lonely'. By now the crowd was rocking, the wine was flowing. Two piano acts followed: Jerry Wallace took a turn as Les Dawson with a pub sing-a-long followed by Alan Dean playing a couple of numbers. The house was brought down by Adam Burrows singing Angels by Robbie Williams. A finale with the all the performers singing a Beatles medley brought the evening to a close. Additional recognition to Geoff Lawrence as sound engineer.

I have to say, I was wrong. There is immense talent amongst the parents of the EIC. The show was a resounding success and will be put on again next year. Through ticket sales, alcohol and the raffle over 2400 euros was generated.

Nick Cowan