The internationally acclaimed mezzo soprano, Laura Wright, famous for her TV appearances and singing anthems before major sporting events around the world, wowed a large audience at The Mercury Theatre in Colchester on Wednesday 24 July in a concert in aid of Open Road, the Colchester-based charity that supports individuals and families with addiction issues, particularly drugs and alcohol. Laura, and her gifted, three-piece band demonstrated the full range of their talents with a setlist that travelled from opera to ballads to pop songs and included pieces from Carmen in addition to songs made famous by Dolly Parton, Adele and Carole King.
Laura was joined by special guests: Aria Close, a phenomenal drag violinist who performed individually, including a medley from Phantom of the Opera, and then joined Laura and the band for a spinetingling version of the Christina Perri song, ‘A Thousand Years’. There was also a hilarious turn by Mary Poppins Tribute UK (aka well-known local actress, Nicola Goodchild) who made sure Laura Wright measured up to Mary’s own high standards before singing ‘A Spoonful of Sugar’ and cajoling a member of the audience to join her as ‘Bert’ for a rousing version of ‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’. Laura then re-entered the stage to join ‘Mary’ for a moving rendition of ‘Feed The Birds’.
There were also three speakers, Anita, Sara and Pinky, who are all on their journeys to recovery after being helped and supported by Open Road. Their courage and determination moved many in the audience to tears.
The event was organised and hosted by Open Road’s Tim Young who said, after the show, “We, at Open Road, are so grateful to Laura Wright, her fantastic band, Aria Close, Mary Poppins Tribute UK and our speakers for making this event so special and successful. There was a large and appreciative audience who enjoyed a wonderful evening of entertainment combined with emotion and information about Open Road. We must thank The Mercury Theatre for allowing us to use the auditorium at no charge and to our generous sponsors, Streets Whittles Chartered Accountants, without whom none of it would have been possible. Thank you to all those who bought tickets and donated money on the night. We have raised thousands of pounds for Open Road which will go towards transforming more lives and helping individuals and families on their journeys to recovery from addiction.”
Open’s Road Mission is to empower individuals, families and communities in their journey of recovery from the harmful effects of drugs, alcohol and other addictions. Open Road values and respects the diversity of all and is committed to ensuring we fully represent the people we serve. If you think we could help and support your business please visit www.openroad.org.uk.
The attached photo shows Laura Wright, Aria Close and Mary Poppins Tribute UK along with representatives of Streets Whittles Chartered Accountants with Sarah Wright, Chief Exec of Open Road, Steve Mannix, Chief Exec of The Mercury Theatre and Tim Young, from Open Road, who compered the show.
