Concert reviews

Talking is cheap but it is actions not words which speak volumes, our singing is our  best advertisement  but we are only as good as our last performance therefore Sue Hallam our Musical Director strives to improve us each and every week.. The reviews noted below have come unsolicited from members of the public or those working for the various news outlets the examples noted below are a selection of the many comments the choir has received following our concerts..

20th October 2019

The Cory Band more than justified their mastery over the current Brass Band movement with a display of individual and collective brilliance. The current World, European, British and British open Champions are simply the best of the best. The choir gave an organised display of varied music choices led by Sue Hallam Musical Director, Samuel Winter Deputy conductor, Soloist Clive Barks and grateful thanks go to Accompanist David Windsor on the piano and his wife Rahna on the organ. The large responsive audience enjoyed an impressive evenings choice of music which more than justified the choirs renowned reputation for it's ability to attract guests of this quality to Stoke-On-Trent and produce concerts such as this.

11th November 2018

Yet another special historical event in which the choir has been involved in, on this occasion one to celebrate 100years since the end of the 1st World War 1914-18

Audley Male Voice Choir hosted a scintillating concert at the Victoria Hall last night. With guest performers The Hospital Ladies Choir and Audley Brass. Compared by Derek Poulter the programme was poignant and emotional for many, bringing smiles and tears in equal measure. Audley Musical Director, Sue Hallam with Assistant Conductor Samuel Winter, Guest MD's Sue Patin and Tom Hancock produced an awe inspiring programme of music bringing out the best in all participants. Accompanists Aiden Golstraw and Ian Riddle who gave a master class on the Organ with the Crown Imperial March supported the singing with fine musical dexterity. The full capacity audience enthusiastically joined in the singing of "Jerusalem" and "We'll Meet Again" to make this concert an event to be savoured and remembered.

13th October 2018

Audley Male Voice Choir having undertaken a huge learning curve in learning 18 new songs many in Welsh, appeared in the London Welsh Male Voice Choirs Festival of Male Choirs at the Albert Hall. Accompanied by the Welsh Guards Military Band conducted by Major David Barringer MBE along with 14 other choirs from as far afield as Australia, America, Norway, England and of course Wales. Compare Aled Jones kept the proceedings moving along with the accompanist Annabel Thwaite, Soprano Llio Evans, Baritone John Leuan Jones, Organist James Hearn, Cellist Steffan Morris, Welsh school songbird 14yr old Elan Catrin Parry ( watch this space) and last but by no means least The London Welsh Musical Director Dr Edward-Rhys Harry. The atmosphere was electric the sound superb and the after glow impromtu singing back at the hotel wonderful. The maximum capacity audience in the Albert Hall certainly had their monies worth.

14th May 2017

The Cory Brass Band from South Wales displayed last night just why currently they are the best band in the Country and beyond. They gave a large appreciative audience a master class in brass instrument playing, they were simply awesome. The choir more than held their own by producing a varied programme of music that included three new pieces written especially for the choir by Douglas Coombes, celebrity Music Director, arranger, producer of Battle Proms, and BBC Junior Choir of the Year amongst his many accomplishments who is a personal friend of the Choirs Musical Director Sue Hallam. Contributions from Ian Riddle and associate conductor Samual Winter and of course Music Director Sue Hallam made for a truly memorable evenings entertainment.

25th October 2017 Choir tour in Scotland.

Audley Male Voice Choir Entertains

Before a large audience in Fort William Duncansburgh MacIntosh Parish Church on 25th October, Audley Male Voice Choir presented a wonderful evening of music and song. Audley is a rural village approximately four miles north west of the town of Newcastle-under-Lyme in Staffordshire, England.

This 55-strong choir, founded in the mid-fifties, included Fort William as the place to give the first performance of its 2017 Scottish tour. The audience were treated to an impressive and varied programme comprising traditional, classical and modern pieces and which included soloists by choir members and the choir accompanist on the organ. The Musical Director is Sue Hallam and Ian Riddle was the accompanist.

The choir has performed at the Royal Albert Hall and in Glasgow Cathedral. It has an enviable fundraising reputation and a long association with Rotary. In 1990, at the International Festival of Malta, it won 1st place in the Male Voice section.

One of the high points of the evening was when the audience joined with the choir in singing “Amazing Grace”.

A total of £680.83 was raised which will be given to the club’s benevolent fund.

The choir visited the sun blessed Iona in its warming October sunshine and provided those visting the small but impressive church on the Island with a free concert of varied choir favourites with the church benefitting from most generous donations.

Oban Cathedral provide the venue for the choirs final concert of the tour and over £2000 was raised for the Mary's Wheel Charity with a Rotary matching grant in a wonderfully received concert. The choir were accompanied by Obans Local Sequence Choir,Rotarys young musician of the year Katie Houston and Oban's High School Pipe band, who made the back of the neck tingle when accompanying the choir and audience in the final song Amazing Grace...

22nd  April 2017

A lovely Spring evening saw the Audley Choir singing at St Johns Church Shavington. Minister Den Harding said the choir were amazing and thoroughly entertained the appreciative audience. Soloists Ian Riddle, Karl Smith, Doug Parker with a little rendation from Chairman Ken Williamson added smiles to a warm sunny evening.

21st August 2016 

Despite the inclement weather outside the choirs concert at Trinity Church LLandudno warmed the hearts of the large appreciative audience inside. The choir , Ian Riddles individual items and soloists Alan Griffiths, Doug Parker and Clive Barks provided an evening of varied and entertaining music. Pleasing we hope to Musical Director Sue Hallam and assistant conductor Samual Winter in making all their efforts prior to and during the performances worthwhile. Clive and Doug's "Gendarmes duet" in particular brought the house down "metaphorically speaking" that is. Well worth the effort made by all concerned and provided the excuse for a nice hotel break for those who stayed the week end. 

July 23rd 2016

What a beautiful setting for a concert St Oswalds Church, Brereton turned out to be. Surrounding trees home to a large vocal rookery gave it an almost transylvania "Frankenstein" atmosphere during the mid evening break when audience and choristors alike enjoyed the most generous food and wine provided by organizer John Marrow and fellow church members. A typical South Cheshire farming community welcome. The choir and soloist's Philip Cartwright and our own Ian Riddle gave an appreciative audience a varied and entertaining programme of  music fit for such an occasion. Sue Hallam introduced the items and together with assistant conductor Samual Winter added their own unique style to this relaxed and enjoyable occasion. A very special

thanks to choir member John Marrow for his own stirling efforts during the day.

25th June 2016

A warm Summer evening found the choir singing in concert at Festival Drayton a fine theatre venue located in Market Drayton. Arranged by choir member Jim Vallings to support of the "Friends of Mucklestone Church" in a fund raising event to maintain this historic listed building. Clive Barks and Ian Riddle provided solo items but "the bel of the ball" in the form of guest soloist Mandy Hallam on violin enthralled the captivated audience with her playing. The choir literally took off their jackets to sing a varied repertoire in support which received unsolicited praise during the following days. Thank you once again Jim for a lovely unforgettable evening.

18th June 2016

Once again found the choir singing to an appreciative audience at Wolstanton Methodist Church. The choir are always made most welcome and responded in kind to provide an entertaining evenings programme. Ian Riddle and Clive Barks with their own individual style and soloist Doug Parker in particular in his debut performance had the audience almost dancing in their seats but certainly singing along. A lovely evening as usual and the refreshments were most welcome a big thank you to the ladies involved.

12th December 2015

A nice pleasant responsive capacity audience at the carol concert in St James Church Audley who enjoyed a varied selection of music by all those taking part especially the last combined piece by the choir and Audley Ladies bless...!.In excess of £1100 raised for Dougie Mac and Donna Louise charities, a nice way to round off the event.

Two concerts in December raising effectively £6100 in which the choir has been an effective cataylist in helping both local and international organisations to carry on their excellant work. The joy of learning new pieces of music made worthwhile.​

Saturday 5th December 2015

3oo strong capacity audience came to Alsager Concert on 5th Dec .For some choir members it was like climbing the Eiger to get on stage but well worth it grateful thanks to all who sang there. Great news Mary's Meals Charity benifitted by £2500 then double this due to matching Government grant. Not bad for an evenings entertainment. The Hospital Ladies Choir were pretty brilliant to.   
Sunday 18th October 2015                                                                                                                                                                                            The choir's eagerly awaited Gala Concert at the Victoria Hall Hanley introducing guests The Fairey Brass Band with Associate Conductor Tom Davoren and the first concert there for Sue Hallam as the choir's Musical Director produced a relaxed musical evening of great quality from both choir and Band to the enjoyment of the large and appreciative audience. The Fairey Band are currently one of the country's finest and proved their versatility with an enjoyable and technically brilliant concert selection and the choir as to be expected rose to the occasion sensitively conducted by Sue Hallam with amongst others, Ave Maria and Short Leg,Long Leg and Silly Mid Off. Recently appointed Apprentice Conductor with the choir Samuel Winter made his debut by conducting the traditional hymn Morte Criste. Choir Accompanist Ian Riddle as always showed his versatility at both piano and organ.                                                            Saturday 27th June 2015                                                                                                                                                                                                     A large appreciative audience at Wolstanton Methodist Church certainly enjoyed the choir's offerings in addition to the fine singing illustrated by the choir's own soloist Greg Walker in addition to Philip Cartwright and Soprano Julie Mellor a personal friend of Greg's who gave up her valuable holiday time away from her normal place of work "The Venice Opera House" to provide a thoroughly entertaining evening of choral and solo vocal music.

​Saturday 15th June 2015

Sue Hallam's first concert as the choirs Musical Director at Rickerscote Church near Stafford received a standing ovation from an enthusiastic audience some of which were hearing the choir for the first time.

March 2015
The Diamond Jubilee Celebrity Concert featured up and coming soloists Celine Forrest (Soprano) and Trystan Griffiths(Tenor) accompanied by pianist Ingrid Surgenor. Together with the choir they thrilled a large Audience at the Victoria Hall Hanley.

It is thirty years since the first Celebrity Concert was held in the Queens Theatre in Burslem. Intended to be held every two years it quickly became an annual event when transferred to the Victoria Hall. Many memories were evoked of previous concerts and artistes that have been our guests. This was the last concert to be conducted by Philip Broadhurst who has been musical director for over thrity-eight years. It certainly lived up to its reputation and was a fitting finale for Philip. Ingrid Surgenor, the choir's patron, spoke briefly of her association with the choir and said she first appeared as guest accompanist for the first time when Dennis O'Neill sang at the 1995 concert and thereafter every year. Ingrid was presented with a 25 year choir badge and a copy of the DVD the choir commissioned to celebrate the diamond Jubilee Year

Pre 2017 Review History

12th December 2015

A nice pleasant responsive capacity audience at the carol concert in St James Church Audley who enjoyed a varied selection of music by all those taking part especially the last combined piece by the choir and Audley Ladies bless...!.In excess of £1100 raised for Dougie Mac and Donna Louise charities, a nice way to round off the event.

Two concerts in December raising effectively £6100 in which the choir has been an effective cataylist in helping both local and international organisations to carry on their excellant work. The joy of learning new pieces of music made worthwhile.​

Saturday 5th December 2015

3oo strong capacity audience came to Alsager Concert on 5th Dec .For some choir members it was like climbing the Eiger to get on stage but well worth it grateful thanks to all who sang there. Great news Mary's Meals Charity benifitted by £2500 then double this due to matching Government grant. Not bad for an evenings entertainment. The Hospital Ladies Choir were pretty brilliant to.   
  Sunday 18th October 2015                                                                          The choir's eagerly awaited Gala Concert at the Victoria Hall Hanley introducing guests The Fairey Brass Band with Associate Conductor Tom Davoren and the first concert there for Sue Hallam as the choir's Musical Director produced a relaxed musical evening of great quality from both choir and Band to the enjoyment of the large and appreciative audience. The Fairey Band are currently one of the country's finest and proved their versatility with an enjoyable an

October 2014

The Diamond Jubilee Gala Concert was held in the Victoria Hall Hanley on the 19th of October. The guests on this occasion were the Brighouse and Rastrick Band from Yorkshire. Fresh from their performance at the National Championships where they were placed third the Band produced a scintillating display of brass band wizardry under their guest conductor Lee Skipsey. The instrumental solo performances were outstanding and thrilled a very large audience. Ian Riddle "jazzed up" the organ with Bad Penny Blues and The Entertainer. The choir, under their conductor Philip Broadhurst and Accompanist Ian Riddle, made reference to the Centenary of the First World War with a Medley of War Songs arranged by Alwyn Humphreys, "Wherever You Are" by Paul Mealor and the very evocative "Mansions Of The Lord". Choir soloists were Barry Scragg and Karl Smith
.APRIL 2014
 The 27th Celebrity Concert took place at the Victoria Hall on Sunday the 6th of April 2014. A large and very appreciative audience were "transported" to another world by the singing of the choir and three very special singers from the National Opera Studio based in London. The three soloists were Reisha Adams(Soprano) Stephen Aviss(Tenor) and Adam Marsden(Bass Baritone).They were accompanied by pianist Ingrid Surgenor who is the Choir's Patron. The National Opera Studio is engaged by the UK's leading Opera Companies and Arts Council England to provide individually designed, high quality professional training for singers and repetiteurs who have the potential to become the leading artists of their generation .A very varied programme was provided by the artistes and choir. The choir was accompanied by Ian Riddle and conducted by Philip Broadhurst. The concert was recorded and will appear as a companion DVD alongside “Let All Men Sing” which traces the choirs history.October 2013

A Gala Concert with Foden's Band was held on the 13th of October 2013 in the Victoria Hall Hanley. An Audience of over 1,100 were thrilled with the contributions of both Choir and Band. The Band was conducted by Michael Fowles who was born in Stoke-on-Trent and the choir was conducted by Philip Broadhurst and accompanied by Ian Riddle. Ian also put the magnificent Organ through its paces with the Toccata from Widor's Symphony No 5

March 2013

On March the 17th 2013 Kishani Jayasinge and Adriano Graziani along with pianist Ingrid Surgenor were the Guest Artistes at the choir's 26th Annual Celebrity Concert. A feast of music was provided by Artistes and Choir alike and much appreciated by the Audience.Philip Broadhurst conducted the choir and Ian Riddle accompanied at both Piano and Organ.

October 2012
In October 2012, conducted by Philip Harper, the Cory Band from South Wales showed why they are top of the Brass band Rankings at that time. A large audience were thrilled by the performance of both Choir and Band. As long as Audley Male Voice Choir offer concerts of this quality audiences in large numbers will continue to support them”

October 2011

"A large audience enjoyed an evening of dazzling music provided by the Band and Choir" So said the report in the Sentinel after the Choir's very successful concert with Fodens Band on Sunday the 2nd of October 2011.