Singing teacher Neville Rowell is one of the people behind the Come Alive! concert in Beccles next Friday, in aid of Norfolk and Waveney Mind. Here, he explains how the aim of the show is to uplift those who are struggling – as well as providing a night to remember
Who you are and what do you do?
My name is Neville Rowell, and I run two choirs The Screamin’ Seagulls, who will be performing in Come Alive, and The Beccles Bel Canto Choir. After training in London at the Guildhall School of Music I moved back to Lowestoft and have been working in the arts ever since. I also teach privately.
When did you first have the idea for Come Alive and what’s the thinking behind it?
I was involved in the original production team of Come Alive in 2020 as the MD. However, due to Covid we had to cancel the show. The original idea came from Jacqueline Kefford who is co-producing the show with me. She has Bipolar and we both have had experiences with mental health conditions. Our goal is to uplift, give a sense of hope, understanding and empathy to those watching the show. I needed some help organising something for The Screamin’ seagulls in the summer, and Jacqui offered her help. I instantly said, ‘why don’t we put on Come Alive?!’ She had let go of the idea and resigned herself to it being a lost cause, but she instantly said, ‘let’s do it, I’d love to put it on with you’. So, from the embers, we ignited our vision.
My goal with the show was to bring together all the brilliant local acts I have been involved with or know of through reputation, to give them their moments on stage to shine. I gave them a rough outline to guide their choices but then they had total artistic freedom. This is the spirit of our show: to allow all to shine; for people to enjoy an evening of fantastic entertainment that gives that sense of uplift we ALL need; to bring people together from all over the region to show togetherness and community spirit. That message is uplifting. The music in the show is carefully chosen to give different messages, of fun, self-acceptance, empathy, reality but all of it anyone can watch and just enjoy. The message of the show will almost be subconscious as you sit there and enjoy the entertainment.
It’s a collaboration with Jacqueline Kefford – how do you know each other?
Jacqui and I met when we were performing in My Fair Lady together at the Beccles Public Hall & Theatre, well before lockdown. We instantly clicked. Jacqui is also a member of my Screamin’ Seagulls and has been for years. She absolutely loves it, and we love her. Her daughter, Emily Kefford, will also be in the show – she is known for her professional Karen Carpenter tribute act.
How important is it to you both to put on a variety show in aid of Norfolk & Waveney Mind?
It is very important to us as we have a passion for mental health and a deep empathy for those who are struggling to manage it. This show is in part about showing people you can overcome any challenge and overcome your demons. What is of the utmost importance to us, with Jacqui going to great lengths to make sure it happens, is that the money goes to our local area – Norfolk and Waveney – where it is needed the most.
What can people expect on the night?
You can expect there to be very talented and accomplished acts on stage, all who are doing it for the cause. We have Isabella’s Dance Company on stage – she is bringing all her eldest and most experienced dancers with her. I have asked her to perform in all styles of dance – tap, ballet, musical theatre and modern. I also said to her to have two slower and two faster numbers – she leapt at the chance. I wanted every act to have that framework, too, so they could then just let their creativity and talents shine.
We will have our infamous Screamin’ Seagulls taking to the stage which will be fun as always (there may be a nun or two on stage). Their set is ending with a song that is very close to all their hearts – one of those songs which, no matter what you believe in, really does say it all. We will have even more variety with a professional brass quintet joining us.
One poignant moment, which will really focus on mental health, is Linda Seuneke’s monologue. She is a fantastic actress and has written many monologues before and performed them at the Marina Theatre etc. She will be taking to the stage to perform her piece, The Box. This is about her finding her confidence after years and years of losing it. Taking place in her attic, the cushion inside the box represents her confidence. This powerful monologue goes to the core of issues we all have faced and brings up some powerful points but ends, of course, with many positive and uplifting spins.
So, as well as all this there will be singing and more… we won’t give everything away, but it will be a night to remember for everyone involved. Our compère is East Suffolk One radio host, John Hammond who will be guiding us through the evening.
Bliss Productions and Neville Rowell Music present Come Alive: A concert for MIND at Beccles Public Hall And Theatre, on Friday August 16 at 7.30pm. Tickets available via ticketsource.co.uk.
Featured images – supplied
Leave a Reply