As was expected, - with such a celebrity cast which included  Emma Thompson (Double Oscar winning actress and screenwriter), her actor and film-maker husband Greg Wise, their daughter Gaia and Emma’s mother, the delightful actress Phyllida Law who was married to Eric Thompson, the writer and narrator of the Magic Roundabout, until his death in 1982, - all seats were sold well in advance of the show.

The Church was filled to capacity and the audience enjoyed a memorable and happy evening’s entertainment. Phyllida Law, in her gentle inimitable and humorous way read extracts from the book which she has recently written entitled  ‘Notes to My Mother-in-Law’– described by Joanna Lumley as "Familiar and inspiring and a reminder to us all that kindness and humour are the best companions in the world". Gaia, (aged 12) gave an excellent impromptu reading of one of her selected poems and Emma and Greg  entertained us all with their skilled talents which included that delightful interrogation of Ernest (Jack) by Lady Bracknell ..(...a handbag?) from Oscar Wilde’s "The Importance of being Earnest“.

Emma kindly brought along one of her Oscars  held by many who had their photographs taken. 

The concert was billed as a Variety Concert which it was indeed!… Music was provided by  ‘The Stardust Big Band‘ an extremely competent, relatively local group formed in. 2008 and previously called the Perry Parsons Big Band (PPBB),   ‘The Ramblers’, family musicians with an ‘Irish flavour', who came together in memory of Mary Brennan, a long serving volunteer at St Luke’s,    classical contribution from Philomena Knox (violin) and John Woodhall (piano), beautifully interpreted and performed by both artists, professional in their own fields of music.. and  ‘The James Woodhall Trio’, not just a Jazz Group but a versatile ensemble playing original as well as standard compositions.  The whole evening was kept humorously alive by the compere and arranger Mervyn Brown (a Day Care Volunteer at St Luke's for over 20 years).

To quote from a comment made afterwards by one of the principal guests..”What a WONDERFUL night..  I cannot remember when last I was in a space with such love, such joy, such caring and such fun“.

And that’s what it was all about…love, joy, care and fun – plus a few extra pounds into the kitty.