THE splendid local Ledbury Theatre was the venue for a sparkling variety show held to raise much needed funds for the wonderful ongoing work by St Michael's Hospice.

From the outset the atmosphere was vibrant and merry, with a mixture of sparkle, stardust, sensation, joy and surprise. Concertgoers were soon singing along and clapping their hands to the medley of popular songs from Abba, the Bangles, Ronnettes, performed the sexy and sassy C-Quins wearing their trademark shimmering outfits. To their delight, Led Zeppelin band member, Robert Plant who attended the show, was quoted as dubbing the all girl singers "the heavenly harmonies" the group who were backed by superb musicians Now or Never.

The tempo changed when the lovely soprano Livia King performed a musical programme including I Feel Pretty from West Side Story, classics sung in German then the brilliant Shirley Bassey number, Diamonds Are Forever with Ledbury's own Malcolm Macleod providing piano accompaniment.

The hauntingly lovely voice of Deborah Rose entranced the audience as she sang her own signature compositions, an exciting rendition of the Dolly Parton song, Jolene and was accompanied by the hugely talented guitarist Matt Worley. Deborah Rose who has plans to write songs about Ledbury's local poetess, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, completed her set with a spellbinding version of Danny Boy. The generous sum raised through the sales of raffle tickets and entrance fees will go towards supporting the work of St Michael's Hospice.