THERE was much laughter in Sidmouth Methodist Church during organist Nigel Ogden’s recent concert for Sidmouth in Bloom - which included him accompanying a Laurel & Hardy silent movie comedy, writes Mike Edgecumbe.

Now that has been followed by an uproariously funny entertaining evening concert “And now for something rather different” by the Midlands based Merlin Singers.

In aid of the Paul Lock Memorial Fund it raised �986 for paediatric research and training.

The audience was full of mirth as they enjoyed the hilariously funny musical sketches performed by this very talented troupe of players and they were encouraged to join in singing some of the well-known songs.

There were very many quick costume changes with performers dressed as chickens, policemen, sausages, farmers, lollipop-ladies and much more.

The singing was great, as were the piano accompanists, and the comedy left many of the audience with aching ribs and tears of laughter. They will be most welcome if they decide to do a return visit.

More delightful entertainment is promised with a romantic evening of songs and violin music with piano accompaniment when the concert “Moonlight & Roses” takes place on Friday, July 8, at 7.30pm. in the church.

This concert is in aid of Interface Uganda – a Royal Devon and Exeter based charity that sends specialists to carry out reconstructive plastic surgery to correct children born with cleft palate and other conditions which can lead to severe malnutrition and social ostracism.

The performers, giving their time and talents for this very worthwhile cause, will be well-known mezzo-soprano Joan Edgecumbe with Dorothy Ferrier, also a mezzo-soprano but new to East Devon, and accomplished violinist David Norrish.

They will be accompanied on the piano by popular well-known musician Dorothy Worthington.

Admission is �6 by ticket available from Paragon Books, High Street or on the door.