*
banner

Manger Musikklag

Nr 5 — A Story about Coco Chanel
Conductor: Allan Withington
Featuring: Open Window Theatre & Langhaugen Danselinje
Fana Kulturhus
Bergen
Saturday 26th May

The life of Coco Chanel was never to be as simple as her iconic little black dress – although at times it was infused with the singular darkness of pitch tar.

For a woman who liberated female sensuality, hers was a story of personal repression, contradiction and hidden secrets. 

Even in death she left more questions than answers.  

Self-identification

That was the feeling you were left with at the end of Allan Withington’s fascinating production – and deliberately so you felt as he cleverly unstitched the carefully constructed carapace of self-identification that enabled her to command an astringent, solitary public persona without once revealing her emotional heart.

17 episodic snapshots of her life were seamlessly linked to bring the story to life – narrated by a pair of lugubriously masked Swiss bankers, each revealing by measure, their own stories (and perhaps of us all) of unfulfilled personal and artistic ambition along the way. 

The inventively integrated elements saw Manger Musikklag provide a subtle accompanying score to give complementary wit and pathos to the viscous choreography, enabling the emerging storyline to keep its focussed linear development.  

As a result Withington was able to make Chanel an elusive cipher; an enigma that was always (if not literally) in plain sight; forever moving with the times, but somehow remaining remarkably untouched.

Elusive cipher

As a result Withington was able to make Chanel an elusive cipher; an enigma that was always (if not literally) in plain sight; forever moving with the times, but somehow remaining remarkably untouched.

In the end her life never quite seemed fulfilled, despite the accolades and her ability to ignore the sycophants. It perhaps explained the inner strength of character despite her failings – especially an almost self-destructive attraction to some truly horrible men. 

It also reminded you that even though fashion fades, her unique style has remained resolute and triumphant – the modern day hand bag branding a monogrammed byword for a certain type of timeless elegance.  

Very much like this hugely enjoyable production.

Iwan Fox        

Support us for less than a cup of coffee...

4BR wants to ensure that the brass band movement remains vibrant and relevant. We also want to be able to question, challenge and critically examine those who run and play in it, producing high quality journalism that informs as well as entertains our readers.

So if like us you value a strong, independent perspective on the brass band world - then why not consider becoming a supporter and help make our future and that of a burgeoning brass band movement more secure.

So one less cappuccino then?

Support us    



Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Epping Forest Band

September 11 • We have a solo horn vacancy to join our friendly 3rd section band. We have a sensible calendar of contests and concerts.. Situated with close links to the M11/M25 and Central line tube station, with our own band room.. Rehearsals Monday night 8-10pm.


Delph Band

September 9 • We are a friendly, hardworking North West 2nd Section band based in Saddleworth. Rehearsal nights are Mondays and Wednesdays, 8-10pm at Delph Band Club. We are currently looking to fill the following positions; Tutti Cornet, Percussion and Eb Bass.


Otley Brass Association

September 7 • Front Row Cornet. -. Otley Brass Band are keen to recruit a 5th member for their front row cornets (position negotiable).. . This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving band of 30+ players under the leadership of our newly appointed MD, Martyn Beecham


Stephen Phillips

MA, BA (Homs), PQSI, NPQH, PGCE
Conductor, Band Trainer, Educator, Compere


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd