Earlier this year David Grimwood announced that Folk at the Froize was going to take a hiatus, but we all know that he finds it literally impossible to turn a good thing down, so an exception was made for an exceptional cause last month – the 80th Anniversary of VE day.
Now, it just so happens that Froize’s very own MC and Singer Songwriter Kelly Booth also performs under the name of Vocally Vintage. Not only that, but she had written a stage show called the Friendly Invasion, which first debuted at the Froize in 2018. The show had its own hiatus when Covid hit, but what better time and place to re-launch than back at Froize.
Tickets sold out rather fast, but whilst undoubtably drawn to a promising evening of vintage entertainment and nostalgia, the audience were clearly looking forward to feasting on the splendid rations on offer by the NAAFI Catering Corps! Major Grimwood made easy work of the forties feast, rustling up authentic homemade delights such as rabbit and root vegetable casseroles and spam hash! The tinned peas enjoyed some time in the spotlight and were a big success, as were the tinned peaches, stewed apple, and carrot cake for desert, all served with an inevitable drizzling of, yes, you’ve guessed it…Carnation evaporated milk!
After dinner, fully decked in bunting, the canteen transformed into a ENSA style theater, and with many of the guests having dressed for the era, the scene was suitably set for The Friendly Invasion show to begin. Together with her co-pilot, narrator and comedian Stephen Bayfield, Kelly Booth recounted the incredible story of Suffolk’s transformation during WWII, when thousands of American Airforce personnel descended, making temporary homes of 19 Airfields across the county. Villages of 300 residents swelled to 3,000, and many new relationships were formed when local women and G.I’s danced their way through the remainder of the war to the likes of Glenn Miller himself! It’s a fascinating and intriguing piece of local history that so few people are aware of. Kelly also sang songs from the era, passionately telling the story of the War through them, all the while evoking the romance and sentiment of the time and teaching us all about the important role that music played in boosting morale and securing victory for the allies. With flags and song sheets in hand, the eager audience was encouraged to participate, ensuring everyone felt completely ‘In The Mood’!
Whilst not ignoring the tragedy and brutality of the of the war, and respecting the many lives that were lost and the families affected, the show still successfully managed to capture the mood and excitement that was unique to the region, the legacy of which is still very visible today.
As well as taking up her usual post as Froize MC in the Autumn, Kelly will be gracing the stage again with husband and Froize sound technician David as they launch their debut album under the name of Kyson Point in October, tickets for which are already available on the website. To find out more about the Friendly Invasion show, and where it will be appearing next, get in touch with Kelly at www.vocallyvintage.co.uk
Report by Sue De NÎmes
