OPENING night at Leongatha for the Lyric Theatre production of The Heartbreak Choir was filled with warmth and heartfelt emotion.

Heartbreak Choir written by Aidan Fennessy under the direction of Bernadette Grainger is a touching and beautifully crafted play that has struck a chord with local audiences playing to full houses at every performance.

An entertaining mix of humour, heartache and hope, The Heartbreak Choir features a small breakaway choir which meets in the local CFA hall, authentically represented in Colin Mitchell’s set design, to sing, laugh and support each other.

The acapella singing sprinkled throughout the play is a credit to vocal coach Bianca Wicks.

Alison McIntyre portrayed the choir’s leader Barbara with grace and warmth.

Melita Berzins’ quirky character, Totty, was a delight, Bianca Wicks’ portrayal of the boisterous character, Mack provided lots of laughs, Kiki Joseph charmed the audience as the heavily pregnant, Asini, Yasmin Tough’s Savannah had a pensive, mystical quality combined with her beautiful singing voice, Trevar Skillithorn-Chilver was most convincing as the country cop Peter, and Lachlan Denbrok was every bit the troubled but lovable young boy, Beau.

Members of two local choirs feature in the final scene of the play when they join the cast in a beautiful rendition of the Birds of Tokyo’s song, Lanterns.

The Heartbreak Choir is a must see for lovers of great local theatre.

Tickets for the remaining performances at the Leongatha Memorial Hall are available on Trybooking or by phoning 0490 525 482.