By community correspondent Precious Jeska Jempeji

A concoction of spotlights and musicals has always taken centre stage in the history of entertainment, with the CornerHOUSE being no exception.

Being 100 years since the first foundation stone was laid in 1908; the building has continued to serve the local communities of Surbiton and Tolworth.

‘A Century of Musicals’ gives us a taste of what has been on offer throughout the century , with some of the best of the vaudeville, West End and Hollywood music which has drawn the crowds from the early 1900’s to the 1990’s and beyond.

A show stopping voluntary cast and crew with a driving passion for theatre and performing arts were guided by experienced musical directors to perfection. As the curtains raised and the theatre was brought alive with a full company chorus of ‘Another Opening, Another Show’ from ‘Kiss Me Kate’ followed by an audience engaging karaoke-style rendition of ‘My Old Man’, we knew we were in for a treat.

Comedic performances in ‘Get Him to the Church on Time’ from My Fair Lady’ and ‘Master of the House’ from all time classic Les Miserables were met with laughter and applause before we rolled on through to the latter part of the century.

After being transported back to our childhood with much loved sing-along ‘It’s A Fine Life’ from Oliver and ‘It’s A Jolly Holiday’ from Mary Poppins the mood darkened for the most sensuous and aggressive number: ‘Cell Block Tango’ from Chicago which, by far, stole the show. Aspiring actress and cast member Shadia Leona Jempeji commented on the audience’s reaction to the number saying: ‘I was in total shock at the loud applause we received at the end, as I was unsure of how the audience would respond to it.’

Before the curtains went down, we were treated to one last spectacular full-company ensemble of ‘Only for Now’ from Avenue Q, with a surprise range of amusing puppets, which left not only the children in awe but the audience cheering and applauding.