When one thinks of a cappella singing , images of a largely static group performing  some clever harmonies springs to mind. The latest offering from the multi-award winning group Northern Lights, is so much more than this: dynamic, fun and highly entertaining .

Appearing on stage in black, teal and  some touches of sparkle, this is a group out to impress, which they proceed to do over the next hour. A horrible histories extravaganza unfolds, an ingenious excuse to add narrative, humour and provide ever more hilarious and tenuous links to some all time classics. A  coloured wheel is spun by audience volunteers, which helps to ‘choose’ the era of history to be explored. Will we be hearing of the tuneful Tudors? or the resonant Romans? In fact each era gets its turn,  as the group performs a string of well-known hits  including ‘Say my name’, ‘How deep is your  love’ ‘We are Family’  and Diamonds.’ etc. The choreography is slick and varied and the various solo performances are shared between the whole mixed group. We learn all about the Georgians and there’s even  a nod to Pride and Prejudice. When the history wheel of fortune lands on the stone age, this is the  opportunity for one group member to perform an interlude of beat boxing –  apparently there was no singing in the stone age! Self taught off Youtube, he is truly excellent and provides a short break for the hard-working choir

The standard of singing, harmonisation and musicality is extremely high, frankly professional at times. It’s  no surprise that earlier this year, Northern Lights  placed second out of a staggering 450 entries at the international collegiate a cappella championships, its fourth consecutive finals appearance.

There is very little to fault and not a dud note or misplaced harmony in earshot. At times the group could perhaps have made more of varying the dynamics and there were a few occasions when it felt a little shouty,  which perhaps drowned out some of the contrasting a cappella. Less is often more and the soft opening of  the concluding number ‘Skyfall ‘ is truly delicious, spine tingling stuff and showcases  their prodigious talent.

Great fun and really not to be missed.