The “Fringe and Tassel” Experiance
The “Fringe and Tassel” Experiance
The singing duo of Fringe and Tassel is indeed an experience not to be missed, as confirmed by such comments from their audience as “fantastic” and “stupendous” and “what a fine figure of a fellow!” This last remark, of course, refers to Dr. Ebenezer Fringe, resplendent in his dress suit which one has to say might have seen better days. His buttonhole, however, could well have been delivered by Interflora! On festive occasions, the good doctor has been seen to wear an illuminated, spinning bow tie. Such taste! Dame Hermione Tassel on the other hand wears a little understated dress of many vivid colours and displays a d©collet© worthy of Dame Clara Butt! Her ensemble is complemented by matching chandelier earrings and a pair of pince-nez spectacles!
Although classed as a duo, one must mention their accompanist “Boy Raymond” on the organ. Once known for his retiring nature, his role has now expanded and he will quite often don a wig and straw boater to enhance their act. Their recitals usually commence with the melodic twosome introducing themselves and explaining a little of their professional background. The audience is then treated to a soiree of renditions from their repertoire, peppered with reminiscences and a sparkling repartee.
Dr. Ebenezer informs us he studied music at a conservatoire in Paris although one suspects he practised a lot in his mother’s conservatory in the back garden. He also claims to have theatrical training which he demonstrates by suddenly launching into a stentorian monologue.
Not a lot is known about Dame Hermione’s background and although her voice is in the mezzo-soprano range, her top notes have been known to break glass. That’s plate glass not wine glass! Her theatrical prowess is thought to be in the dance genre ‘ she will demonstrate her pli©s and arabesques at the drop of a hat ‘ so please don’t drop your hat!
Of course, this is all literary licence based on the alter egos of Celia Lessitter and Valerie Gill. Years ago, when the St. Martin’s Church Wives were known as the Young Wives, we formed a concert party and went around to residential homes and organisations as part of our outreach. I hope the audiences realised this and gave us the benefit of the doubt! For various reasons this venture came to a natural conclusion, but Celia and Val continued to fly the flag and now practically travel all over Cornwall as Fringe and Tassel together with Raymond Basher, our dedicated church organist, entertaining people at many different venues. They are often asked back to perform again so this speaks for itself (although the girls say modestly that it is because they are free!) So well done F. and T., a.k.a. Val and Celia ‘ keep up the good work and long may you continue!
FOOTNOTE ‘ A propos the Church Wives, it is 40 years since this group was initiated in 1967 and we would like a small celebration with past and present members to mark this anniversary. More information and a confirmed date will follow in the next edition of Outlook.
