COLCHESTER MUSICAL THEATRE CHOIR – LAUNCHING SEPT 2024
Where: Victory Hall, Stanway, Colchester
When: Tuesdays from 24th September 7.30-9pm
How to Sign Up: www.singspace.com/colchester
A touch of the West End is coming to Colchester this September, thanks to a local singing coach who has put out the call for enthusiastic singers to join her new musical theatre choir.
Sarah Mahony, who is an experienced performer and vocal coach at top UK drama schools, and lives in Essex, is starting a choir in Colchester for keen singers who love musical theatre, and want the chance to work with a professional voice coach whilst enjoying belting out showtunes together.
Sarah launched her current Musical Theatre Choir, in nearby Chelmsford, in September 2023, and it has become so popular that she is launching a second one in Colchester! Sarah says, “The choir is a real highlight of my week. In our first year, we have performed at the Chelmsford Theatre, the Christmas Lights Switch On, St Marys Church, and Essex Pride, along with several community events and a charity music video. Very proudly, we supported Gareth Malone on his UK tour last year and look forward to singing with him again.
“I really want to get the word out that if you love singing showtunes, we are here for you! It’s well known that singing in a choir can boost wellbeing, strengthen social connection, and give members a sense of achievement. Our weekly choir sessions are pure joy – we learn proper vocal technique through vocal exercises and warm ups, as well as harmony skills and enjoying the buzz of singing iconic musical theatre hits together with like-minded people. We also enjoy pub nights, theatre trips and it is fantastic to see new friendships blossoming.”
Sing Space choirs were founded by West End performer and vocal coach, Rachel Lynes who wanted to reach those who don’t usually have a chance to get this close to the West End. Sarah says, “Sing Space is a wonderful, inclusive group of vocal coaches and singers, and gives our members incredible performance opportunities and a real sense of community.”
The Colchester Musical Theatre Choir launches on Tuesday 24th September 2024 at the Victory Hall, Stanway, Colchester, and will meet weekly for 90 minutes. The choir will work toward performances in the local community, and members will also have the opportunity to register for the chance to sing with Gareth Malone, OBE.
The choir will be singing hits ranging from popular musicals like Les Mis, The Greatest Showman and Mamma Mia as well as discovering new material. At the end of each 90-minute session, there will be some free time to take ‘showtune’ requests that people can sing together.
“Each session will also be live-streamed, so anyone who can’t make a session in person can still join in, from our private members’ group which will contain all music and lyrics, as well as guide vocal tracks to help you learn at home,” added Sarah.
The termly fee is £125.40 for 12 x 90 minute sessions and members can divide this fee into 3 equal payments to help spread the cost.
For more details about how to sign up for the Colchester choir visit https://www.singspacechoir.com/colchester
