Don’t sing to yourself... join new showtune choir

Pitlochry Festival Theatre is forming a crew of people who want to sing classic show tunes from all the musicals.

When PFT asked its audiences and the wider community what kind of activities they would love to try, one of the most resounding answers was a show choir.

And so, within a few months of recognising the demand, PFT’s own show choir is launching.

If you were in the town on Tuesday you might have heard a few bars from Les Mis or a song from Grease. The first recruits came to the Port Na Craig rehearsal rooms (next to Fonab Castle) on Tuesday, but more can join the next time they meet, on April 24.

Running for an inaugural 10-week term each Tuesday, to make it as accessible as possible, the theatre has kept the price to just £15 for the term.

Choir members won’t need any previous experience, there are no X-Factor-style auditions and they won’t need to read music either.

The Pitlochry theatre’s associate director, Gemma Fairlie explained: “During the autumn and winter last year, along with going out to local markets, we circulated a questionnaire suggesting, and asking for ideas, of what activities PFT could provide, to best serve the local community.

“We had lots of suggestions come flooding back: from tap dancing to fine art classes, to writing workshops.

“But the one with by far the greatest demand was for forming a show choir - to learn and enjoy songs not only from the stage, but from films and TV too.”

PFT has enlisted the expert leadership of Julie Cleave who has led Dundee’s The Notables since 2014.

Julie is responsible for the music, arrangements and rehearsals as well as organising events and performances. She was a vocal lecturer at Perth College and teaches music for Angus Council.

The new show choir will be in good hands with Julie, as she also works as a singer and a private singing teacher throughout Scotland, the UK and the world.

Besides providing a really great community activity, Julie explained how joining a choir brings many health benefits: “Being part of a singing group helps you to meet new people, learn something new, and boost your self-esteem.

“Your body releases a feel-good hormone when you sing, so you will leave every rehearsal on a high.

“Singing can also improve circulation, breathing and posture, give your immune system a boost, and reduce stress.”

So if songs from Jesus Christ Superstar or My Fair Lady have been on your mind, this could be a great opportunity to take your talent beyond humming over the washing up and the ironing.

PFT’s show choir promises to be fun and informal. It is aimed at anyone aged 18 and over, and allows singers of all abilities to learn some of the bestloved songs from musicals, films and TV shows, in a relaxed and supportive environment.

Gemma added: “And don’t worry if you didn’t make the first meet-up, applicants can still come along and join in next Tuesday, April 24.”

So if you love to sing songs from the shows, this is your chance to have a go at some of your favourites.

Just call Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s Box Office Team on 01796 484626 or book online at pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com