A Chance to Sing: Musicals in Britain, 1900-1970

We will be making a singing journey through musical theatre entertainment in Britain, from the last glories of Edwardian comic opera to the innovative shows of Lionel Bart and others. We’ll be taking in First World War patriotism, have a glance at the American invasion of the Jazz Age, get to know some of the home-grown writers and stars of the 1930s and 40s, enjoy the escapist nostalgia of the 1950s, and will take another look at the Previn-Mercer Good Companions which we enjoyed in 2024. We will be singing some of the most memorable songs from the various shows, songs with wit, charm, feeling and ingenuity in both music and lyrics. We may touch on points such as melodic construction, vocal phrasing and diction, posture and breathing.

By the end of this course you will: Release your innate musicality and capacity to blend and co-ordinate Pick up and retain a melody using the ear only, words alone are written down Sing with confidence in unison, in polyphony (group counterpoint) and antiphony (musical dialogue)

Roger will lead from the piano an enjoyable weekend of group singing, releasing your innate musicality and capacity to blend and co-ordinate.

Anyone who wants to sing, from complete beginners, and especially those who may think they can’t! Words are displayed on a screen, and there is no need to be able to read music, although experienced singers have enjoyed the weekend as have beginners and returners: as always, the only prerequisite is a sense of humour.

No, material will be provided by the tutor on the course. Just bring yourself!