West End comes to Middleton as call goes out for singers

Voice-coach and singer Anthony Clegg

A touch of the West End is coming to Middleton, thanks to a local singing coach, who has put out the call for enthusiastic singers to join him.

Anthony Clegg, who works with many of the West End’s best-known stars at the Sing Space, lives in the local area.

The choir is open to keen singers who love musical theatre and want the chance to work with a professional voice coach, whilst enjoying “belting out showtunes together.”

“The singers will learn to get the most from their voice. We will cover breathing, resonance, posture and range and we are looking for people who are really enthusiastic about musical theatre,” Anthony said.

“Singing is so good for mental health, we all benefit from singing and from the social aspect of singing together.

“People have told me singing is the best part of their week, and that it relieves stress. I know what joy singing can bring and I want to enable as many people as possible to experience that joy.”

Anthony joined the Sing Space Musical Theatre choir - run by West End coach, Rachel Lynes - himself during lockdown and loved it so much he wanted to bring the experience to the Greater Manchester area - reaching those “who don’t usually have a chance to get this close to the West End.”

“Although I’d performed for many years, I missed the pure joy of singing harmonies and showtunes in a group.”

Launch day will be on Tuesday 17 January at Richard Bentley Smalley memorial Hall, Thornham Lane, Middleton, M24 2RE at 10.30am, and the choir will meet weekly for 90 minutes, with the chance to sing with West End Stars at one of London's largest venues to raise money for charity, as well as plenty of local performance opportunities. 

The choirs will be singing hits ranging from popular Musicals like Les Mis, West Side Story, Wicked 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.

“We have chosen the venues that are large and well-ventilated, so we can keep people as safe as possible,” Anthony said. “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.”

Numbers for the choir will be limited, to ensure distance can be retained as a Covid precaution. The termly fees are £125.40 and are paid termly, working out at £10.45 for the 90-minute session. Fees can also be paid in instalments to help spread the cost

For more details about how to sign up for the choirs, visit https://thesingspace.com/adult-musical-theatre-choir/, or you can email Anthony at anthonyc24601@hotmail.com