Call for singers to 'belt out show tunes together'

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

Kelly Young, a professional vocalist and vocal coach who works as a collective with many of the West End’s best known stars at the Sing Space, lives in South Devon.

The choir is open to keen singers who love musical theatre, and want the chance to work with a professional voice coach while enjoying 'belting out show tunes together'.

Kelly said: “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 enthusiastic about musicals.

“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, especially to beat the January blues.

“I launched the first Musical Theatre choir in Exeter in September and we have more than 70 members. We are currently working towards our first informal concert and raising money for a local food bank. We also have regular socials at the local pub, or go and see shows together.

“I am keen to support Babbacombe Theatre, which is very close to where rehearsals are held in Torquay, who have also supported us.”

Jane Fletcher-Peters, an Exeter choir member, said: “My confidence has grown so much over the weeks. This is because of Kelly and the rest of the choir. Their energy and brightness is infectious! Kelly has created something very special.”

Kelly said: “A handful of us from Exeter are supporting Gareth Malone on his Uk tour at the New Theatre Oxford. We are so excited to be working with him, and hope to offer similar opportunities in the future.”

Kelly joined the Sing Space Musical Theatre choir herself, run by West End coach Rachel Lynes, during lockdown and loved it so much she wanted to bring the experience to her South Devon - reaching those who don’t usually have a chance to get this close to the West End.

“Although I’ve performed for many years, I missed the pure joy of singing harmonies and show tunes in a group.

“Launch day will be on Thursday, January 19, at 7.30pm at All Saints' Hall in Babbacombe.

“The choir and I will meet weekly for 90 to 120 minutes, with the chance to sing with West End Stars at Cadogan Hall in London to raise money for charity. Local performance opportunities will also be available each term, linking up with our Exeter choir.

“The new choir will singing hits ranging from popular musicals like Les Mis, West Side Story 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 ‘show tune’ requests that people can sing together, or work on solos.”

“The choir is open to beginners and seasoned professionals, with the option to sing melody lines, or challenging harmonies, and solo opportunities for those who want them.

“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, lyrics and guide tracks.”

For more details about how to sign up for the choirs, email Kelly at kellyyoungchoirs@gmail.com