Review: Rock Choir at Fairfield Halls (From Epsom Guardian)

Review: Rock Choir at Fairfield Halls

5:12pm Tuesday 13th July 2010

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Simon Cowell as we all know, was definitely on to something when he decided to tap into the untapped talent on every street with X Factor.

Now Rock Choir is proving to be the latest phenomenon to highlight how Britain is bursting with singing talent.

Rock Choir was launched by director Caroline Redman Lusher in 2005 who went into a school to teach children to sing and then found their mums clamouring to join.

She set up weekly rehearsals where those going along could enjoy the chance to let rip and sing some of the best known showstopping numbers - everything from Tamla Motown to Abba.

As word spread and Rock Choirs were set up in various towns around the country she was invited on to the BBC Breakfast Show and then Universal’s Decca Records signed her up for a record deal.

Now Rock Choir Volume One is soaring up the album charts having entered at number 19 on Sunday having had the number one spot in five separate Amazon charts prior to its release last Monday.

On Saturday, I went along to the Fairfield Halls in Croydon to hear for myself how the Rock Choirs of Wimbledon, Kingston, Teddington, Richmond, Esher and Cobham have hit such a high note and - more importantly to hear Newsquest journalist Natalie Ward take centre stage as she performed a solo in Abba's hit Mamma Mia and teamed up with five others for a rendition of “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right of My Hair”.

I’d heard a rumour at work that Natalie could sing - although she being the shy, quiet and retiring type was far too modest to fess up to having a great voice - one that I would definitely like to hear more of.

A couple of us from work were there with friends, family and colleagues to cheer her on and applaud what was a really professional show staged by this bunch of amateurs. Those singing solo really could knock for six many of those I’ve heard on a West End stage.

Natalie says singing with the choir has boosted her confidence so hopefully she won’t hold back from letting rip vocally in future.

Catch the show if it comes to a town near you - or buy the album. Or, if you can sing and would like to have fun and develop your talent join a Rock Choir near you.

Visit rockchoir.com for more information or to book a taster session.

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