The Actors’ Church Christmas Singalong was performed at St Paul’s Church, London.
Star rating: four stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ✩
A wintery evening in mid-December – time to (very literally) dash through the snow and jingle all the bells in Covent Garden at the Christmas Sing-Along: a super festive and (w)holly joyful concert of traditional carols interspersed with Christmas pop classics, and all in aid of the The Actors’ Church Benevolent fund.
Five of the West End’s finest singers – Carolyn Maitland, Lara de Belder, Natalie May Paris, George Bray and Josh Taylor – sounded phenomenal within the acoustics of The Actors’ Church, especially given the last minute changes thrown at them by two of the original cast being struck down with illness.
All five had a great rapport with each other, providing backing vocals to the others’ solo tracks as well as leading the audience and rousing festive spirits. The whole congregation was on their feet by the final few songs, dancing along to Shakin’ Stevens and belting out ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’ with mulled wine-induced warmth and enthusiasm.
A special sparkly shout-out must go to musical director Noam Galperin for his piano accompaniment throughout the entire evening but also some simply stunning arrangements, including possibly the best version of ‘O Holy Night’ I have ever heard. Similarly, all of the vocalists did an outstanding job, blending together beautifully but Natalie May Paris stole the show with a Mariah-level version of ‘All I Want For Christmas is You’ – ably supported by backing vocals from almost everyone in the vicinity.
A fun and fabulous evening of festivities, ramping up the Christmas spirit in beautiful surroundings.
Sorcha Exworthy
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