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The Christopher Singers
THE CHRISTOPHER SINGERS are a registered charity and were formed in 1991 by John Steel to give concerts, ostensibly to raise money for charitable organisations and institutions. To date, over £50,000 has been raised, the main beneficiary being The Oaks Centre for Children and Young People, The Royal Marsden, Sutton. The group have a varied and wide repertoire and have appeared in many local theatres and halls in their fundraising activities including The Courtyard Theatre, Chipstead, The Barn Theatre, Oxted, Archway Theatre, Horley, The Charles Cryer Theatre, Carshalton and The Epsom Playhouse. In Millennium year critically-acclaimed and fully-staged performances of Edward German's opera "Merrie England" were given at The Epsom Playhouse. The Christopher Singers appeared at The Charles Cryer until it's closure in 2016. From 2017 the Company performed their main shows at The Colin Peel Hall The Elmcroft Community Centre, North Cheam. Live recordings have been made for DVD and USB sticks. Performances to date are shown below. 2003: "Songs from The Shows" 2004 : "The Best of British" 2005 : "Hits from the American Musicals" 2006 : "Hits of the Thirties" 2007 : "The fabulous Forties" 2008 : "Hits of the 50's" 2009 : "The Swinging 60's" 2010 : "Hits from the 70's and 80's" 2011 : "Showstoppers" 2012 : "The Magic of Music" 2013 : "London Calling" 2014 : "Myths, Legends and Fairytales" 2015 : "Keep the Home Fires Burning" 2016 : "All at Sea" 2017 : "Britain A musical Celebration" 2018 : "The Magical, Mysterious Tale of Tumbledown" 2019 : "Love - The Impossible Dream" 2020 : "VE Day, 75th Anniversary" - sadly postponed due to COVID 19 2021 : No presentation…COVID 19 restrictions 2022 : "Broadway to Britannia" 2023 : "Celebrating the '60s" 2024 : “Gems of the ‘50s” |
On Saturday, 13th May 2023 we presented "Celebrating the '60s "
incorporating World events, Inventions, and a host of songs and music of
"The Swinging '60s".
0n Saturday, 17th December, 2022 our Panto "Dick and Jack's Christmas
Journey" was presented. The story of Jack, of Beanstalk fame, and Dick
Whittington and his cat, Billy. A long and eventful journey to find Father
Christmas.
On Saturday, 28th May, 2022 we were very pleased to be back on stage after
a miserable two years. Broadway to Britannia paid tribute to the great shows of
Broadway and the many icons of more recent times. The Beatles, Abba and
Queen to name but a few. Stephen Sondheim was remembered.
A special tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the Platinum Jubilee
of her accession to the throne was given in the form of a beautiful poem.
Our return to the stage took place on Saturday 18th December, 2021 after a
very long break due to Covid 19. Still under strict regulations "A Christmas
Cracker" was performed. A tribute to The Dames of Pantomime.
In 2020 Our Summer Show, V E Day, 75th Anniversary was sadly cancelled. Also
The Company was unable to perform until Christmas of the following year.
On Saturday, 14th December, 2019 we presented "Trouble in Toyland",
celebrating the 60th anniversary of Barbie doll…..Ken goes missing but is found
by the Heroes in the Witch and Wiz's home, deep in the woods. Safe and sound
he joins Barbie at her party. All live happily ever after. Oh yes they do……
Love - The Impossible Dream, 11th May, 2019, is a beautiful story of the
stages of love brought to life through music and song. An enchanting journey
of great musical numbers of love and romance. Love is no passing thing……
it is forever.
On 15th December, 2018 "Alice….The Panto" by Archie Wilson was
presented at The Royal British Legion Hall, Cheam. Alice finds her White
Rabbit and has many adventures in Wonderland together with the Mad Hatter,
a very loud Queen of Hearts, a dippy Fairy Godmother and a madcap Duchess.
A resounding success.
On 15th September, 2018 The Royal British Legion invited us to
perform an "Old Time Music Hall". It was a resounding success and a
memorable evening.
On 12th May, 2018 The Magical, Mysterious Tale of Tumbledown was a
huge success at the Elmcroft Centre, North Cheam. The story of how
Harmony, Rhythm and Melody are brought back to the town which was
facing destruction. A magical story full of wonderful show stopping songs
and ballads.
On December, 2017 The Queen of Hearts was presented at The RB Legion
Hall, Cheam. There was some very shady business going on at the Royal
Palace. The Crooked Woman, who stole the lamb, the pig and the tarts was
straightened up, Princess Mary and Tommy Tucker found true love and
Caroline, the cow, provided milk shakes for the Royal Celebrations. All lived
happily ever after.
A repeat of this show, by public demand, was presented on 15th July
arvthe RB Legion, Cheam. Again a huge success.
In April, 2017 BRITAIN…A Musical Celebration took to the
stage at Elmcroft Community Centre in North Cheam.
This was a new venue for The Christopher Singers and proved to
be very successful. An historical journey, wonderfully woven
with music spanning more than 450 years was reduced to 2 hours
……..Amazing.
In December, 2016 the story of Old King Cole was brought to life
by The Christopher Singers under the splendid direction of
Lynda Mitchell. The King becomes grumpy after losing his pipe
and a Queen takes on a merry mood under the Demon's spell.
All is put right by Fairy Fantasia. Princess Viola gets her man, Dick,
The Prince of Harmonica and everyone lives happily ever after.
In August 2016 The Cryer closed and The Company found a new venue
for their 2017 show, The Elmcroft Community Hall, North Cheam.
In May and July, 2016 The Christopher Singers presented "All at Sea"
their 25th Anniversary show. A show of intrigue and suspense involving
double agents, spies, Femmes Fatales and Nincompoops…..oops No….
Ninjas. Woven around the story, written by Kate Pulesten, were musical
numbers galore - beautifully sung by The Christopher Singers and music
directed by John Steel and piano accompaniment by Neil Shrimpton.
In December 2015 a very funny and entertaining show, King Arthur, by
Paul Reakes was presented by The Christopher Singers. This Panto was
wonderfully directed by Lynda Mitchell and so popular that an extra day on
Sunday had to be added. A huge success and a show that everybody enjoyed.
As customary Christmas carols and songswere sung with audience participation.
Including the 12 days of Christmas….our favourite!!!
In May and July, 2014 The Christopher Singers presented "Keep the Home Fires
Burning", a tribute in words and music to the service men of World War I and the
story of two young men, John and Willem and how their meeting affected their
families at home and abroad.
The show was full of nostalgic tunes, We'll meet again, Keep the Home Fires
Burning, Me and My Girl and If you were the only girl in the World to name but
a few. Not forgetting singalong songs, Goodbyeeeee, It's a long way to Tipperary,
Pack up your Troubles, Land of Hope and Glory and many more.
The pantomime for 2014 was Ali Baba (and the forty thieves) superbly directed by
Lynda Mitchell. It was a resounding success with two full houses. This was followed
by Christmas songs and carols (including the customary Twelve Days of Christmas,
with interactive audience participation, when fun was had by all!!)
In April 2014 the Company presented Myths, Legends and Fairy Tales. An
enchanting mixture of tales of gallantry, magic, dark and sinister doings and
fairy tales of love and romance.
In 2013 out traditional panto of Dick Whittington and Festive Music was
performed to packed houses. People had to be turned away because we
could not accommodate them. A lesson here I think is to book early to avoid disappointment.
In March and July, 2013 the group presented London Calling bringing the
music of London town, from the earliest street cries to the Music Hall, Gilbert
& Sullivan era and songs of the 1914-18 War. Following on to the 20s and 30s.
The nostalgic songs from the 1939-1945 war years was followed with excerpts
from the Shows that lifted the spirits after the war. The programme took us
through the advent of the calypso songs that changed the face of music in the 60s.
Finally, the Celebrations of the Queen's Jubileeand the splendour of the London
Olympics was brought alive with two special songs"Our House" and the much
remembered "Sing".
The Christopher Singers' flair extends very wildly - you name it and they willl
sing it! They also embrace classical chorus music in their repertoire.
Finally, the Christopher Singers firmly believe that singing has a universal appeal
and should be encouraged from an early age. They have a talented youth group
The Younger Generation, who, together with local schools in the area, take pride
in bringing music and entertainment to a wide audience in the Community.
For further information or enquiries about membership please contact John Steel on
[email protected]
incorporating World events, Inventions, and a host of songs and music of
"The Swinging '60s".
0n Saturday, 17th December, 2022 our Panto "Dick and Jack's Christmas
Journey" was presented. The story of Jack, of Beanstalk fame, and Dick
Whittington and his cat, Billy. A long and eventful journey to find Father
Christmas.
On Saturday, 28th May, 2022 we were very pleased to be back on stage after
a miserable two years. Broadway to Britannia paid tribute to the great shows of
Broadway and the many icons of more recent times. The Beatles, Abba and
Queen to name but a few. Stephen Sondheim was remembered.
A special tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the Platinum Jubilee
of her accession to the throne was given in the form of a beautiful poem.
Our return to the stage took place on Saturday 18th December, 2021 after a
very long break due to Covid 19. Still under strict regulations "A Christmas
Cracker" was performed. A tribute to The Dames of Pantomime.
In 2020 Our Summer Show, V E Day, 75th Anniversary was sadly cancelled. Also
The Company was unable to perform until Christmas of the following year.
On Saturday, 14th December, 2019 we presented "Trouble in Toyland",
celebrating the 60th anniversary of Barbie doll…..Ken goes missing but is found
by the Heroes in the Witch and Wiz's home, deep in the woods. Safe and sound
he joins Barbie at her party. All live happily ever after. Oh yes they do……
Love - The Impossible Dream, 11th May, 2019, is a beautiful story of the
stages of love brought to life through music and song. An enchanting journey
of great musical numbers of love and romance. Love is no passing thing……
it is forever.
On 15th December, 2018 "Alice….The Panto" by Archie Wilson was
presented at The Royal British Legion Hall, Cheam. Alice finds her White
Rabbit and has many adventures in Wonderland together with the Mad Hatter,
a very loud Queen of Hearts, a dippy Fairy Godmother and a madcap Duchess.
A resounding success.
On 15th September, 2018 The Royal British Legion invited us to
perform an "Old Time Music Hall". It was a resounding success and a
memorable evening.
On 12th May, 2018 The Magical, Mysterious Tale of Tumbledown was a
huge success at the Elmcroft Centre, North Cheam. The story of how
Harmony, Rhythm and Melody are brought back to the town which was
facing destruction. A magical story full of wonderful show stopping songs
and ballads.
On December, 2017 The Queen of Hearts was presented at The RB Legion
Hall, Cheam. There was some very shady business going on at the Royal
Palace. The Crooked Woman, who stole the lamb, the pig and the tarts was
straightened up, Princess Mary and Tommy Tucker found true love and
Caroline, the cow, provided milk shakes for the Royal Celebrations. All lived
happily ever after.
A repeat of this show, by public demand, was presented on 15th July
arvthe RB Legion, Cheam. Again a huge success.
In April, 2017 BRITAIN…A Musical Celebration took to the
stage at Elmcroft Community Centre in North Cheam.
This was a new venue for The Christopher Singers and proved to
be very successful. An historical journey, wonderfully woven
with music spanning more than 450 years was reduced to 2 hours
……..Amazing.
In December, 2016 the story of Old King Cole was brought to life
by The Christopher Singers under the splendid direction of
Lynda Mitchell. The King becomes grumpy after losing his pipe
and a Queen takes on a merry mood under the Demon's spell.
All is put right by Fairy Fantasia. Princess Viola gets her man, Dick,
The Prince of Harmonica and everyone lives happily ever after.
In August 2016 The Cryer closed and The Company found a new venue
for their 2017 show, The Elmcroft Community Hall, North Cheam.
In May and July, 2016 The Christopher Singers presented "All at Sea"
their 25th Anniversary show. A show of intrigue and suspense involving
double agents, spies, Femmes Fatales and Nincompoops…..oops No….
Ninjas. Woven around the story, written by Kate Pulesten, were musical
numbers galore - beautifully sung by The Christopher Singers and music
directed by John Steel and piano accompaniment by Neil Shrimpton.
In December 2015 a very funny and entertaining show, King Arthur, by
Paul Reakes was presented by The Christopher Singers. This Panto was
wonderfully directed by Lynda Mitchell and so popular that an extra day on
Sunday had to be added. A huge success and a show that everybody enjoyed.
As customary Christmas carols and songswere sung with audience participation.
Including the 12 days of Christmas….our favourite!!!
In May and July, 2014 The Christopher Singers presented "Keep the Home Fires
Burning", a tribute in words and music to the service men of World War I and the
story of two young men, John and Willem and how their meeting affected their
families at home and abroad.
The show was full of nostalgic tunes, We'll meet again, Keep the Home Fires
Burning, Me and My Girl and If you were the only girl in the World to name but
a few. Not forgetting singalong songs, Goodbyeeeee, It's a long way to Tipperary,
Pack up your Troubles, Land of Hope and Glory and many more.
The pantomime for 2014 was Ali Baba (and the forty thieves) superbly directed by
Lynda Mitchell. It was a resounding success with two full houses. This was followed
by Christmas songs and carols (including the customary Twelve Days of Christmas,
with interactive audience participation, when fun was had by all!!)
In April 2014 the Company presented Myths, Legends and Fairy Tales. An
enchanting mixture of tales of gallantry, magic, dark and sinister doings and
fairy tales of love and romance.
In 2013 out traditional panto of Dick Whittington and Festive Music was
performed to packed houses. People had to be turned away because we
could not accommodate them. A lesson here I think is to book early to avoid disappointment.
In March and July, 2013 the group presented London Calling bringing the
music of London town, from the earliest street cries to the Music Hall, Gilbert
& Sullivan era and songs of the 1914-18 War. Following on to the 20s and 30s.
The nostalgic songs from the 1939-1945 war years was followed with excerpts
from the Shows that lifted the spirits after the war. The programme took us
through the advent of the calypso songs that changed the face of music in the 60s.
Finally, the Celebrations of the Queen's Jubileeand the splendour of the London
Olympics was brought alive with two special songs"Our House" and the much
remembered "Sing".
The Christopher Singers' flair extends very wildly - you name it and they willl
sing it! They also embrace classical chorus music in their repertoire.
Finally, the Christopher Singers firmly believe that singing has a universal appeal
and should be encouraged from an early age. They have a talented youth group
The Younger Generation, who, together with local schools in the area, take pride
in bringing music and entertainment to a wide audience in the Community.
For further information or enquiries about membership please contact John Steel on
[email protected]