On December 11th 2018, I performed at The Royal Albert Hall with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, making my debut to a SOLD-OUT audience for leading British charity Bloodwise. Their annual carol concert has been running for over 30 years – the second longest-running at the Royal Albert Hall after the Proms and for this event, guest performers included Matthew Morrison (Glee, and new dance captain on The Greatest Dancer), Tony Christie, MUD II ... and me!
Dreams Really Do Come True
Performing at the Royal Albert Hall marks a pinnacle of success for many musicians as it is certainly one of the most iconic venues in the UK and among the most famous in the world. It has been my dream to perform there as a soloist for as long as I can remember. Early in my career I had the fortune to perform at the Albert Hall several times with the Royal Choral Society and also as a backing singer for Il Divo at The Classic Brit Awards - although this was many years ago now.
On arriving at the venue for the big event, it wasn’t just me who was excited to perform there - Matthew Morrison and I discovered we were both realising a career-first and shared a mutual dream - making our debuts at The Royal Albert Hall. It really is quite a special feeling when you realise that someone else is going to share the same moment as you…
On arriving at the venue for the big event, it wasn’t just me who was excited to perform there - Matthew Morrison and I discovered we were both realising a career-first and shared a mutual dream - making our debuts at The Royal Albert Hall. It really is quite a special feeling when you realise that someone else is going to share the same moment as you…
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Why Bloodwise ?
Bloodwise is the UK’s leading blood cancer charity and raises thousands of pounds each year for blood cancer research and supports patients and families affected by the disease which include leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma. It is important to me that when I decide to get involved with a charity that it means something to me. My dear friend George Norton is an ambassador for Bloodwise he has kicked blood cancer's butt not once but twice - he truly is an inspiration. We met 17 years ago when he was my team leader when we took disabled people to Lourdes he encouraged (made) me join his choir and pushed a rather nervous teenager to do a solo. At the Albert Hall, I requested that he should introduce me on stage and it was an incredibly special moment for both of us. George has a wonderful blog which you can find by clicking the link below to have a read……
betterfools.com/category/blog/
betterfools.com/category/blog/
Behind The Scenes...
I arrived at The Royal Albert Hall and was shown to my dressing room which, I was excited to discover, was next to Matthew Morrison's and across the hall from Tony Christie's, there was a palpable buzz in the air as we all introduced ourselves to each other and chatted about life, future goals and how excited we were to be there.
After unpacking my things and settling into the small but cosy dressing room, I was shown to the stage where the orchestra and choir were already set up and working through music for the night. As I gazed up and looked around I was overawed by the magnitude and beauty of this historic venue... still pinching myself that I would soon be performing on that stage as I had dreamed for so many years.
My saviour, aka my vocal coach - Kathy Taylor-Jones, arrived on the scene soon after and we went through a warm-up together running through the song a few times before I was collected by the lovely charity team to do my soundcheck on stage... On stage! At this point I hadn't yet met the conductor and I hadn't even heard the arrangement of the song however you do always prepare for this as a performer. The most important piece of advice I was ever given and that I can offer to anyone going through this for the first time themselves is to listen, Listen to the orchestra as everyone is working towards the same thing…. a great performance.
My hubby recorded the sound check / rehearsal and afterwards we scurried back to my dressing room and ripped the performance apart to work out what could be better (I have been doing this since I started singing professionally as I always want to make every performance the best)
After this was all done, we had a lot of down time so enjoyed some dinner, though looking through my suitcase I realised I had forgotten my bananas!!! (Eating before a performance is a bit of a nightmare and I avoid anything like cheese, chocolate, fish or anything that will bloat me, I basically live on Bananas). Luckily the Bloodwise team saved the day and got me 10 which I then shared out with the other performers who were delighted as we watched our teams eat sandwiches, salads and cheese. They made for a great ice-breaker too!
In the final hour before the show began I did a couple of interviews and posed for some backstage photos for Bloodwise and discussed things with my vocal coach. She always helps me put on my dress which, for this performance I was kindly loaned by a stunning brand called Kruszynska Couture. The dress was beyond beautiful having been stitched entirely by hand and fitted like a glove... though still allowing enough breathing room to let me sing with ease.
About 10 mins before my performance time I was called to the side of the stage where my friend George was standing. He had his own nerves to calm as he would be introducing me with TV presenter Ore Oduba who was hosting the whole event. For me, the final moments before a performance are very quiet (can you believe it) and calm. As soon as I walk on the stage I am filled with excitement my name is called and here we go……
After unpacking my things and settling into the small but cosy dressing room, I was shown to the stage where the orchestra and choir were already set up and working through music for the night. As I gazed up and looked around I was overawed by the magnitude and beauty of this historic venue... still pinching myself that I would soon be performing on that stage as I had dreamed for so many years.
My saviour, aka my vocal coach - Kathy Taylor-Jones, arrived on the scene soon after and we went through a warm-up together running through the song a few times before I was collected by the lovely charity team to do my soundcheck on stage... On stage! At this point I hadn't yet met the conductor and I hadn't even heard the arrangement of the song however you do always prepare for this as a performer. The most important piece of advice I was ever given and that I can offer to anyone going through this for the first time themselves is to listen, Listen to the orchestra as everyone is working towards the same thing…. a great performance.
My hubby recorded the sound check / rehearsal and afterwards we scurried back to my dressing room and ripped the performance apart to work out what could be better (I have been doing this since I started singing professionally as I always want to make every performance the best)
After this was all done, we had a lot of down time so enjoyed some dinner, though looking through my suitcase I realised I had forgotten my bananas!!! (Eating before a performance is a bit of a nightmare and I avoid anything like cheese, chocolate, fish or anything that will bloat me, I basically live on Bananas). Luckily the Bloodwise team saved the day and got me 10 which I then shared out with the other performers who were delighted as we watched our teams eat sandwiches, salads and cheese. They made for a great ice-breaker too!
In the final hour before the show began I did a couple of interviews and posed for some backstage photos for Bloodwise and discussed things with my vocal coach. She always helps me put on my dress which, for this performance I was kindly loaned by a stunning brand called Kruszynska Couture. The dress was beyond beautiful having been stitched entirely by hand and fitted like a glove... though still allowing enough breathing room to let me sing with ease.
About 10 mins before my performance time I was called to the side of the stage where my friend George was standing. He had his own nerves to calm as he would be introducing me with TV presenter Ore Oduba who was hosting the whole event. For me, the final moments before a performance are very quiet (can you believe it) and calm. As soon as I walk on the stage I am filled with excitement my name is called and here we go……
The Performance
Oddly, as I looked out I could see into the audience and the famous pillars circling the Royal Albert Hall. Usually when you're on stage and there are hot, bright lights shining in your face you are pretty much blinded and you just see pitch black. I dedicated my performance to George and I gave the conductor the nod. I was bursting with pride and excitement and I had the strangest feeling I wanted to cry I was so happy, I really had to get myself together and give the performance of my life - I gave it my all and hopefully everyone enjoyed it. I certainly did!
Here is a little video sent to me by an audience member:
Here is a little video sent to me by an audience member:
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