Theatre Editor Georgia Grace spoke with one of the University’s major performing arts societies Show Choir about what they’ve been up to over the previous months, and what plans they have in store for the new semester.
“The Holiday period is always busy for Show Choir, and this year was no exception,” Society President, Rebecca Longhurst told us. “Last term, we performed in East Slope and the Meeting House as well as the streets of Brighton when we went busking. Our biggest event of last term was our East Slope Christmas Takeover, where members of the choir had the opportunity to showcase their talent in solos and small groups. Along with performances from the entire choir, our members did not fail to blow us away with their never-ending talent! In addition to having a fun, music-filled evening, we also managed to fundraise for our chosen cause this year: Partridge House care home. East Slope Takeover is always a great evening, as everyone brings their friends and housemates down to showcase what Choir have been working so hard on all term.”
Show Choir are dedicated to participating in events that benefit the local community, so when asked by the Clocktower Sanctuary – a charity they have fundraised for in previous years – to busk at their event in town, they jumped at the chance. “It was a lovely atmosphere,” says Longhurst. “Everyone that stopped to listen to us singing seemed to really enjoy the musical interlude to their shopping trip. We really enjoyed busking for such an important cause, and by the end of the day, the charity had raised over £600!
“Busking at Christmas time is something our members always want to do more of, so Show Choir took to the freezing cold streets to busk outside of the Theatre Royal. With our money collection box at our feet, we sang for over an hour to the local community. Many stopped to film us and take photos, and school children were all too happy to get involved with our carols. A local guitarist even stopped to play along as we sang ‘Hold Back The River’.”
Having raised over £125 for Partridge House through campus performances last term, Show Choir are keen to keep up the momentum in the new year and continue putting on fantastic events and raising more funds for important causes. They will be hosting their first ever Quiz Night on Monday 12 March in Sussex Campus’ very own Room 76. You can follow their social media pages on the links below to keep up with what they are doing.
Image Credit: Sussex Show Choir
