Latest news with #LesMisérables
The Guardian
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
It's showtime in Andalucía! How I found my voice on a musical theatre retreat
'Do you prefer alto or soprano?' asks Steve Moss, poised at his electric piano. My mind goes blank. I'm usually more of a pinot grigio girl, but that's not the answer the former musical director of Les Misérables is looking for. Although I struggle to carry a tune in a bucket, I'm an enthusiastic karaoke singer, a big musical theatre fan and a shameless show-off, so Sing the Greatest Showman, a residential singing retreat in Spain, is right up my street. Founded by Zane Rambaran, a veteran concert promoter with his roots in musical theatre, Sing Eat Retreat offers a choice of breaks here throughout the year (from Sing Les Mis to Sing Mamma Mia), with 30 hours of tuition by West End professionals. (In October, Sing The Sound of Music will be held in Salzburg too, with guests recording tracks in a studio and performing in the actual movie locations. I've already packed my dirndl.) Our base in Spain is Huerta Belinda, a gorgeous Spanish finca close to the surfing mecca of Tarifa, where we'll have five days of one-to-one and small group sessions on vocal technique, acting through song and performance preparation. The villa has eight rooms and some of the 21-strong group (mostly women in their 40s and 50s – and 60-something Ray, the only man) stays in Mesón de Sancho, a charming hotel nearby, but all of us eat together. I'm no stranger to pushing the boundaries of my comfort zone, but staring at a musical score – all impenetrable squiggles to me – under the expectant gaze of a West End director, I think I've pushed it too far this time. As Steve, who has been musical director of Mary Poppins as well as Les Mis, takes us through the song This Is Me!, breaking it down into easy chunks, I struggle to follow the music and can't decide which octave to sing in. I end up squalling up and down the bars like an angry seagull. I ask Steve if I'm a lost cause. 'I don't necessarily think that everyone can carry a tune, but I think everyone can improve,' he says, kindly. 'People always leave the retreats a better musician in some way, whether it's an improved singing voice or just learning to stand still when they're performing.' Well, I can definitely stand still. All retreats induce a naturally bonding environment, but there's something rather special about singing together. Much of our group has choir or am-dram experience, while others – like me – are complete beginners, and about half have come alone. Prior to arrival, guests fill out a questionnaire about their singing ability, what they want to achieve, and a clip of them singing Happy Birthday so tutors can assess abilities and arrange groups, but all levels are welcome. Our group includes guests from Switzerland and Spain; sisters Trish and Janet from Ireland, who sing in a choir; Emma, a teacher from Cambridge who runs musical theatre groups; and Miracle, a self-proclaimed 'nomad' who is on her fifth retreat here. One thing we all have in common is our love of musicals. Days start with breakfast in the villa, followed by a group warm up before we splinter off for workshops. The week is run along the same lines as preparation for a West End show, with vocal coaches, musical directors and choreographers. 'In the first week of a new show we do vocal calls,' says Steve. 'We start with note bashing, recording it on our phones and making notes on the music, then the cast can go off and practise. By the Friday we do a sing through of the show, have a sit through with the orchestra, then the directors and choreographers start working their magic.' Performance practice is led by Maria Graciano, who appeared in Miss Saigon and Wicked! and was the resident choreographer for Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Vocal coach Zev Chaplain teaches us about the physiology of singing and importance of warming up our vocal cords with lip trills, owl hoots, and ho, ho, ho's in the style of the Jolly Green Giant. One of the (many) highlights is a three-hour masterclass with Luke Bayer – who starred in Everybody's Talking About Jamie and Rent in the West End – giving us priceless advice and feedback on our performances. Over the week, singers are picked out for solos – not me – and all of us can have a one-to-one session with a tutor. There are plenty of breaks – it's a holiday after all – and this is where friendships blossom, with the contagious sounds of singing around the villa as people practise their scales. Any free time is spent by the pool, sunbathing in the gardens and soaking up the glorious views across the Strait of Gibraltar. There's little opportunity to venture farther afield, but most guests arrive a day or two early to explore the beaches and sand dunes of Tarifa. If you ask Zane, he may take you along when he walks Charlie, his dog. Sign up to The Traveller Get travel inspiration, featured trips and local tips for your next break, as well as the latest deals from Guardian Holidays after newsletter promotion Eating is a big part of the retreat too, and the food is delicious: Spanish breakfasts, fresh salads and soups for lunch, roast chicken, paellas, curries in the evening, along with plenty of wine and beer. After dinner, we congregate in the lounge and chat over more wine, before someone inevitably fires up the karaoke machine. When I arrived at Huerta Belinda, I was tempted to sit at the back and mouth the songs, such was my lack of confidence in my singing ability. But as the week progresses, I find I enjoy singing more and want to belt the tunes out with the rest of them. Thanks to Zev, I learn to breathe properly and really notice an improvement in my vocals. Part of it is because I don't want to let the rest of the group down. No one is coming into this half-heartedly; we want to put on The Greatest Show. It isn't just me who finds her voice. Elinor from Barry, a hardcore musical theatre fan (she won the quiz), loved to sing but lost all confidence after being criticised at school. 'This week has been life-changing for me. It's given me back my voice,' she says. The crescendo of the week is a concert on Friday night, with a real audience. During the day, our nerves start to show as we rehearse. But come 8pm, as we step on stage and sing the first 'whoahs' of The Greatest Show, they're quickly replaced with dopamine as the altos, sopranos, and Ray the tenor – and all the soloists – bring their A-game. It feels incredible. Waiting in the wings before our final song, I look around at my new friends, hugging, laughing, congratulating each other on their performances. It's been an incredible week both musically and emotionally. And it turns out I can hold a tune, after all. While it's far (very far) from West End-worthy, it doesn't make Charlie howl, which I'm taking as a win. The trip was provided by Sing Eat Retreat. Trips from £995, including tuition and performance practice, seven nights in a villa or hotel (five days full-board, one day half-board, including drinks)
The Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
If you love musicals, you'll adore this sun-drenched singing retreat in Spain
STANDING in front of a West End musical director, a professional vocal coach and a class full of singing enthusiasts, I begin to question all the life choices I've made that have got me here. I don't often get nervous, but I'm now expected to start singing – aloud, and in a room full of people! 7 7 I'm on a Sing, Eat, Retreat break, where each escape focuses on a different showstopping show. I love musicals – I've seen Jersey Boys, Moulin Rouge, Six, Wicked and countless others multiple times – and the retreat I've signed up for is themed around one of my favourite films, The Greatest Showman, in the stunning surroundings of Tarifa on the most southern tip of Spain. As a sound therapist, I know that belting out your favourite songs releases feel-good endorphins that can help to boost your immunity and lower stress levels, and that singing in a group amplifies these benefits. But, even with that knowledge, I've never actually sung in public, not even karaoke. Joining the cast This six-night retreat is hosted at a sprawling mansion-style villa, Huerta Belinda, complete with an A-lister-worthy pool, intricately tiled courtyards and views of Morocco. Stepping in, I feel like I've made it to the judges' houses on The X Factor, and that either Nicole Scherzinger or Simon Cowell will walk through the door any minute. Once we're past introductions, musical director Steve Moss of Les Misérables and Mary Poppins fame, informs our group of 21 that he's going to treat us 'like a West End cast'. And after a welcome dinner and drinks, we quickly settle into a routine. Our days are filled with vocal warm-ups, ensemble singing, smaller group vocal tech sessions, where we learn about things like breath control and posture, and one-to-ones to improve individually. A performance director also chats to us about staging and 'acting through song'. Each day of vocal work starts at 10am, ends in the early evening and also features group rehearsals for the live public concert we're working towards. There's some downtime to sit by the pool and soak up the sunshine, have a massage (for an additional cost) or use the sauna, but most of us end up using the time to try to memorise the lyrics. The idea is to be 'off book' for the show. Of course, all that singing builds up quite the appetite and, luckily, all meals (except one when we go to a quaint local hotel for dinner) are included. Think continental breakfasts with eggs in the morning, mezze-style buffets at lunch and huge, hearty paellas, casseroles and roast chicken with veg for dinner. There's also an endless supply of crisps, biscuits and cakes to snack on throughout the day, as well as sliced ginger, lemon and hot water on tap for throat-soothing teas. Sing for your supper Like any good ensemble cast, we are made up of a wide range of people – men and women, aged from 23 to 50-plus, with a doctor and teacher in the mix. More than a handful have sung at previous retreats – one lady is on her fifth visit – and inevitably, there's an open-mic session in the main living room after dinner each evening to show off what we've learned each day. 7 7 This place is a karaoke fan's dream come true! If I'm honest, my first one-to-one session feels like an extreme version of rejection therapy. Luckily, Steve happens to be one of the most charming people I've ever met, so I'm not even offended when, in between kind words and gentle encouragement, he tells me I need about 20 more lessons to become a half-decent singer! Still, I leave the session feeling in awe that I'm learning from an industry leader at the top of their craft, and I'm excited to see where this experience will take me. As the week goes on, we're also treated to an outstanding guest masterclass with West End star and vocal wizard Luke Bayer. After the session, everyone is left buzzing with energy from his tips and direction, especially when he ends it with a bonus private performance of Dear Bill from the musical Operation Mincemeat. This is Me It's soon Friday night, the soundchecks have been done, the lights are up and the glass-walled garden room of the villa is teeming with locals. MD Steve becomes our conductor, a round of applause welcomes us to the stage and, fuelled by adrenalin, everyone pulls it out of the bag as we perform several hits from the film, as well as an encore of Someone In The Crowd from La La Land, which is by the same songwriters as The Greatest Showman. 7 7 The four strongest singers also perform solos. I'm so proud of myself and my new pals that, under the bright lights, I resolve to join a choir so I can continue singing when I get home. That night's open-mic session is even more jubilant. Emboldened by my time on stage, I agree to be a backing singer for guest tutor Luke as he belts out And You Don't Even Know It from Everybody's Talking About Jamie. We have so much fun and I can't believe I've gone from never singing in public to sharing a mic with a West End stage lead. I've been to many retreats, but this one has helped me to connect with myself in a way I didn't realise I was even seeking. From now on, I'm going to embrace my singing voice – even if I'm not yet ready for the stage! 7
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
If you love musicals, you'll adore this sun-drenched singing retreat in Spain
STANDING in front of a West End musical director, a professional vocal coach and a class full of singing enthusiasts, I begin to question all the life choices I've made that have got me here. I don't often get nervous, but I'm now expected to start singing – aloud, and in a room full of people! Advertisement 7 Sunbathing meets singing in Spain 7 Huerta Belinda villa is a majestic mansion Credit: Olly Hewitt I'm on a Sing, Eat, Retreat break, where each escape focuses on a different showstopping show. I love musicals – I've seen Jersey Boys, As a sound therapist, I know that belting out your favourite songs releases feel-good endorphins that can help to boost your immunity and lower stress levels, and that singing in a group amplifies these benefits. But, even with that knowledge, I've never actually sung in public, not even karaoke. Advertisement Joining the cast This six-night retreat is hosted at a sprawling mansion-style villa, Huerta Belinda, complete with an A-lister-worthy pool, intricately tiled courtyards and views of Morocco. Stepping in, I feel like I've made it to the judges' houses on The X Factor, and that either Nicole Scherzinger or Simon Cowell will walk through the door any minute. Once we're past introductions, musical director Steve Moss of Les Misérables and And after a welcome dinner and drinks, we quickly settle into a routine. Advertisement Most read in News Travel Our days are filled with vocal warm-ups, ensemble singing, smaller group vocal tech sessions, where we learn about things like breath control and posture, and one-to-ones to improve individually. A performance director also chats to us about staging and 'acting through song'. Exploring the Beautiful Costa de la Luz Each day of vocal work starts at 10am, ends in the early evening and also features group rehearsals for the live public concert we're working towards. There's some downtime to sit by the pool and soak up the sunshine, have a massage (for an additional cost) or use the sauna, but most of us end up using the time to try to memorise the lyrics. Advertisement The idea is to be 'off book' for the show. Of course, all that singing builds up quite the appetite and, luckily, all meals (except one when we go to a quaint local hotel for dinner) are included. Think continental breakfasts with eggs in the morning, mezze-style buffets at lunch and huge, hearty paellas, casseroles and roast chicken with veg for dinner. There's also an endless supply of crisps, biscuits and cakes to snack on throughout the day, as well as sliced ginger, lemon and hot water on tap for throat-soothing teas. Advertisement Sing for your supper Like any good ensemble cast, we are made up of a wide range of people – men and women, aged from 23 to 50-plus, with a doctor and teacher in the mix. More than a handful have sung at previous retreats – one lady is on her fifth visit – and inevitably, there's an open-mic session in the main living room after dinner each evening to show off what we've learned each day. 7 Huerta Belinda is a tranquil villa Credit: Olly Hewitt 7 The rooms at the singing retreat aren't too shabby Credit: Giles Bracher Advertisement This place is a karaoke fan's dream come true! If I'm honest, my first one-to-one session feels like an extreme version of rejection therapy. Luckily, Steve happens to be one of the most charming people I've ever met, so I'm not even offended when, in between kind words and gentle encouragement, he tells me I need about 20 more lessons to become a half-decent singer! Still, I leave the session feeling in awe that I'm learning from an industry leader at the top of their craft, and I'm excited to see where this experience will take me. Advertisement As the week goes on, we're also treated to an outstanding guest masterclass with West End star and vocal wizard Luke Bayer. After the session, everyone is left buzzing with energy from his tips and direction, especially when he ends it with a bonus private performance of Dear Bill from the musical Operation Mincemeat. This is Me It's soon Friday night, the soundchecks have been done, the lights are up and the glass-walled garden room of the villa is teeming with locals. MD Steve becomes our conductor, a round of applause welcomes us to the stage and, fuelled by adrenalin, everyone pulls it out of the bag as we perform several hits from the film, as well as an encore of Someone In The Crowd from Advertisement 7 Farzana Ali gets vocal Credit: Farzana Ali 7 Tuck into authentic Spanish paella The four strongest singers also perform solos. I'm so proud of myself and my new pals that, under the bright lights, I resolve to join a choir so I can continue singing when I get home. Advertisement That night's open-mic session is even more jubilant. Emboldened by my time on stage, I agree to be a backing singer for guest tutor Luke as he belts out And You Don't Even Know It from Everybody's Talking About Jamie. We have so much fun and I can't believe I've gone from never singing in public to sharing a mic with a West End stage lead. Read more on the Irish Sun I've been to many retreats, but this one has helped me to connect with myself in a way I didn't realise I was even seeking. Advertisement From now on, I'm going to embrace my singing voice – even if I'm not yet ready for the stage! FYI Six-night Sing, Eat, Retreat breaks cost from £995, including all tuition, most meals, soft drinks, wine and beer ( Return UK flights to Gibraltar, a 35-minute drive away, cost from £51. 7 Hugh Jackman as P.T. Barnum in The Greatest Showman Credit: Twentieth Century Fox Film Corp
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Legendary Brit singer and stunning Gladiators beauty sign up for Celebrity Masterchef as they join star-studded line-up
He has won huge accolades and sold over one million albums Legendary Brit singer and stunning Gladiators beauty sign up for Celebrity Masterchef as they join star-studded line-up A LEGENDARY Brit singer and a stunning Gladiators beauty have signed up for Celebrity MasterChef. BBC bosses want to move on after the Gregg Wallace controversy with a 'strong' and star-studded lineup. 8 Alfie Boe has signed up for Celebrity MasterChef Credit: Getty 8 He has sold over one million albums and is known for his West End performances Credit: Getty 8 This is alongside Gladiators athlete, Fury - whose real name is Jodie Ounsley Credit: BBC 8 John Torode and Grace Dent will taste their dishes on the star-studded cooking show Credit: PA Names that have signed up so far have included Ashley Cain, Michelle Heaton, and former Corrie star Katie McGlynn. An insider has now revealed that legendary singer Alfie Boe, 51, has signed up to compete in the infamous cookery competition. Known for his collaborations with West End star Michael Ball, 62, he will swap the stage for the kitchen as he replaces microphones with whisks. On top of selling over one million albums in the UK, he is also known for taking up the role of Jean Valjean in various productions of Les Misérables. Alongside the Classic Brit Award winning artist, another huge BBC star has also signed up to Celebrity MasterChef. Gladiators athlete Fury - whose real name is Jodie Ounsley - will also enter the famous kitchen. Instead of trying to stop players getting through the physical exercises, will she get past John Torode and Grace Dent? A source told The Sun: "Celebrity MasterChef are confident they have one of their strongest line-ups in years, which is just what bosses wanted after all the Gregg Wallace scandal. "Alfie Boe is a real favourite with housewives, while Fury from Gladiators has loads of male fans and will bring in the younger demographic too." Our insider added: "They've already filmed the series and it will air later this year." Watch the moment new MasterChef host Grace Dent is reduced to tears by Gregg Wallace and John Torode The Sun has contacted a rep for the show for comment. On top of cooking for the main presenters, often the competitors have to cook special menus for guest judges. They are also thrown in at the deep end as they are tasked with helping with service in a professional kitchen. If these are not huge catering challenges, often some of the top Michelin-starred restaurants are included. Other names to have signed up include RuPaul's Drag Race UK star Ginger Johnson, Love Island bombshell Uma Jammeh, and Blue singer Antony Costa. Celebrity Masterchef Previous Winners The previous Celebrity Masterchef winners so far in the show 2023 - Singer Wynne Evans 2022 - Radio Presenter Lisa Snowdon 2021 - Gold-medal-winning Paralympian Kadeena Cox 2020 - YouTube star Riyadh Khalaf 2019 - Olympian Greg Rutherford 2018 - Actor John Partridge 2017 - Television presenter Angellica Bell 2016 - Real Hustle star Alexis Conran 2015 - Pussycat doll Kimberly Wyatt 2014 - Actress Sophie Thompson 2013 - Comedian and actor Ade Edmondson 2012 - Actress Emma Kennedy 2011 - Former England rugby captain Phil Vickery 2010 - Actress and presenter Lisa Faulkner 2009 - Presenter Jayne Middlemiss 2008 - Singer and actress Liz McClarnon 2007 - Actress and presenter Nadia Sawalha 2006 - Rugby star Matt Dawson 8 Fury is known for attempting to stop players succeeding in physical challenges Credit: BBC 8 The singer will be swapping his microphone for a whisk Credit: Getty 8 Other stars to sign onto the series includes footballer, Ashley Cain Credit: Getty
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Legendary Brit singer and stunning Gladiators beauty sign up for Celebrity Masterchef as they join star-studded line-up
A LEGENDARY Brit singer and a stunning Gladiators beauty have signed up for Celebrity MasterChef. BBC bosses want to move on after Advertisement 8 Alfie Boe has signed up for Celebrity MasterChef Credit: Getty 8 He has sold over one million albums and is known for his West End performances Credit: Getty 8 This is alongside Gladiators athlete, Fury - whose real name is Jodie Ounsley Credit: BBC 8 John Torode and Grace Dent will taste their dishes on the star-studded cooking show Credit: PA Names that have signed up so far have included , and former Corrie star An insider has now revealed that legendary singer Known for his collaborations with West End star On top of selling over one million albums in the UK, he is also known for taking up the role of Jean Valjean in various productions of Les Misérables. Advertisement READ MORE ON CELEB MASTERCHEF Alongside the Gladiators athlete Instead of trying to stop players getting through the physical exercises, will she get past John Torode and A source told The Sun: "Celebrity MasterChef are confident they have one of their strongest line-ups in years, which is just what bosses wanted after all the Gregg Wallace scandal. Advertisement Most read in News TV "Alfie Boe is a real favourite with housewives, while Fury from Gladiators has loads of male fans and will bring in the younger demographic too." Our insider added: "They've already filmed the series and it will air later this year." Watch the moment new MasterChef host Grace Dent is reduced to tears by Gregg Wallace and John Torode The Sun has contacted a rep for the show for comment. On top of cooking for the main presenters, often the competitors have to cook special menus for guest judges. Advertisement They are also thrown in at the deep end as they are tasked with helping with service in a professional kitchen. If these are not huge catering challenges, often some of the top Michelin-starred restaurants are included. Other names to have signed up include RuPaul's Drag Race UK star Love Island bombshell , and Blue singer Celebrity Masterchef Previous Winners The previous Celebrity Masterchef winners so far in the show 2023 - Singer 2022 - Radio Presenter Lisa Snowdon 2021 - Gold-medal-winning Paralympian Kadeena Cox 2020 - YouTube star Riyadh Khalaf 2019 - Olympian 2018 - Actor John Partridge 2017 - Television presenter Angellica Bell 2016 - Real Hustle star Alexis Conran 2015 - Pussycat doll Kimberly Wyatt 2014 - Actress Sophie Thompson 2013 - Comedian and actor Ade Edmondson 2012 - Actress Emma Kennedy 2011 - Former England rugby captain Phil Vickery 2010 - Actress and presenter 2009 - Presenter Jayne Middlemiss 2008 - Singer and actress Liz McClarnon 2007 - Actress and presenter Nadia Sawalha 2006 - Rugby star Matt Dawson 8 Fury is known for attempting to stop players succeeding in physical challenges Credit: BBC Advertisement 8 The singer will be swapping his microphone for a whisk Credit: Getty 8 Other stars to sign onto the series includes footballer, Ashley Cain Credit: Getty 8 Former Coronation Street actress Katie McGlynn will also try her luck in the kitchen Credit: Getty
