The Dress Rehearsal Everyone was excited and ready for the performance. No need for nerves - we were in this together and the feeling of teamwork was immense. Although it was hard work throughout the day I thoroughly enjoyed it. I obediently followed instructions, stand up, sit down, and please stop talking (difficult for me that one). I have always considered the City Hall to be a fabulous venue, and when I was on the stage I couldnt believe that this was where I was going to sing that very night. The view is certainly different from the other side how many people does this place sit? Will I be able to see into the audience on the night and wow they will be able to see me!  | | Sing Live ladies at the seating rehearsal |
The afternoons rehearsal with the orchestra was very different but enthralling. It all sounds so different and it took some getting used to. We soon found our voices and we were once again singing our hearts out. There was a short break to grab some food and then it was time to get dressed for the performance. Slowly the church began filling up with people donned in blue polo shirts. The ladies all squashed in front of a small mirror in the loo to make ourselves look (even more) beautiful. There was no last minute checking of words, we were all confident and calm. We lined up to start making our way to the City Hall, and there were shouts of here we go and come on Newcastle. It was uplifting. The Performance We ran across the road in the rain and then were ready to take our places. On my way up the stairs I thought my imagination was playing tricks with me there was rapturous applause already! My heart was thumping and it was a superb feeling to walk out onto the stage and drink in the atmosphere. This is for real now and I will never forget the proud feeling of being involved in such an exciting and professional performance. The performance for me was electric; the audience gave fabulous applause, the choir were relaxed and everyone enjoyed themselves. The songs were moving as some have special meaning to the choir Starlight Express is our theme tune and it certainly helps to bring out the power within you. I couldnt believe it when we were already singing Rhythm of Life the time had flown by and we were really rocking now. Everyone left the stage with massive grins on their faces it was amazing. Throughout the performance I was in great awe of the soloists, they were fabulous. Each one gave a very individual performance and I would be hard pushed to pick a favourite. Well done!  | | Soloists practicing a song from the musical, Chess. We think the pianist in the foreground looks like Louis Theroux! |
The well-earned party The aftershow party was a chance to relive the night, the room was buzzing with the atmosphere. The drinks flowed as we congratulated one another and then we danced the rest of the night away. I would like to thank Sing Live for giving me such a marvellous opportunity. I have made wonderful new friends and I hope the choir goes from strength to strength (I am certain that it will). Now I am gearing up for the next big singing event at the Royal Albert Hall, with a chance of a trip to sing at Epcot, Florida in December. I have to pinch myself to believe it is true, after all it was only three months ago that I did all my singing in the shower. | 
