Photo Flash: Interlude Musical Theatre Choir at Piano Smithfield

Interlude is a musical theatre choir based in London aimed at giving performers and lovers of theatre a chance to learn or keep on top of the skills they have learned over the course of the years they have been singing.

The choir first started in 2020 when Aaron Bladen (Musical Director and Director of Interlude) and a friend were participating in a Zoom quiz during lockdown.  At that time, amidst the uncertainty brought about by the Covid 19 pandemic, the musical theatre industry was in a state of flux. Aaron turned to his friend, “What do you think about starting a choir?” and the immediate answer was yes.

One tweet, earning 80,000 views and over 2,000 retweets, kickstarted the choir’s existence and after 534 self-tape submissions later, interlude was born. 35 individuals were selected to join the choir towards the end of lockdown and rehearsals commenced. This journey eventually led to a sold-out concert in Covent Garden and a memorable takeover night in Soho.

Interlude serves as a valuable opportunity for performers who currently find themselves without work. It enables them to keep their harmony skills sharp, build vocal endurance and experience the joy of performing as part of an ensemble as well as fostering lasting friendships among fellow industry professionals.

We attended their latest concert, One Of Many: 1, in Piano Smithfield, Barbican where we were mesmerized by beautiful arrangements by Flynn Stergeon (Arranger for Interlude) and outstanding solo and ensemble performances.

Their next concert, One Of Many: 2,  is on the 13^th August 2024 at the Piano Smithfield, Barbican. Join them for a night of bespoke musical theatre arrangements with songs from shows such as Come From Away, Lew Misérables, Moulin Rouge and Wicked. As well as hearing from the extremely talented Interlude choir singers this concert also includes solo’s from West End performers.

The performers at the last concert were: Olivia Shepherd, Sas Hannah, Phoebe Delahall, Steven Boyd, Vanda Essay, Harry Clements, Kyle Copeland, Lucy Counsell, Stevie McAvoy, Phoebe Noding, Olivia Hopper, Maya Pasher, Karis Barlow, Charlotte Wood, Divna Janković, Livi Wollaston, Sasha Eastabrook, Lolly Platt and Alec Moore.

Musical Director/Director: Aaron Bladen

Pianist: Adam Morris

Arranger: Flynn Sturgeon