A Friendship Matinee of Carols - thank you to the Royal Albert Hall

This Christmas the Royal Albert Hall (RAH) staged a Friendship Matinee of Carols featuring a delightful programme of timeless classics and contemporary carols that truly got our clients in the festive spirit. Friendship Matinees welcome people of all ages who may engage with a charity or community group. These events offer a relaxed attitude to movement and noise in the auditorium, as well as ‘chill-out’ spaces around the building where attendees can move about, dance, sing or just listen.  

The Friendship Matinee concerts have become a festive favourite over the years and 2023 was no exception. This year 37 of our clients attended as part of the RAH’s outreach programme and enjoyed a fantastic show presented by Jess Gillam with special guest soloist Cleopatra Rey.  The Albert Hall proved a magical setting once again, and the occasion was made even more special by the orchestra donning fancy dress to appear as a full Christmas dinner – including a turkey hat and three peas in a pod!   

The audience were invited to join in with the singing for Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas and Winter Wonderland and the performance ended on a high with an all-sing version of Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.  Highlights for our clients included Sleigh Ride (complete with special horse sound effects from the trumpets), and a rendition of Silent Night where the audience were invited to wave their camera phone torches.  Our thanks and admiration also go to the amazing BSL interpreter who gave an energising and mesmerising signing performance of each carol. 

Thank you to everyone at the RAH for organising a truly magical show.