‘D“Do you prefer soprano or alto?” 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, which will also be held in Salzburg, will feature guests recording tracks in studios and performing at the movie locations. I’ve packed my dirndl.
Huerta Belinda is our base in Spain, a stunning finca located near the surfing mecca Tarifa. Here, we will spend five days working with one-toones and small groups on vocal technique, performance preparation, and acting by song. 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. Steve, the musical director for Mary Poppins and Les Mis, breaks down the song This Is Me! into small chunks. I find it difficult to follow. I also can’t figure out which octave I should sing in. I ended up squalling around the bars in a rage like a seagull.
Steve asks me if I am a lost case. He says, “I don’t think that everyone is able to sing, but I do think everyone can get better,” in a kind way. “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.” I know that I am able to stand still.
Singing together is a special experience. 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.
The group includes guests from Switzerland, Spain, sisters Trish, Janet, and Emma from Cambridge, who run musical theatre groups, and Miracle, an “nomad”, who is currently on her fifth retreat. All of us share a passion for musicals.
The day begins with a breakfast in the villa. Next, we warm up as a group before splitting off to workshops. The week follows the same format as a West End production, complete with vocal coaches and musical directors. Steve says that the vocal calls are done in the first week for a new production. “We begin with note bashing and record it on our phone, making notes on the musical score, then the cast goes off and practices.” On Friday, we have a show sing-through, a sit-through with the orchestra and then the directors, choreographers, and musicians start their magic.
Maria Graciano, who has appeared in Miss Saigon as well as Wicked! Maria Graciano, who appeared in Miss Saigon and Wicked! 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. Spend your free time by the pool or in the garden, and enjoy the breathtaking views of 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.
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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. We gather in the lounge after dinner to chat and drink more wine before someone 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. As the week goes on, I am finding that I love singing and I want to sing along with everyone else. Zev helped me learn how to breathe properly, and I can really tell the difference in my voice. Part of it is because I don’t want to let the rest of the group down. Everyone is going in with full force; we are putting on The Greatest Show.
Not only me, but many others also find their voice. Elinor in Barry was a musical theater fanatic (she even won the quiz) who loved to sing, but lost confidence when she was criticized at her school. This week was a life-changing experience for me. “It’s given my voice back to me,” she says.
The week culminates in a concert, which will take place on Friday evening with an audience. As we practice, our nerves begin to show. 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’s incredible.
While waiting in the wings, I see my new friends hugging and laughing as they congratulate each other for their performances. The week has been incredible, both musically as well as emotionally. After all, I’m able to hold a tune. Although it is far (very) far from West End-worthy it does not make Charlie howl. This I consider a win.
The trip was organized by Sing Eat Retreat. Travel from £995The. tuition and performance practice, seven nights in a villa or hotel (five days full-board, one day half-board, including drinks)
