I’m at the kitchen table, trying to write the Christmas workshop page.
I’ve been here for some time. Betsy (the dog) is under the table, looking up at me with eyes that reflect boredom, mild irritation and hunger. If she could speak, she’d probably say, “You’re not getting anywhere, so do yourself a favour, get up and give me an apple from the fridge.”
“What have you got?” Témi says.
“Friday 11 December,” I say. “Rudolf Steiner House, six till nine, Lizzie, Christmas songs.”
“Wow, riveting stuff.”
“Thanks,” I say.
I look to Betsy for backup and inspiration. Apples and the faint whiff of “loser” look back at me through what are now laser-focused eyeballs.
“I’ve got it.” I leap from my chair, and with the precision of a synchronised swimmer, Betsy mirrors my sudden movement, fully expecting an imminent apple. I look at her and wonder whether the odd Granny Smith could be a secret training weapon in pursuit of the ultimate gold-medal-winning synchronised swimming team. “Supermarket Christmas Music!” I shout out, feeling like I’ve really hit the jackpot.
“Really?” Témi says. “Really?” Betsy says as I move away from the fridge. “This is genius. All those songs we pretend to hate but secretly love, and can’t help singing, brought together in glorious harmony by Lizzie’s bespoke arrangements. Perfect.” Betsy lies back down again, and sighs. Témi does the same. Synchronised sighing. Could catch on.
The music
So that’s the evening. Friday 11 December, Rudolf Steiner House, up the road from Baker Street, six until nine. The Christmas songs that have been on in every supermarket since about 1986, the ones you know every word of without ever having chosen to learn them, arranged by Lizzie in three parts and taught by ear, so that by half past seven a roomful of strangers sounds like a choir.
Last year’s lot did Feliz Navidad and a Christmas pop medley and came out looking as if they’d been at the sherry. They hadn’t. That’s what three hours with Lizzie does to a person.
What to bring
A voice and yourself. That’s it. The Christmas jumper, if you must, and a friend if you know anyone of a similar persuasion. Mince pies have never been turned away.
- A set of Christmas songs arranged in three parts by Lizzie
- No sight-reading, no audition, and no need to have sung since the school carol concert
- Taught by ear in the room, so you can arrive knowing nothing and leave singing harmony
Lizzie Deane
Leading it all is Lizzie Deane, who has been one of our directors for years and is one of the reasons people keep coming back (me included!). Very funny, alarmingly quick, and a brilliant singer – she has a knack for getting a proper sound out of people who arrived certain they hadn’t got one.
She has toured with Boy George, Belinda Carlisle, Mica Paris and Jocelyn Brown. She has played Glastonbury and the 606 Club. And then she went on to win Britain’s Got Talent with a choir of farmers, so we now have to book her about 11 months in advance.
Lizzie Deane – Music Director
How to get there
Address
Rudolf Steiner House
35 Park Rd, London NW1 6XT
Nearest Underground stations
Baker Street, Marylebone
Best buses to catch
18, 27, 30, 74, 113, 139, 189, 205, 453
Nearest Railway station
Marylebone Station
Parking
There is a NCP facility in London Park Road. Parking can be booked by clicking here.
Travel Planner
Plan your journey with London Transport by clicking here.
