At 12 noon today Waitrose shoppers were surprised by a flash-mob of Marlborough Musical Theatre Choir members. Subdued shoppers (choir members in disguise) suddenly burst into song and dance, led by choir leader Rachel Lynes. And it was all done to promote the Trussell Trust, Devizes and District Foodbank.
After a rousing medley from Little Shop of Horrors, Rachel appealed to shoppers to help local people in crisis by adding various food items such as long-life milk, fruit juice, sponge puddings and instant mash potato to their shopping today and then placing them in the in-store foodbank collection point.
Meanwhile, there were smiles on everyone’s faces, and plenty joined in with the entertainment or recorded the event on their phones. Abigail Gayer, whose father, John Macve, is in the choir, said, “It was absolutely joyful and heart-warming and can I come again?”
Rachel Lynes, who is an ex West End performer, and who started the Musical Theatre Choir two years ago, told Marlborough.news, “We’re very pleased to be supporting the Trussell Trust. I’m also keen to promote the well-being effects of singing. I originally started the choir to show that everyone can sing and it’s so great for mental and physical health. It’s such a good thing to join a choir. After two years we’re more than a choir and more like a community. If members have had a tough day they still choose to come to choir as we’re a safe space and offer support.”
There are 70 members in Marlborough Musical Theatre Choir but Rachel says she has space for a 100. They meet every Wednesday in term time in St Mary’s Church from 7.30 to 9 pm and next term commences on April 24. Rachel has now started 26 choirs in different parts of the country. To find out more about the Marlborough choir or other choirs click here.
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