There are several musical and theatrical groups that use St Michael’s for rehearsals and performances.
Theatre & Music
Springwell Golden Voices
Springwell Golden Voices are a community choir for older people based in west-central Edinburgh. The choir is open to everyone, whether they are experienced singers or novices, and the repertoire covers everything from Scots songs to light classics and everything in between. Equally important is the social side – fun, friendship and a lively chat in the tea break are all part of the success the choir has enjoyed over the years.
Most of their concerts are given by invitation to church groups and other organisations, including the St Michael’s Friendship Group, where they are looking forward to singing once again in April 2020. They also give a regular Christmas concert each year which is open to the public, and occasionally present other public concerts on special occasions. They recently gave a 25-year anniversary concert at St Michael’s, see photos.
Scots Music Group
The Scots Music Group hold traditional music classes at venues across Edinburgh. At St Michael’s, they run regular singing classes entitled Scottish Song & Beyond.
The Young Ones
The Young Ones are a children’s theatre group that have rehearsed and performed at St Michael’s over many years. In fact, they started as a singing group way back in 1967, and under the leadership of Jean Thomson, the group soon developed a repertoire that enabled the Young Ones to perform variety concerts. The driving force behind the Young Ones today is Louise Williamson. Starting in September, the group rehearse for their annual production, which they perform in May the following year. This year the Young Ones performed Aladdin. Much of the money raised from ticket sales is donated to the St Michael’s General Fund. A more in-depth history of the Young Ones can be read in the 2017 Summer edition of the Tower Magazine (see page 16).
Showcase
Finally, Showcase is a non-professional musical theatre company who raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support by putting on a series of concerts throughout the year. We should add that Showcase use St Michael’s halls for rehearsals only. The main venue for their shows is Church Hill Theatre in Morningside.