![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Sophie-Leaver-2.jpg\")
Sophie Leaver \u2013 Credit: Ben Dyer\nMiriam adds:<\/p>\n
While most of us love to sing, we can\u2019t claim to sound as smooth as Sinatra or have the range of Mariah.<\/p>\n
But there\u2019s a city choir that would happily welcome your dulcet tones regardless: no fees; no waiting list, and no audition!<\/p>\n
The Royal Court Community Choir is celebrating 15 years this year, boasting more than 100 members \u2013 and still counting!<\/p>\n
And as the New Year New You ethos in January challenges everyone to consider a fresh start and introduce different hobbies, it\u2019s issuing an invitation to everyone to \u2018come and join us\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe arts should be open to everyone and a choir should be open to everyone.<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe you shouldn\u2019t have a waiting list, you shouldn\u2019t have auditions, it should be free, and you should just let people come. We\u2019ve removed all the barriers for people to engage in the arts in some way which I personally feel passionate about.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Royal Court Community Choir was started in 2011 under the leadership of Jay McWinen who, in the last year, has handed over the reins to city singer Sophie Leaver (\u2018although he still plans to come back from time to time\u2019).<\/p>\n
Miriam says:<\/p>\n
\u201cI came the same year to do a specific job, and I was like, why don\u2019t we do this? Why don\u2019t we do that? And a choir was one of those things I thought we could do.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was speaking to a variety of people who came here \u2013 we do our afternoon variety lunch clubs \u2013 and they agreed a choir would be great, so we decided to try it and see.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt the first session we had about 12 or 13 people, and we now have over 100 members with an average of 60-70 people each week.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a fun thing for people who have always loved to sing,\u201d adds Miriam. \u201cAnd it\u2019s a social thing.<\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone\u2019s abilities and reasons for joining are different. We have people who are retired and used to be in a choir at school, and we have people who say it\u2019s a lifesaver, it gets them out and into the theatre and mixing with people. It\u2019s absolutely wonderful.<\/p>\n
\u201cFriendship groups have been formed with people meeting for lunch or in the afternoon before coming here, and that is just lovely.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have all different ages from around 25 to 80. Anyone from 18 can come, but it\u2019s just organically grown like that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sophie Leaver \u2013 Credit: Ben Dyer
\nMiriam adds:<\/p>\n
\u201cI always say people talk with their feet.\u00a0 If no-one turned up, we wouldn\u2019t do it. But they do and I can see the joy in people\u2019s faces, I can see they love it.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd Jay has been a real asset as I\u2019m sure Sophie will be too.\u201d<\/p>\n
The choir is held on a Monday evening between 5-7pm, and sings a variety of music, from the 50s and 60s to the present day.<\/p>\n
Members of the choir have sung at events across the city, as well as in performances at the Royal Court where productions have needed a little ensemble, or for special shows.<\/p>\n
They performed a Eurovision medley on the main stage when the competition came to the city and they\u2019ve sung at Pride events, at the Sefton Park and Isla Gladstone Palm Houses, and for other community venues and projects\u2019 events.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe choir is also invited to watch theatre dress rehearsals because they\u2019re a ready-made audience,\u201d smiles Miriam.<\/p>\n
Choirmaster Sophie, 28, a singer, vocal coach and choral director based in Prescot, says:<\/p>\n
\u201cI got involved as I was looking to work with a friendly group of people and I just loved the atmosphere as soon as I came along to my first rehearsal.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThis choir offers a sense of community, friendship and we have lots of laughs! We learn a range of music in many different styles \u2013 and even different languages.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot only is singing great for your physical health, it helps support wellbeing and good mental health. And if you love to sing, you are welcome in our choir. There are no other requirements.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo if you\u2019re looking to try something new, make new friends and have some lovely experiences, you\u2019re welcome to join us.\u201d<\/p>\n
Find out more on the Royal Court Theatre website<\/a>. Find out what\u2019s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.<\/strong>\u00a0
\nFind more music events across Liverpool on our calendar<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nFrom the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North \u2013 visit\u00a0thenorthernguide.com<\/a>\u00a0and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram\u00a0HERE.<\/a><\/p>\n