About The Bluecoat Singers
The Bluecoat Singers’ motto is “we sing for friendship and fun”.
We have an active social calendar that runs in parallel with our regular rehearsals. Our members get together for theatre trips, barbecues, garden parties and regular coffee mornings. There’s always a tea break mid-rehearsal, with plenty of friendly chatter and we also hold regular “open nights” when we welcome potential new members in for a “try before you buy” singalong. So, if you’re looking to make friends, have fun and make beautiful music in the process, why not come along and give singing with us a try?
The History of The Bluecoat Singers
Named after our original rehearsal venue at The Bluecoat School in Aspley, Nottingham, the Bluecoat Singers have a history that goes back to the early ‘50s, starting out as the Bluecoat Gilbert & Sullivan Company, before branching out into a wide repertoire of music across several genres.
Over the years, we have performed in concerts across the county, supported a variety of local events and have taken part in both national and international competitions. We’ve even supported some famous names from the music world on their visits to the East Midlands!
How The Bluecoat Singers Is Run
Our organisation is managed by a small group of members elected to the committee.
We have a chairman, treasurer and secretary with other key functions picked up by different members of the committee. We put on two in-house shows annually, as well as a major Christmas concert. These shows help to fund the running costs of the choir as well as raise money for our nominated local charity of the year.
Our Musical Director
Stephen Godward was born in Nottingham and studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
He has performed in several Mozart operas, playing Figaro, Papageno, Leporello and Don Alfonso. Stephen has performed in all thirteen Gilbert and Sullivan operas – both in the UK and in North America – and has appeared with ‘Gilbert and Sullivan for All’, The New London Savoyards and Charles Court Opera. He is a principal with The National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company.
Stephen sang the world premieres of Betty Roe’s and Ursula Vaughan-Williams’ chamber operas – ‘A Canterbury Morning’ and ‘A Flight of Pilgrims.’ He also received critical acclaim in ‘Opera’ magazine for his performance of Judge Turpin in ‘Sweeney Todd’, a role he has played in nine different productions to date!
Stephen has recorded two classical pieces under the Pearl label and has also appeared in professional pantomime – ‘oh yes, he has!’
Stephen is an All-England Adjudicator and in 2025-26 will adjudicate at the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Drama Association festival, covering the adult and youth sections.
As well as the Bluecoat Singers, Stephen is Director of St Peters, Ravenshead Gilbert and Sullivan Society.
Our Accompanist
Helen Tooth plays the piano for us every week and sometimes takes the rehearsal in Stephen’s absence. She is passionate about the many benefits singing brings, particularly for patients suffering with dementia.
She runs regular Joyful Jukebox sessions, using music to unlock memories and bring ease to those suffering physical or emotional distress.
Joyful Jukebox took the top prize for Health & Well-being at the prestigious Celebrating Rushcliffe awards in 2023 and was joint runner-up in 2024.
