Clare Teal: How I finally managed to learn to go off-book for a concert

I was beyond thrilled to be invited by that dashing young conductor John Wilson to perform at his annual Royal Albert Hall prom, a celebration of American music from the golden age of musicals entitled Hooray for Hollywood. About a month before rehearsals started I learned we would not be allowed to have any lyrics on stage. To most singers I’m sure this wouldn’t be a problem, but I can tell you I have never, in 10 years of professional singing, ever performed a concert without having my lyrics close to hand. Finally here was my chance to overcome my morbid fear of forgetting the words.

I was determined that from the first second of the first rehearsal I would be, as the lovies say “off-book”. I hardly missed a syllable, but had a constant nagging feeling that I might mess up at any given second. Getting to know the other singers, certainly helped and my goodness what a talented bunch. Matt Ford with his dulcet Tony Bennett-Gene Kelly-Perry Como effortless balladeering, Analeene Beechey star of the West End, Australian singer dancer and powerhouse Caroline O’Connor out Mermens Ethel, crystal clear operatic soprano Sarah Fox, originally from Giggleswick and American tenor Charles Castronovo who set many hearts.

We were accompanied by an orchestra of more than 100, including nine percussionists and a full big band, plus The Maida Vale Singers, a group of eye-wateringly great vocalists with crisp perfect diction and tuning. Two of these chaps, stepped out to sing a couple of songs, firstly Nigel Richards wowed the audience with Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat from Guys and Dolls and Stuart Matthew Price led the cast in Put On Your Sunday Clothes from Hello Dolly.

I was delighted with the songs John gave me, A Fine Romance and They All Laughed which formed part of an epic Fred and Ginger medley from Funny Face.

Expectant eyes followed me across the stage, the music started, I gulped and… find out what happened this Saturday on BBC 2, 9:15.