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Pinkie spotlight – Ritchie

Ritchie

My name is Ritchie Parrott.
My section is bass/middle – I’m bi-sectional don’t you know!.
I joined the Pink Singers in September 1995 and have never looked back.

I joined the Pink Singers because I wanted to meet other gay men in a less sexual environment than a bar or nightclub. Since joining I’ve met some wonderful men and women, not just in the Pinkies but in many choirs from around the world. Still, I think our choir has some of the funniest and loveliest lezzers you’re likely to meet!
My favourite thing about being a Pinkie is being able to sing my little heart out without someone telling me to be quiet.
When I’m not rehearsing you can find me hanging around Soho. Not just for the obvious boozy attractions but also because I’m lucky enough to attend film preview screenings as part of my job and they’re mostly there.
The song that I would most like us to perform is Edelweiss. We’ve sung it before and I love it. Schmaltzy, with over-the-top soaring harmonies and the audience always recognise it fondly and take it to their hearts.
The song in our repertoire which should be laid to rest is Satin Doll a.k.a. Satan’s Doll. I’d hoped this song had died a long time ago but somehow it’s come back to haunt me.

LGBT History Month 2006: Haringey

Wednesday 22 February saw the Pinkies’ second contribution to LGBT history month this year. Unusually, we were given the opportunity to sing in a library, which felt naughty but good. Wood Green library in Haringey was the venue, and we were made to feel very welcome. We didn’t exactly jump out from behind the shelves, surprising readers with Cole Porter and Kirsty McColl, Instead, we were in an upstairs room, which provided an intimate atmosphere. Around twelve of us sang, to an appreciative audience of about twenty.

As well as Cole Porter’s Begin the Beguine, which we managed well as a last minute added item, we gave them Kirsty’s They Don’t Know, arranged by Andy Mitchinson, one of our basses, and a medley of Madness songs, also arranged by him. It was nice to see some hand-holding in the audience to Diana Ross’s When You Tell Me That You Love Me (arranged by Michael Derrick, our accompanist) and we got the usual reaction to the Abba Medley (another of Andy’s contributions) which we hit them with as an encore. Yes, they loved it, especially Jonathon’s hip thrusts which we’re about to lose to Sweden. Lucky old Stockholm!

In fact, we went down so well (ahem) that we’ve been booked by Haringey for LGBT history month next year! The evening ended with drinks and snacks and a peruse of a really good selection of gay-themed books and DVDs held by the library. Many thanks to all who made this a success, to Michael for rehearsing, conducting and accompanying us, and of course to Haringey for inviting us.

by Philip G
Bass

Pinkie spotlight – Miranda

Miranda

My name is Miranda.
My section is alto.
I joined the Pink Singers in 2005.
I joined the Pink Singers because the concert outfit is all black (well, apart from the pink thing, but I’ve got that covered…)
My favourite thing about being a Pinkie is I’ve got something to sing cycling round London, although panting through When You Tell Me That You Love Me can draw some funny glances.
When I’m not rehearsing you can find me Life is a rehearsal (see above).
The song that I would most like us to perform is She’s My Girl by Tom Lehrer.
The song in our repertoire which should be laid to rest is Dirait-on and on and on and on and on and on… I used to love it, now it just reminds me of washing machine adverts.