Mum-of-two’s stress relief tip ‘most people join the gym, I joined the choir’

The surging popularity of The People’s Show Choir is seeing people from all walks of life swell its ranks. Among them are busy mums seeking some ‘me time’ like Fiona Cross-Chowdhury.

Fiona from London signed up for the Wimbledon People’s Show Choir when it launched a year ago and hasn’t looked back. The working mum-of-two explains why joining the choir has made a difference to her hectic life.

“I joined The Wimbledon Show Choir in January 2024, when it started,” recalls Fiona, who is in her late 30s. “I had been looking for a choir to join, to have an outlet and a little me time as a working mum-of-two.

“Running my own business in casting as well as being a mum equates to two full time jobs, so I am pretty busy.

“But I have always loved singing and find that it’s my way to unwind. Some people join the gym, I joined the choir.”

Finding time each Wednesday night for 90 minutes to escape “her cherubs” and focus on something she enjoys at choir rehearsals in Holy Trinity Church has been a welcome experience for Fiona.

Warm ups can be fun, silly tongue-twisters that make everyone laugh before singing popular hits from the movies, charts or musicals accompanied by pianist Maria Tataru. Then there is always time for a cuppa and a chat with fellow members and choir leaders Elliot Mercer or Martha Littlehales. It’s more than just singing, but also about smiling, socialising and relaxing.

On top of that, Fiona got the chance to take part in a mass concert with other Show Choir members and The People’s Orchestra at Duke’s Hall in the acclaimed Royal Academy of Music in December 2024.

“It made me love being a member of this choir even more,” adds Fiona. “I couldn’t stop talking about it after the show, it really uplifted me.

“I love the experience of singing with so many people but I particularly enjoyed singing with a full orchestra.”

Links between singing and stress relief have been discussed by researchers. Studies on the effects of singing have shown examples of how it can improve mood and help to reduce anxiety levels.

Fiona says she has noticed a difference in how she feels: “I was chatting to a friend of mine who is a professional singer and was talking about scientific evidence in singing helping mothers and I thought that was absolutely true.”

The Show Choirs sing everything from show tunes to pop songs and are all about having fun – in no way stuffy or take themselves too seriously.

Wimbledon People’s Show Choir meets at 7.30pm on Wednesdays in Holy Trinity Church at 234 The Broadway, Wimbledon, for a 90-minute session. Pop in to see what it’s like or see more about it here.

There are People’s Show Choirs across the country and see the website here to find out which is nearby.