Brighton Gay Men's Chorus
Brighton Gay Men's Chorus | |
|---|---|
| Genres | popular, Broadway, choral, classical |
| Years active | 2005-present |
| Website | www |
Brighton Gay Men's Chorus (BGMC) is a community men's chorus and registered charity based in Brighton and Hove, England. Founded in 2005, the chorus is part of the wider LGBTQ+ choral movement in the United Kingdom.[1][2]
History
[edit]Brighton Gay Men's Chorus was founded in 2005. A 2025 retrospective in Scene Magazine said the group began as “a small group of gay friends meeting together to socialise and sing”.[1]
The chorus has become a regular presence in Brighton's LGBTQ+ and cultural life through concerts, Brighton Fringe performances, and appearances at Brighton & Hove Pride.[3][4]
In 2025 the chorus marked its 20th anniversary with the show Retrospective: 20 Years of Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus at St George’s Church, Kemptown.[1][5]
Organisation
[edit]The Charity Commission entry for the chorus states that its charitable objects include promoting public education through the study, practice and public performance of choral music, assisting other charitable causes, advancing the education of gay and gay-friendly men in Brighton and Hove in choral music, and promoting equality and diversity for the public benefit.[2] Membership is open to anyone who self-identifies as male and as LGBT+-friendly, and with no audition for new members.[6]
Artistic leadership
[edit]Joe Paxton became assistant director of the chorus in 2016 and later became Chorus Director before the COVID-19 pandemic.[7] His role included not only conducting but also scripting shows, stage directions, lighting, and longer-term creative planning with a committee.[7]
Performances and reception
[edit]The chorus performs a repertoire that includes pop, musical theatre, Eurovision material, and classical works.[6][4]
Reviews in local and LGBTQ+ media have described BGMC as a strong live act with an emphasis on theatrical presentation. Reviewing the 2024 show BGMC Air, Andrew Kay in The Latest wrote that the choir were “really on top form” and praised the group's “fun, fine singing and passion”.[4]
A 2025 review in Brighton and Hove News said the audience left with “a new sense of what the Chorus is all about” and described “warmth, support and community” as strongly present in the show.[5]
Scene Magazine has reviewed multiple Brighton Gay Men's Chorus productions over several years, including Seven Deadly Sins in 2016, Divas! in 2022, After Dark in 2023, and Retrospective in 2025.[8][9][10][11]
The chorus has appeared at Brighton Dome on multiple occasions,[7] and have performed on the BBC.[12]
Community role
[edit]The chorus has also taken part in Brighton & Hove Pride's community parade. In 2023 its parade float referenced the campaign against Section 28 and marked 20 years since the repeal of the law's effects on education in the UK.[3] |The chorus describes itself as “first and foremost a community choir” and said one of its charitable aims was to promote equality and diversity.[1] It has also raised money for other local charities.[13]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- 1 2 3 4 Robson, Graham (7 April 2025). "Retrospective: 20 Years of Brighton Gay Men's Chorus". Scene Magazine. Retrieved 21 March 2026.
- 1 2 "Register of Charities - The Charity Commission: BRIGHTON GAY MEN'S CHORUS". Charity Commission for England and Wales. Retrieved 21 March 2026.
- 1 2 "Brighton Gay Men's Chorus: shoulder to shoulder with community groups at Brighton & Hove Pride". Scene Magazine. 9 August 2023. Retrieved 21 March 2026.
- 1 2 3 Kay, Andrew (5 May 2024). "BGMC air: Brighton Gay Men's Chorus". The Latest. Retrieved 21 March 2026.
- 1 2 "Brighton Gay Men's Chorus Retrospective Review". Brighton and Hove News. 3 May 2025. Retrieved 21 March 2026.
- 1 2 "Want to sing in a gay chorus?". Scene Magazine. 18 August 2017. Retrieved 21 March 2026.
- 1 2 3 Butler, Brian (1 December 2021). "Spotlight On: Joe Paxton". Scene Magazine. Retrieved 21 March 2026.
- ↑ "REVIEW: Brighton Gay Men's Chorus: Seven Deadly Sins". Scene Magazine. 10 May 2016. Retrieved 21 March 2026.
- ↑ "REVIEW: Brighton Gay Men's Chorus – Divas!". Scene Magazine. 8 May 2022. Retrieved 21 March 2026.
- ↑ "REVIEW: Brighton Gay Men's Chorus: AFTER DARK @ St George's Church, Kemptown". Scene Magazine. 7 May 2023. Retrieved 21 March 2026.
- ↑ "REVIEW: Brighton Gay Men's Chorus – 'Retrospective'". Scene Magazine. 3 May 2025. Retrieved 21 March 2026.
- ↑ "BBC - Last Choir Standing - The Choirs - Brighton Gay Men's Chorus Profile". www.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 23 April 2026.
- ↑ Gladkauskaite, Samanta (20 February 2026). "Choral group raises more than £1,500 for Sussex hospice". The Argus. Brighton. Archived from the original on 22 February 2026. Retrieved 21 March 2026.