Based in the Northumberland village of Lowick is a new group which will soon offer its first production to local audiences.
Pilgrim Voice started in September 2024 when a local church organist sent out a Facebook message which simply read ‘Do you want to join a rock pop up choir?’ A date, time and venue was offered and on 3rd October the new group met in the local village hall. In 7 months, the production has been fashioned through regular rehearsals into the finished show.
In the beginning, no one had any idea what to expect, what was offered or what the end product would be - the working title was simply ‘P2P’. The group was made up of members of St John's, Lowick, church choir, other people from the village and local area and then (as word spread) other communities took up the challenge to join Pilgrim Voice and learn ‘P2P’. As the leader, Martin Colam, said “This is not a church choir, not a production limited to church music - in fact, it’s anything but!”
At their first meeting, the group brought many excuses about why they shouldn’t be involved! A sample of comments included, ‘I’ve never sung in a group before’, ‘I don’t really think I can sing’, ‘I've never sung in public’, ‘I can’t read music’, ‘I only came as my friend said they were going’, ‘I don’t want to sing church music’ and ‘I don’t go to Church so is it OK to stay?’
It seemed, to Martin, the perfect combination of reasons to bring together so many comments and people! He is no stranger to musical productions, stage or theatre and has been involved in the music industry as a performer and producer for many years. He has worked on major productions and shows and written several of his own. He has also been involved in creating groups similar to Pilgrim Voice before, and knew there was room, and a growing commitment, for a similar venture in the communities of North Northumberland, using the medium of drama and music. ‘Voice’ members are linked through a passion to celebrate the arts but not be confined by past secular groups, organisations or existing collectives.
Why the group name? It’s a fact that North Northumberland is a haven for pilgrims of many persuasions. The area is covered by pathways and narratives leading to ‘special’ sites within the area. Everyone is a pilgrim – on their own journey through life. The group is deliberately spoken of in the ‘singular’. It speaks with one voice, as each one pursues their own journey. Hence Pilgrim Voice.
With 14 specially written songs, a narrator, chorus, soloists (plus duet and a cappella group) the production, written and produced by Martin, also introduces a ‘big screen media wall’ which visually echoes the music, songs and narrative. P2P moved from its working title to ‘Palms to Passion’. The music includes rock, pop, classical, jazz and blues styles all wrapped around a strong narrative. The 26 strong chorus of Pilgrim Voice bring together rock, pop, classical, jazz and blues genres in this 2hr production.
It's inevitable that the production relates closely to the last 7 days of Jesus’ life. With due respect to the chronology and events, Palms to Passion views those 7 days through historical eyes with 21st Century music and media, blending both together for the benefit of audiences who will, hopefully, see and feel the intensity of the story through Pilgrim Voice.
Performances will be taking place on Saturday 12 April 2025 at Ancroft Memorial Hall, Ancroft Berwick-upon-Tweed TD15 2TE commencing 7.00 p.m. Doors open 6.30 p.m. Tickets £10 each available from 07801822851 dee@dmspartnership.co.uk and Sunday 13 April 2025 Wooler URC Church, Cheviot Street, Wooler NE71 6LW. 3.00 p.m. Doors open 2.30 p.m. Tickets £10 available from Fliss Barker woolercrcw@gmail.com 07354 419303.
Written by Martin Colam, Pilgrim Voice Leader