Singalong fun for everyone

Jonathan Cohen, a fixture with his musical work on countless BBC children’s programmes from the 1970s to the 1990s, including Play School and Play Away, is the host pianist and conductor for the show.

“About 15 years ago Raymond Gubbay approached me about doing a Christmas carol singalong at the Albert Hall,” Jonathan recalls. “Apparently they had one some years ago, but it didn’t really work. He was hoping that getting me involved would give it another life. I have been doing it now at the Royal Albert Hall for 15 years now, every year.”

It has also taken in other big cities, and this year it makes its Brighton debut.

“It’s great. It’s a lovely mix of traditional carols with a lot of rock ones. I do all the arrangements apart from the traditional Christmas carols.

“I think it works because people just want something Christmassy before Christmas. It’s great fun because it includes such a mixture of stuff. By the time we get to the big rocky stuff, they do Mexican waves at the Royal Albert Hall. People dress up and come in silly hats and reindeer costumes. It’s all good fun!

“People don’t have to come and sing, but if you want to sing, it is all there for you.”

Part of the pleasure is in varying the programme from year to year, with Jonathan throwing in a few new items each time.

This year will include: Santa Claus Is Coming To Town, Jingle Bells, Let It Snow,

Once In Royal David’s City, O Holy Night, Winter Wonderland, O Come, All Ye Faithful,

O Happy Day, While Shepherds Watched, Merry Christmas Everyone, Good King Wenceslas and I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday. Tickets on 01273 709709 or www.brightondome.org.