Who doesn’t love a good sing-along? Especially if it’s in the shower when no one can judge…
Singing has so many benefits, and it doesn’t matter if you think you can sing in tune or not. There is an increasing amount of evidence that says singing releases
endorphins, serotonin and dopamine – the ‘happy’ chemicals that boost your mood and make you feel good about yourself.
Scientists believe that’s one of the reasons people report feeling high during choir sessions and continue to feel positive, uplifted, and motivated afterwards.
For many people, they long to sing with others but are put off by not feeling confident in their voice or the notes they might produce.
Yet in an unconventional corner of West London, there exists a welcoming space where anyone longing to sing in a choir can join, experience the uplifting joy of music, and let their voices soar without fear of judgment or pressure to meet any standard.
Natasha Bradshaw, Superintendent and Registrar at Mortlake Crematorium, who is all about community and always thinking of new ways to support the bereaved, opens her doors once a month on a Tuesday for an hour, inviting everyone to come together and sing joyful tunes. Anyone can participate – funeral directors, chapel attendants, bearers, the bereaved, or local members of the community who simply want to be involved.
It began at the start of 2025. Six songs were chosen, and we were told they had a theme, with a small prize for anyone who could work out the link. At the end of the session, we all sang Abba’s Thank You for the Music.
It was a very cheerful hour, with people from all walks of life, age and background, singing in the pews, which, of course, are usually filled with mourners.
This might be an unusual setting, but somehow, and perhaps because of this, there seemed to be a real sense of freedom and unity. No audience in front to watch, and no pressure to be any good.
The choir gained momentum, and each month a different member would choose the tunes and theme. It became clear that we really needed a name. Everyone pitched in with ideas and after a final vote, we became The Melody Misfits.
You might think the noise we produce is dreadful, but far from it. In fact, there are several members of this choir who love to sing and have sung in choirs of various standards over the years. However, this choir feels special – giving you freedom to harmonise if you wish, sway with the music and have a good time.
There is a real feeling of support and warmth.
So, who are some of these Misfits and why do they come?
Ed joined the choir when it first began…
“When my wife died at the end of 2024 after a long illness, her funeral was held at Mortlake Crematorium. Soon after the funeral, the idea of a singing group was suggested, and I signed up straight away. For some time, I had been thinking about joining a singing group, but I was not sure I could still sing. I had been in the choir at school. This seemed like a great way to get back into it. I think I also thought I should accept every invitation going! Life goes on, however hard.
I have enjoyed it hugely and loved choosing my themed set – even if no one got the link. I have also come to love the beautiful chapel and to see it not just as a place of grief – although every now and then I am taken. My entire diary is arranged around the last Tuesday of the month!”
Andrea has attended services at Mortlake Crematorium and lives locally. She said, “I love the choir so much as I can belt out familiar tunes without feeling judged. I love the camaraderie of singing with people who are there for the love of singing and music.”
Sam’s account shows how singing as a group can really improve self-confidence…
I absolutely love singing at home, and I used to sing in public many moons ago, but I’ve since lost the conviction to do so.
I joined Melody Misfits to rekindle my self-assurance about singing around others, and although I’m not belting out the tunes yet, it’s helping my confidence grow both in and out of the choir. Natasha and her fellow Misfits were all so welcoming, and I felt comfortable and part of the group from day one. It’s brilliant to hear and discover everyone’s musical tastes and personalities, which are reflected in the songs we sing. If you don’t know the song, you can stay silent or give it a go. There’s never any pressure, and there’s not an air of judgement in sight (or sound). We are all at different skill and confidence levels. Everyone is there for the love of music, and we all sing the songs our own way. It’s an amazing group of people and a fun way to end each month.
Founder, Natasha said…
After a stressful day, I find that belting out a tune (badly) lifts my spirits and makes me smile, and I often sing along to myself all night after I have left! I also love seeing people sway – it’s the smiles I love! At the choir, there is no pressure to talk, but after a few sessions, as everyone is so friendly, people do tend to chat with each other. As Julia Samuels, the grief psychotherapist, says, it is the love and support of others that affect how someone copes with grief. At Mortlake Crematorium, we want people in the community to feel supported. The building and grounds are a place to come where they can feel safe and understood – without judgement about their grief or singing abilities.
Personally, I am a funeral celebrant and have sung in many choirs over the years. The Melody Misfits gives me a wonderful hour of escapism and a chance to experiment with harmonies. Everyone supports one another, and we all leave with big smiles on our faces.
As a group, our confidence has grown, and last summer we performed at Mortlake Summer Proms. It was a great chance to show what we can do. Some members also took part in singing carols at the turning on of the Christmas lights in Teddington.
We look forward to our next performance at this Summer’s Proms 2026 at Mortlake Crematorium. All proceeds to Meadow House Hospice.
Anyone who fancies joining this jolly bunch meets on the last Tuesday of every month at 6pm. All misfits welcome!
