About the group

the Upper Octave was formed in 1996 for a one-off charity show. The original director, and creator of the group, was Julie Shults, who directed the shows until 2004. (For a look back in time at the original cast, click here!)

Today, the group is still presenting all the favourites from the best-loved musicals, sung by arguably some of the finest singers in East Anglia.

Our phenomenally well-received 'spectacular' format has changed little over the years. We do respond to feedback from our audiences and we do like to experiment with new ideas; over the past years we have flirted with full costume and played about with props. Ultimately we have always returned to the simple set-up of good songs and good singers, presented to our audiences with colour, style and vibrancy. This no-fuss approach takes more hard work than you might expect!

Stop Press... New show "Bizet to Broadway"... In addition to our current 2009 'spectacular' show, the Upper Octave is now offering a concert evening combining well-loved classical and operatic favourites with musical theatre showstoppers. Click here for more information about the two formats.

the Upper Octave has never been a money-making operation, and none of the team is paid a penny. However, our performances have enabled numerous charities across East Anglia to raise money for their own causes. A rough estimate calculates a charity gain well in excess of £25,000 since 1996.