A Not-So-Serious Review of the House Singing Competition 2024

On Monday 14 October, the ten Houses of Lancing College gathered in Great School for the high-brow and rigorously formal House Singing Competition. Each student approached the event with the utmost seriousness and professionalism, as is tradition.

Handford House opened the evening with a heart-wrenching medley of pop hits made famous by award-winning artists Alvin and the Chipmunks. Their dedication to preserving the integrity of these musical icons, combined with their sharp choreography and stunning vocals, set expectations high for the rest of the competition.

Next up, Gibbs’ House took us back to the golden age of boy bands with their rendition of ‘I Want It That Way’ by the Backstreet Boys. Complex interpretive dance was delivered with a startling level of enthusiasm. The avant-garde choreography seemed to channel both ancient mysticism and the art of trying to avoid stepping on Lego.

School House giddy’d up with a rootin’ tootin’ rendition of ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’ by John Denver. Decked out in cowboy attire, School House’s mellow tones transported us to the Wild West, or possibly a themed birthday party at Pizza Hut. Our only complaint is that there wasn’t enough space to start line dancing.

Teme House followed with an explosive and audacious performance of Katy Perry’s ‘Firework’. During the climax of the song, a confetti cannon was fired, which was not previously disclosed to audience members. This may or may not have sent our Digital Marketing Executive into mild shock, and we may or may not be writing them a STRONGLY WORDED LETTER about it later this week.

Once we’d pulled (most of) the confetti down from our ceiling beams, Saints’ House took to the stage to deliver a stunningly soulful performance of ‘Rolling in the Deep’ by Adele. Clad in fine suits and flowing gowns, we commend Saints’ for bringing some GRACE and DECORUM to the evening’s festivities.

As the night progressed, excitement filled the room when Manor House delivered an electric performance of ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ by Queen. The act featured a dizzying array of costumes, props, one backflip and, because why not, a full-sized go-kart which was wheeled across the stage. At that point, we realised we really couldn’t logistically stop them now. 

Up next, Second’s House embraced the emotionally profound and lyrically complex masterpiece ‘Call Me Maybe’ by Carly Rae Jepsen. With impressive enthusiasm (and volume), they gave it their all, delivering a performance full of energy and fun. Optimistically, several boys held up their phone numbers during the song. We did not see anyone write them down.

Head’s House followed with a tender rendition of ‘Marry You’ by Bruno Mars, dressed to the nines in dapper suits and matching boutonnieres. With dulcet tones, meaningful stares and coordinated swaying, the performance felt less like a singing competition submission and more like a group therapy session for hopeless romantics. 

Field’s House then delivered a FAB(BA) performance of ‘Slipping Through My Fingers’, complete with musical accompaniment and a sax solo so emotional, it assured the staff of what we already knew deep down – every important moment in life should be accompanied by an ABBA soundtrack.

Finally, Sankey’s House closed the show with a rousing live performance of ‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight’ by Elton John. And you know what? We really could. Between the stunning harmonies, instrumental prowess and choreography, the love in the room was as unmistakable as the confetti that’s still stuck in our ceiling.

A huge thank you to all the students for their incredible performances this year. Your humour, creativity, and impressive musical talent made the evening one to remember. Well done to every House for turning our annual competition into a truly unforgettable celebration of music, entertainment and fun!