Mamma Mia! | Charterhouse School

For one evening each year, Hall makes way for something entirely different: House Singing. This year's competition had an added twist, with every House drawing from the catalogue of ABBA, creating a celebration of some of the most recognisable music ever written. The occasion also extended beyond the UK, with pupils from Charterhouse Almaty joining the festivities with a special performance of their own, highlighting the connections that unite the wider Charterhouse community. From disco anthems and theatrical showstoppers to songs that had the audience quietly singing along from their seats, the evening offered a reminder that House Singing is never really about the competition alone. It is about bringing an entire House together, creating something collectively that no pupil could achieve on their own.

Group 1

Bodeites

There could hardly have been a more fitting way to start the evening than with Waterloo. Bodeites got the Hall singing along from the outset, throwing themselves into every moment of the iconic ABBA hit. They immediately set the standard for the performances that followed.

Sutton

Not content with simply walking on and singing, Sutton opened with a brief piece of stagecraft that set the tone for everything that followed. A playful exchange between two pupils introduced Does Your Mother Know, before the House shed their dressing gowns and pink feather boas to reveal ABBA-inspired unitards underneath. Equal parts theatrical and entertaining, it was a performance that fully embraced the spirit of House Singing.

Saunderites

A change in mood came with Knowing Me, Knowing You, one of ABBA's most reflective songs. Saunderites embraced the storytelling at the heart of the piece, creating a performance that stood out for its musical control as much as its stage presence.

Robinites

There was no missing Robinites' interpretation of The Winner Takes It All. Four tuxedo-clad soloists led the performance, while the appearance of a pupil in a wedding dress drew plenty of attention and laughter from the audience. Behind them, the rest of the House was divided into two groups on either side of the stage, echoing the layout of guests seated at a wedding ceremony and reinforcing the theme throughout. The result was one of the evening's most distinctive concepts, bringing a playful visual twist to one of ABBA's most dramatic songs.

Lockites

Voulez-Vous felt tailor-made for Lockites. With boys and girls sharing the stage, the House kept the performance moving from start to finish through slick choreography and plenty of energy. A featured dance break from two of the School's standout dancers earned a particularly enthusiastic response from the audience, helping to cap off a performance that would later win Group 1 and attract a commanding 32% of the parents' vote.

Group 2

🏆Weekites

As one of the most recognisable songs in the ABBA catalogue, Mamma Mia guaranteed a reaction from the audience before a note had even been sung. Weekites seized the opportunity, taking to the stage in all-white costumes and delivering a performance packed with energy, confidence, and slick choreography. Every movement appeared carefully rehearsed, with the House performing as one throughout. It was a polished and entertaining rendition that clearly resonated with both the audience and adjudicator, helping Weekites secure this year's House Singing title.

Hodgsonites

Thank You for the Music provided one of the evening's most fitting song choices. Hodgsonites began with a number of soloists leading the way, including one draped in the House flag, before the full House joined in. As the performance gathered momentum, the boys stood shoulder to shoulder with their arms around one another, kicking out in unison. Warm, uplifting, and clearly enjoyed by all involved, it was a rendition that captured the sense of togetherness at the heart of House Singing.

Verites

Verites left little doubt about their commitment to the theme. As Dancing Queen filled Hall, flashing neon sunglasses, 70s-inspired suits, and oversized wigs transformed the stage into a slice of ABBA's heyday. It was colourful, energetic, and unapologetically fun, perfectly matching the spirit of one of the group's most beloved songs.

Daviesites

The dramatic opening of Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight) was matched by Daviesites' stage presence. Against a sea of black costumes, a lone figure in a white dressing gown stood centre stage, creating an eye-catching focal point from the outset. As the song gathered momentum, so too did the performance, with the House fully embracing the energy and theatricality of one of ABBA's most iconic hits.

Chetwynd

There is something wonderfully theatrical about Money, Money, Money, and Chetwynd fully embraced it. Dressed in black and gold, the House leaned into the glamour of the ABBA classic from the outset, creating a performance that felt just as fun to watch as it was to listen to. The combination of confident singing and strong stage presence clearly resonated with the audience, earning Chetwynd an impressive 25% of all pupil and staff votes cast on the night and a second place finish overall.

Charterhouse Almaty

A special mention must also go to Charterhouse Almaty, whose performance of Fernando provided a reminder of the strength of the wider Charterhouse community. Appearing via screen rather than on the Hall stage itself, the pupils faced the additional challenge of performing to an audience many miles away. Yet despite the distance, their musicianship and stage presence shone through, delivering a performance that held the attention of Hall and earned warm applause from those watching. The impact of their rendition was reflected in the voting too, with Charterhouse Almaty securing the second-highest share of the parents' vote, a remarkable achievement given they were performing remotely.

Group 3

Northbrook

Northbrook's rendition of Take a Chance on Me brought an immediate burst of energy to the final section of the evening. Dressed in green hats and matching feather boas, the House cut a striking figure on stage, while their tightly rehearsed movements ensured the performance remained impressively in sync throughout. The combination of strong choreography and infectious enthusiasm proved a hit with the audience, helping Northbrook secure the third-highest share of the parents' vote.

Pageites

If there was an award for bold costume choices, Pageites would surely have been in contention. For Lay All Your Love on Me, the boys took to the stage in brightly coloured skirts and an assortment of eye-catching shirts, creating one of the evening's most memorable looks. The entertainment did not stop there either, with dancers at the front of the stage performing flips and tricks throughout the song, adding another layer of excitement to a performance that fully embraced the occasion. Their creativity and commitment clearly struck a chord with those watching, helping Pageites secure the highest share of the pupil and staff vote on the night.

Gownboys

Gownboys brought plenty of visual impact to SOS. While the majority of the House appeared in white, four soloists stood out in colourful 70s-inspired disco outfits complete with extravagant wigs, creating a striking focal point throughout the performance. The addition of cardboard SOS letters gave the stage an extra theatrical touch, while the House's strong collective singing ensured the classic chorus landed with real impact. It was a performance that balanced humour, showmanship, and musicality in equal measure.

Duckites

As the reigning House Singing champions, Duckites returned to the stage with plenty to live up to. Their rendition of Angeleyes fully embraced the theme, with pupils dressed in white, angel halos throughout the House, and a number of performers sporting angel wings. The visual impact matched the energy of the performance itself, as the House threw itself into every moment of the ABBA classic. It was a confident defence of their title and another reminder of why they had lifted the trophy the previous year.

Fletcherites

The honour of closing the competition fell to Fletcherites with Super Trouper, and they made sure the evening ended with plenty of energy. Dressed predominantly in white, with many pupils sporting blue bandanas, the House brought a celebratory feel to the stage from the outset. Midway through the performance, the arrival of the remaining half of the House added an extra burst of momentum, transforming an already lively rendition into a fitting finale. As the last House to perform, Fletcherites ensured House Singing 2026 came to a memorable close before the judges retired to make their decision, a performance that was later recognised with victory in Group 3.

Looking back on the evening, it is hard to remember a House Singing filled with so many distinctive moments. From angel wings and neon sunglasses to surprise costume reveals and soaring ABBA choruses, each House brought something uniquely its own. Yet beneath the friendly competition was a shared sense of purpose, with over 1,000 pupils coming together to create an evening that will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.

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