Sussex Choir Stars In New Marks & Spencer Christmas Advert

A Sussex-based musical theatre choir has hit the national spotlight — with several of its members appearing in this year’s Marks & Spencer Christmas advertising campaign, which launches across TV, digital platforms, and in-store displays today.

City of Stars, founded and directed by Candi Underwood, was invited to record the festive ad at Warner Bros. Studios in September.

The campaign features the choir sharing a light-hearted moment with Dawn French before joining the Christmas party aboard the M&S food truck.

Musical Director Candi Underwood said the experience was unforgettable:

“Being part of such a beloved national campaign is a dream come true for us.

"As a small, independent choir, it’s been such a fantastic experience to showcase the talent in our community.

"One of our fellow cast members, who we met on set and happens to live in Brighton, has even decided to join our Kemptown choir!”

The ad is accompanied by a joyful social media campaign featuring Christmas carols with a foodie twist, specially arranged for the project.

Members of City of Stars were also invited to perform at M&S headquarters on November 3 to celebrate the advert’s release.

You can catch the full ad — with City of Stars’ appearance at 1:02 — online now, with more festive content to come in the lead-up to Christmas.

Founded in 2021, City of Stars is Sussex’s only intermediate musical theatre choir, offering members the chance to perform repertoire from both classic and contemporary musicals.

The group is led by professional performers and West End musical directors, with a focus on community, creativity, and performance opportunities.

The choir was represented by Brighton casting agency CBL Management.

City of Stars will open a fourth choir at St Andrew’s High School in Worthing on Wednesday evenings from January 7, 2026.

Trial sessions can be booked via cityofstarschoir.co.uk/trial-session.

The group’s Christmas show, Festive Feelings, takes place on December 11 at All Saints Hove, featuring all three choirs and a full live band.

🎟️ Tickets are available now at festivefeelings.eventbrite.co.uk.