Meet The Nightingales
Katie and Emma: bringing vintage glamour and timeless harmonies to events across the Home Counties
We're a professional 1940s vocal duo specialising in elegant live entertainment for weddings, vintage events, corporate functions and celebrations. Based in Surrey, we bring authentic period charm, fabulous harmonies and over 15 years of friendship and performance experience to every event.
Meet Emma
After graduating from London Studio Centre, Emma went straight into the professional production of the musical Grease. Since then she worked extensively in musical theatre throughout the UK, Europe and in Londonʼs West End. Shows include Disneyʼs Beauty & the Beast, Eurobeat, Follies, Vampirette and Annie to name a few.
She has played the lead role in many pantomimes for Qdos Productions including Jack & the Beanstalk, Aladdin and Robin Hood performing in some of the most beautiful theatres in the country.
Emma recorded the vocals for a series of childrenʼs song books, including Christmas Carols, Sing-Along-Songs and Bedtime Lullaby all published by Priddy Books.
Emma spent six months travelling the Caribbean and South America as principal singer on board Oriana for P&O Cruises and it was here that she met her future husband, one of the house musicians!
Meet Katie
Katie trained at London Studio Centre and since graduating has gained extensive singing experience. She has been involved in many professional musical theatre productions both in the UK and abroad. Lead Vocalist (P&O Cruises) Boogie Nights (UK Tour), Frank, Dean & Sammy (UK & Asia Tour) Starlight Express (Germany), Jest End (Leicester Square Theatre, London) Wonderful West End (UK Tour).
Katie has performed in many pantomimes including Aladdin, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast and Peter Pan for Bill Kenwright LTD. She was asked to perform for the Monaco Royal Family for a prestigious charity event in Monte Carlo.
Katie has sung at numerous weddings and corporate events at The Natural History Museum, One Whitehall Place, The National Heritage Museum, Grovesnor House Hotel, Troxy and Westminster Hall amongst many. She was also a regular session singer for SBI Global.
Our Story
The Nightingales are a stylish, professional vocal duo known for their fabulous harmonies and diverse repertoire. Their music spans jazz standards, 1940s vintage-style classics, and jazzy acoustic versions of modern pop songs, making them the perfect live music act to complement any event.
Specialising in live entertainment for weddings and events, The Nightingales provide music for wedding ceremonies and receptions, vintage-themed events, private dinner parties, Christmas celebrations, restaurants, corporate functions, drinks receptions, garden parties, as well as birthday and anniversary celebrations. Their versatile performances create a sophisticated, uplifting atmosphere tailored to each occasion.
Katie and Emma met over fifteen years ago while completing their professional musical theatre training in London and have been best friends ever since. Sharing a lifelong passion for singing and performance, they created The Nightingales to bring timeless style, elegance and exceptional live music to events across the UK.
The girls bring a fresh, contemporary twist to the classic female vintage vocal duo, combining timeless harmonies with a modern look and sound. Their eclectic repertoire blends classy, feel-good and fun music, making them the perfect choice for weddings, parties, corporate events and special occasions. Known for their flexibility and competitive pricing, they work closely with every client to tailor the music to each event, ensuring a seamless, memorable and truly wonderful experience.
Why clients choose us
Professional musical theatre training
We're not just singers who love the 1940s era - we're professionally trained performers who understand musicality, presentation, audience engagement and how to deliver polished entertainment every single time. Our musical theatre background means we know how to read a room, adjust our performance to suit the atmosphere, and create magical moments that make your event truly special.
Genuine friendship creates genuine chemistry
Fifteen years of friendship means our harmonies are effortless and our on-stage chemistry is authentic. You can't fake the kind of musical blend and natural rapport that comes from being best friends. Our guests often comment that our obvious joy in performing together is infectious.
Flexibility and adaptability
From a cosy living room to a grand ballroom, we make it work. Need us to adjust timings? Learn a special song? Coordinate with your venue or other suppliers? No problem. We pride ourselves on being easy to work with and genuinely helpful - because we want your event to be perfect just as much as you do.
Competitive pricing, exceptional value
When you book us directly, you get the same professional duo that agents charge much more for. Our prices start from £500, and that includes our professional PA system, public liability insurance, vintage costumes, and background music between sets. No hidden extras, no surprises.
Extensive experience across event types
We've performed at hundreds of weddings, corporate functions, birthday celebrations, anniversary parties, vintage events, Christmas celebrations and more. We understand the different dynamics of each event type and tailor our performance, repertoire and presentation accordingly.
Our Music
Our repertoire is genuinely diverse, spanning authentic 1940s classics, jazz standards, and jazzy acoustic versions of modern pop songs. This means we can create the perfect atmosphere for any celebration - from purely vintage nostalgia to a contemporary twist on classic harmonies.
1940s & wartime classics
Chattanooga Choo Choo, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree, and all the beloved songs that defined an era.
Jazz standards
Timeless classics from the Great American Songbook that bring sophistication and elegance to any occasion.
Modern songs with vintage flair
We put our own jazzy, harmony-rich spin on contemporary favourites - think All About That Bass, Thinking Out Loud, and Single Ladies reimagined in 1940s style.
Our Clients
Prestigious venues
• Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire • Leeds Castle, Kent • Goodwood House, West Sussex • Hatfield House, Hertfordshire • RHS Wisley, Surrey • Churchill War Rooms, Westminster • HMS Belfast, London • Brooklands Museum, Surrey • Whitstable Castle, Kent • Byfleet Manor (as featured in Downton Abbey), Surrey • Petworth House, West Sussex •
Corporate & private clients
• Park Plaza Hotel, London • Country Life Magazine • Strutt & Parker Mayfair • AXA PPP Healthcare • Arc Legal Assistance • Reading Town Council • Headcorn Aerodrome •
Media & special performances
• Channel 4's Kirstie's Handmade Christmas (filmed at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire)
• Support act for The Overtones •
Whether we're performing at a palace or a private home, every client receives the same professional service, attention to detail and beautiful entertainment.
Over the years, we've been privileged to perform at some truly spectacular venues and events.
Let's create something special for your Celebration
Whether you're planning an elegant wedding, a vintage celebration, a corporate function or a milestone party, we'd love to hear about your plans.
Get in touch today to check our availability and discuss how we can make your event truly memorable.