The Phoenix Singers, Leek

The Queen's Shoulders

How a local woman came to feature on one of the most iconic images of the 20th century.

In 1964 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II sat for Staffordshire artist Arnold Machin, as he modelled his clay cameo his iconic postage stamp image. However, Machin only sculpted the Queen’s head, and the Palace decided it needed something extra - shoulders! Machin asked a young Stoke-on-Trent woman, Angela, to sit for him as he modelled the monarch’s shoulders. Angela remained in the area, becoming a teacher and raising her family in the Staffordshire Moorlands. She was involved in local theatre groups and choirs throughout her life.

Originally commissioned for the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, this new production celebrates Machin’s Stoke-on- Trent roots and brings you the extraordinary true story of how the local woman’s shoulders would become known throughout the world.

Directed by Polly Wain, Resident Assistant Director at the New Vic Theatre and featuring Ava Ralph as Angela, The Phoenix Singers bring this unique story to life with words by Victoria Brazier and music by Ashley Thompson.

You’ll never look at a stamp in the same way again.

For more details click here or follow us on Facebook: phoenixsingersleek

Who are Phoenix Singers Leek?

Click here for contact details for our committee members.

The Phoenix Singers adopted its name in 1985, when the choir was re-born from the ashes of the former Leek High School Choir. Since then the choir has developed a varied repertoire, performing major choral works, small-scale pieces and contemporary music. It draws its membership from all parts of the Staffordshire Moorlands and beyond. A registered charity (no.1085474), it is a genuine community choir in that it welcomes anyone who enjoys singing. There are no auditions.

Become a member.

Visit us anytime!

All our rehearsals are open to the public and to potential new members, so why not pay us a visit.

We rehearse every Monday evening in term time at 7:30pm, at Leek First School, (East Street, Leek ST13 6LF). During school holidays we are usually to be found at Trinity Church, (Derby St, Leek. ST13 5JF) but if you would like to come during the holidays, it's best to email our secretary ( ) to check.

The Queen's Shoulders
Sat, 4 Oct 2025
The Queen’s Shoulders How a local woman came to feature on one of the most iconic images of the 20th century. In 1964 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II sat for ... more