0:00:06 > 0:00:07On the south coast of Britain
0:00:07 > 0:00:10lies a city within a city
0:00:10 > 0:00:12that's hard at work 24 hours a day.
0:00:12 > 0:00:16The port of Southampton is the cruise capital of the UK
0:00:16 > 0:00:19and a gateway for a life at sea.
0:00:19 > 0:00:22It's tough here, then we send you on board and it gets tougher.
0:00:22 > 0:00:25Bit of a mad rush around. Passengers are going to start coming on.
0:00:25 > 0:00:29It's where showbiz glamour meets the grind of industry.
0:00:29 > 0:00:32Basically, going to move 700 tonnes of sewage
0:00:32 > 0:00:35because they can't get road transport. The smell's the killer.
0:00:35 > 0:00:39Thousands of travellers pass through Southampton every day.
0:00:39 > 0:00:43It's really quite busy down there. It's all hands to the pump.
0:00:43 > 0:00:44Oh!
0:00:44 > 0:00:46It's where water is a way of life.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49Such crazy English fun!
0:00:49 > 0:00:52This is big boys' toys. This is for us old fellas.
0:00:52 > 0:00:53LAUGHTER
0:00:53 > 0:00:56Passengers, ships and cargo
0:00:56 > 0:01:01shaping the lives of people at one of the busiest ports in the world.
0:01:03 > 0:01:05This is Sea City.
0:01:10 > 0:01:14In this special episode, showbiz at sea.
0:01:14 > 0:01:18We follow a new cast of cruise ship performers learning the ropes.
0:01:18 > 0:01:22I just want to be like Jane McDonald. Hasn't she got the most perfect life?
0:01:22 > 0:01:26Getting paid to do what you love and travel at the same time.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29What I need from you now is that extra, extra push.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32It took me completely by surprise.
0:01:32 > 0:01:34It's such a hard process.
0:01:34 > 0:01:37They are worrying about their feet, their words, their harmonies.
0:01:37 > 0:01:39There are buckets I can use to throw up in.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42- Yeah!- Get the hell out of here!
0:01:44 > 0:01:461.5 million people take a cruise
0:01:46 > 0:01:48from the port of Southampton every year.
0:01:51 > 0:01:53Check-in desk at the very end, please.
0:01:53 > 0:01:58As paying customers, they want top-notch entertainment on board.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04Tucked away in the port is the academy for young performers.
0:02:04 > 0:02:06Front two, three, four, five...
0:02:06 > 0:02:08Every singer and dancer
0:02:08 > 0:02:12on each of P&O's cruise ships passes through here.
0:02:12 > 0:02:14If these new recruits make the grade,
0:02:14 > 0:02:18they will be working on the Aurora on a round-the-world cruise.
0:02:20 > 0:02:24These are the studios. There's three of these...
0:02:24 > 0:02:28Stevie Bee is the creative director for the Headliners Theatre Company.
0:02:28 > 0:02:33You need to eat, sleep and live this for the next eight weeks.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36This new cast has a gruelling schedule.
0:02:36 > 0:02:40They'll have to learn eight musical shows in just two months.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43It's tough here, and then we send you on board and it gets tougher.
0:02:43 > 0:02:45This is where you start paying in sweat.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49# Are you ready for a brand-new beat? #
0:02:49 > 0:02:52There are five principal singers in the new cast.
0:02:52 > 0:02:54Three boys and two girls.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59Jamie-Lee hasn't had any formal training.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03She auditioned alongside scores of others to get here.
0:03:03 > 0:03:07I started singing when I was 12 and here I am.
0:03:07 > 0:03:13I'm nervous because everyone else has trained, or done it before.
0:03:13 > 0:03:15# Me and Mrs Jones...#
0:03:15 > 0:03:18It's Jackie's first chance of a job on board a ship.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21Like the others, he's got his work cut out.
0:03:21 > 0:03:26You don't realise how quickly you have to learn this stuff.
0:03:26 > 0:03:31You reach a point where you're like, "I don't think this is going in."
0:03:31 > 0:03:33One, two, three and four and five...
0:03:33 > 0:03:36There are eight dancers in the cast and choreographer, Jess,
0:03:36 > 0:03:38is putting them through their paces.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41The singers will have to learn these routines, too.
0:03:41 > 0:03:43It's a daunting prospect.
0:03:43 > 0:03:47They already know what they're doing. Wait till we get in there.
0:03:47 > 0:03:49We won't have a clue.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52- LAUGHTER - Step, quick, step, quick.
0:03:52 > 0:03:53Two...
0:03:53 > 0:03:57Usually, you rehearse one show and you have a long time to do it in.
0:03:57 > 0:04:01We've got eight shows to learn and they've got a week per show.
0:04:01 > 0:04:05One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight and hands!
0:04:05 > 0:04:08Better. Keep your feet apart. Seven, eight and head!
0:04:08 > 0:04:12Tomorrow is all day dancing, so it's like, it's scary.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15That was just a taster and I'm, like, pooing myself.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17It'll be all right, though.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19Lovely. Cool-down.
0:04:19 > 0:04:21- Well done, everybody! - APPLAUSE
0:04:21 > 0:04:23I think he's a bit traumatised.
0:04:23 > 0:04:25- LAUGHTER - I think I am.
0:04:25 > 0:04:29- Shall we take you home?- Yeah, please. - We're going home. Good night.
0:04:29 > 0:04:30LAUGHTER
0:04:37 > 0:04:39Every morning brings an early start.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43But for the cast, it's worth the pain.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46When you realise you can sing, it's an unparalleled feeling.
0:04:46 > 0:04:51So when you realise it is something you could do as a job, it's... Yeah.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55My ultimate dream, I don't want to be famous or anything,
0:04:55 > 0:04:58I just want to be like Jane McDonald.
0:04:58 > 0:05:00I know she started on cruise ships,
0:05:00 > 0:05:02but honestly, hasn't she got the most perfect life?
0:05:02 > 0:05:04Her fans adore her.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07She's got sold-out shows. I'd be happy with that.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10It's putting in the time that's going to make the difference.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13And in the end, it's worth it.
0:05:13 > 0:05:15I am starving!
0:05:15 > 0:05:17I don't think I'm going to get through this day.
0:05:17 > 0:05:18Just go and get a sausage roll.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21No, I'm not getting a sausage sandwich!
0:05:22 > 0:05:26The first show the cast are learning is a Motown medley.
0:05:26 > 0:05:30Creative director, Stevie, will review their performance later on.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33# One can talk about being in love... #
0:05:33 > 0:05:37- But rehearsals haven't been going too well.- Just show me.
0:05:37 > 0:05:39Although they are note perfect,
0:05:39 > 0:05:42some singers are struggling with their dancing.
0:05:42 > 0:05:43Three, four, five, six, seven.
0:05:43 > 0:05:48That one always causes a little bit of, "Argh!"
0:05:48 > 0:05:52Mark has done musical theatre before, but nothing like this.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55You want to get it as right as you possibly can
0:05:55 > 0:05:57and it's also because you've got some of the bosses coming in
0:05:57 > 0:06:00and, you know, you want to impress.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03I have to say, there are some concerns.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06I think three boy singers need to enjoy it more.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09They're worrying about their feet, their words, their harmonies.
0:06:11 > 0:06:15Three days to learn a show is quite quick, like. So... Hah!
0:06:15 > 0:06:18This is the first time Stevie will have seen this cast
0:06:18 > 0:06:21perform a fully-rehearsed show.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23Theoretically, they should be doing the same in that room
0:06:23 > 0:06:26that they're going to do on the stage on board the ships.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29It could be gold or it could be terrible, but we'll see how we go.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32# Calling out around the world
0:06:32 > 0:06:35# Are you ready for a brand-new beat? #
0:06:36 > 0:06:39It doesn't take long for Stevie and his assistant, Adam,
0:06:39 > 0:06:41to see they've got a problem.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51# Oh, darling, I was blind to let you go...#
0:06:51 > 0:06:55The three boy singers just don't seem to have the moves.
0:06:57 > 0:06:59APPLAUSE
0:06:59 > 0:07:01Well done, guys. Grab towels and water,
0:07:01 > 0:07:04come and have a sit down, let's have a chat.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06Hm. This is a tough one.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15- It is only four days in and it's week one.- Yeah.
0:07:15 > 0:07:19- But natural dance ability, there wasn't much there.- No.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21Zero, zero, zero.
0:07:21 > 0:07:22- There's no leader.- No.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25- There's no-one showing them what to do.- Yeah.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30And it's basic stagecraft, that's the thing.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33And can we teach basic stagecraft
0:07:33 > 0:07:38in another seven weeks to essentially three people?
0:07:39 > 0:07:43The boy singers have no idea just how worried Stevie is.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48I couldn't have even have begun to imagine
0:07:48 > 0:07:51that the last four days would've been how they were.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53It took me completely by surprise.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56And it's such a hard process.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59It's been a tough start for everyone.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04I don't know, I've never been to a Mexican before.
0:08:04 > 0:08:08Being in any cast is like being in a family
0:08:08 > 0:08:11and they'll have to help each other through what lies ahead.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15I feel like I'm constantly on edge.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17Even if I'm sat at the side.
0:08:17 > 0:08:22The first week, every night I'd get home I was like, "Oh, my God!"
0:08:22 > 0:08:25It's good for us to have a laugh outside of rehearsals, so we can
0:08:25 > 0:08:29have more banter inside the rehearsals and not be nervous.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32When you're doing something like a ship all together and you're having
0:08:32 > 0:08:36- to work and live together, you have to look after each other.- Definitely.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41- We've got a very strong bond. - Yeah...dating.- Joke.- Joke.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53As the weeks progress, the three boy singers
0:08:53 > 0:08:55are still struggling to make enough impact.
0:08:57 > 0:08:59And James isn't a natural mover.
0:09:00 > 0:09:02I've been trained to be like...sort of thing,
0:09:02 > 0:09:05quite small acting, not using your arms.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08Only use your arms if you mean it, sort of thing.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10But this is more like that, so there's getting into it.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13So, I think I'm finding the changeover
0:09:13 > 0:09:15from that quite difficult.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17The three boys, in particular, are all quite green, so they're
0:09:17 > 0:09:19doing a lot of their learning here.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22That's fine, but when it's your front people,
0:09:22 > 0:09:25you need to make sure that they are going to get on every single night
0:09:25 > 0:09:28and they're going to deliver that song exactly as it is and do that
0:09:28 > 0:09:30choreography exactly as it is.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33It's just about getting those thought processes in order.
0:09:33 > 0:09:37And getting it so your brain logically goes, "OK, that's next,
0:09:37 > 0:09:38"Then that, then that, then that."
0:09:38 > 0:09:41Then it's all beautiful and blissful and seamless.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43- Really?!- Well, ish...yeah.
0:09:43 > 0:09:44THEY LAUGH
0:09:44 > 0:09:46No, I don't think it is.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51We've got a position that's come up a bit sooner than the last one
0:09:51 > 0:09:54we spoke about. It would be to join the ship on the 5th of November.
0:09:54 > 0:09:58The boys aren't improving fast enough, so Adam is tracking down
0:09:58 > 0:10:00potential replacement singers.
0:10:02 > 0:10:04Can you think of anyone else?
0:10:04 > 0:10:08But no-one likes changing cast members.
0:10:08 > 0:10:13Even now, Stevie and Adam want to give everybody a fair chance.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15Is all that uproar for the cast
0:10:15 > 0:10:17actually going to make any difference?
0:10:17 > 0:10:20That's the decision, sadly, that sits on your shoulders.
0:10:20 > 0:10:22And it's up to you, you know.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25The latest we've ever done it, we got up to the final week
0:10:25 > 0:10:27and I, in fact, changed somebody on the final week.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30They were literally due to get on board.
0:10:30 > 0:10:35Stevie decides to have a crisis chat with Jackie, Mark and James.
0:10:38 > 0:10:43What I need from you three guys now is that extra, extra push.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46I need you to start to lead by example.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49Where you're struggling is your choreography and looking confident
0:10:49 > 0:10:50in your choreography.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53I said, we use that phrase "show your knickers".
0:10:53 > 0:10:54Do you know what I mean? And it just
0:10:54 > 0:10:58means do something surprising, you know, every single time.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00OK, and I'm confident in you that when you get on stage,
0:11:00 > 0:11:04you'll deliver...but I want to see it 100% before you go.
0:11:06 > 0:11:08I'm just completely out of my comfort zone.
0:11:08 > 0:11:12It's made us think, "Oh, God!" Pull the finger out, sort of thing.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14I think it's getting used to how Headliners work
0:11:14 > 0:11:15and how they want us to be.
0:11:15 > 0:11:17We all just sat there and were like,
0:11:17 > 0:11:20"We need to step it up, then. We need to really give it 110%."
0:11:20 > 0:11:23It was a bit of a downer and it was a bit disheartening,
0:11:23 > 0:11:26but I went home and I just used it as a positive, really,
0:11:26 > 0:11:30and thought, "OK, come on, right, what can you do to make this better?"
0:11:30 > 0:11:33With Stevie's words fresh in their minds,
0:11:33 > 0:11:36the boys knuckle down to some hard graft on their dancing.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46Just give it more, just go for it. What you think would be too much,
0:11:46 > 0:11:49it probably isn't but it's for you
0:11:49 > 0:11:51to give it too much and for us to pull it back.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54Have more fun, Jackie, freestyle!
0:11:54 > 0:11:56They like big arms and all that
0:11:56 > 0:11:59and I think that's what we haven't been used to, sort of thing.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02It's just a lot more gestures and using your audience
0:12:02 > 0:12:04and it's being a lot more free.
0:12:04 > 0:12:06Just have fun and smile!
0:12:07 > 0:12:10Everyone's reputation is on the line.
0:12:10 > 0:12:11The next performance will be
0:12:11 > 0:12:14the boys' last chance to convince Stevie.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27# People try to put us down
0:12:27 > 0:12:29# Talking 'bout my generation
0:12:29 > 0:12:31# Just because we get around
0:12:31 > 0:12:33# Talking 'bout my generation
0:12:33 > 0:12:35# This is my generation
0:12:35 > 0:12:38# This is my generation, baby... #
0:12:40 > 0:12:43It looks like the extra work might have paid off.
0:12:45 > 0:12:46# Huh!
0:12:48 > 0:12:50# I'm not trying to cause a big sensation
0:12:50 > 0:12:53# Talking 'bout my generation
0:12:53 > 0:12:55# This is my generation! #
0:12:56 > 0:12:58APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:13:00 > 0:13:02I'm a very, very happier man, to be perfectly honest.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05Said it was going to be an easier show for the singers, bless you,
0:13:05 > 0:13:07then we give you all that choreography.
0:13:07 > 0:13:08You did a cracking job.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11Definitely your best show that you've done.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14The ship will be here sooner than you think.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19The boys have pulled through.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22Everyone's finally made the grade.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25And this is where Stevie will say goodbye.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29Thank you very much!
0:13:29 > 0:13:33Each of you to a person has tried very, very hard, above and beyond
0:13:33 > 0:13:37what's expected to maintain and reach the standard that's required.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39You're going to have an amazing experience!
0:13:39 > 0:13:42Get out there, make us proud,
0:13:42 > 0:13:46enjoy yourselves, have a wonderful time, get the hell out of here!
0:13:46 > 0:13:49APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:13:49 > 0:13:53Next stop, the Aurora and a life at sea.
0:13:59 > 0:14:04The waiting is over. It's departure day for the young cast.
0:14:04 > 0:14:09The Aurora will be their home and office for the next four months.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15Ahead is a journey around the world and the challenge of performing
0:14:15 > 0:14:18to passengers for the first time.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26- All right, loves!- I think she's going away for two years!
0:14:28 > 0:14:31Teddy's coming, Teddy's very important, Teddy's coming on board.
0:14:31 > 0:14:33I think I've got the most, haven't I? No?
0:14:35 > 0:14:38I can't wait. I'm really nervous, though.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41- You're so hyper! - I know, I am a bit hyper, woo!
0:14:45 > 0:14:47Got a little tear in my eye.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50My mother got upset, so I got upset then.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53This is my mum, her name's Jo, she's glamorous, ain't she?
0:14:53 > 0:14:56Jamie-Lee's mum is putting on a brave face.
0:14:56 > 0:15:00When it comes to goodbyes, it's harder for some of the parents
0:15:00 > 0:15:02than it is for their kids.
0:15:05 > 0:15:06Love you.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09She's a grown-up woman now, making her own way in the world
0:15:09 > 0:15:11and she's always been my baby
0:15:11 > 0:15:15but it's been a fantastic journey and she makes me very proud!
0:15:22 > 0:15:26Going through the crew area... Oh, no, this is the passenger area.
0:15:27 > 0:15:31Singer Alice has worked on P&O cruise ships before.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33Whew! Let's hope I can get in.
0:15:33 > 0:15:37Lock opens. It's quite homely, actually, I'll get my pictures up
0:15:37 > 0:15:39and then here I am.
0:15:48 > 0:15:50At last the voyage begins
0:15:50 > 0:15:53for the newest members of the ship's company.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57CHEERING
0:15:59 > 0:16:03It's the first time Jackie has ever left the country.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06I'm like a little child.
0:16:06 > 0:16:08Jackie, you're actually officially abroad!
0:16:08 > 0:16:12- I know!- You're not yet.- Still in English waters but still!
0:16:18 > 0:16:20They're hoping for full houses in here,
0:16:20 > 0:16:22every night for the next four months.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28First and foremost, of course, welcome on board.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31I do consider it to be the best ship in the fleet with the best ship's
0:16:31 > 0:16:33company and, of course, you are now
0:16:33 > 0:16:35an intrinsic part of that ship's company.
0:16:38 > 0:16:42It's not quite having your name in lights, but it is a start.
0:16:42 > 0:16:46It's so good, I can't wait to do it now. I can't wait!
0:16:49 > 0:16:53As Aurora heads out for open water, there are just three days
0:16:53 > 0:16:55before opening night.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02The next morning, the sea's starting to get rough.
0:17:08 > 0:17:12Below decks, in the bow of the ship, Jodie and Gemma
0:17:12 > 0:17:14are adjusting costumes for the first show.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16So, for this show, "Boogie",
0:17:16 > 0:17:19there'll be about 50 costumes to alter and repair.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22It's nice to think you're part of the process of getting them
0:17:22 > 0:17:25ready, organising them. A lot of them, it's first time at sea,
0:17:25 > 0:17:28so they don't know what they're doing, put their trousers on inside out.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31It's not only sewing that we do. We have to tell them what costumes to
0:17:31 > 0:17:35wear for each number, how to wear the costumes, how to dress.
0:17:35 > 0:17:37It's like being their mum at sea.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40It feels like it's going to fall off the shoulder, is that right?
0:17:40 > 0:17:42That's why the elastic's there, do you want the same on the other side?
0:17:42 > 0:17:45Jamie-Lee and Alice will have 15 costume changes each
0:17:45 > 0:17:48on their first night, a '70s disco medley.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52Oh, no! What is that?
0:17:52 > 0:17:54You best be wearing one as well!
0:17:54 > 0:17:58It looks like the retro look is a difficult one to pull off.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01Hold on a second... Toss, toss.
0:18:01 > 0:18:04Hold on, take your hair down, that will look better.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07- Any better with the hair down? - No, absolutely not!
0:18:07 > 0:18:11Aurora's theatre seats over 600 people.
0:18:11 > 0:18:12This way, down the stairs,
0:18:12 > 0:18:15watch the stairs as you come down, cos it's a bit slippery.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18Stage manager Paul is taking the cast to the pit.
0:18:18 > 0:18:22This giant stage lift is an essential part of the shows.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25If you want to stand on the pit then and we'll lift you all up,
0:18:25 > 0:18:27so you get an idea of what it's like being on it.
0:18:27 > 0:18:29It's moving!
0:18:33 > 0:18:38Everyone is now very aware that "curtain up" is just two days away.
0:18:57 > 0:19:01As they head to deeper waters, the swell continues to get heavier
0:19:01 > 0:19:03and it's starting to affect rehearsals.
0:19:03 > 0:19:07One, two, three, four and five. Right, stop there. You know what,
0:19:07 > 0:19:08guys, because of the movement,
0:19:08 > 0:19:11I don't want lifts or anything lie that.
0:19:11 > 0:19:13So, don't go too full out.
0:19:13 > 0:19:17It's a lot to take in anyway without the motion of the ocean, as they say.
0:19:17 > 0:19:19You know, it's bad enough when they can stand still,
0:19:19 > 0:19:22they've got to remember where they are going and when they are moving
0:19:22 > 0:19:24and which exit and entrance.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26When it's moving, they've got that to contend with as well,
0:19:26 > 0:19:29it just adds to it.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32Mark's feeling it, I think, and he just looks shattered.
0:19:32 > 0:19:37It's just so much more tiring because you're not...
0:19:37 > 0:19:40and it's hard to focus on where your spacing is.
0:19:40 > 0:19:45I get this thing on my back where it goes really hot and I'm like, "Oh!"
0:19:45 > 0:19:47The theatre is at the front of the ship
0:19:47 > 0:19:49and gets the worst of the rough swell.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55The movement's affecting everyone on board.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07It's all too much for Mark
0:20:07 > 0:20:11and the production team are discussing what to do.
0:20:11 > 0:20:15If it gets really bad, we can call the duty nurse and we can give him
0:20:15 > 0:20:16an injection.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19That loses him for the day, then.
0:20:19 > 0:20:21It makes you sleep for about three days, I had it last cruise I was on.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24There are buckets they can use to throw up in
0:20:24 > 0:20:27or I can get some sick bags down there.
0:20:27 > 0:20:31We just need to reiterate to him that this is as bad as it gets.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33Cos a lot of it is panic - "If I feel like this now,
0:20:33 > 0:20:35"what am I going to feel like later on?!"
0:20:35 > 0:20:39In the end, Mark manages to power on through.
0:20:39 > 0:20:42It's a tough introduction to life at sea!
0:20:48 > 0:20:51The next morning, they've reached calmer waters.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56As Aurora heads for its first stop
0:20:56 > 0:20:59in Madeira, everyone's feeling much perkier.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08The cast are back on form, including Mark.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14I spent most of yesterday on the floor, lying down.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17It was like, "Mark, can you do this bit?" "Yeah, fine, la, la, la,"
0:21:17 > 0:21:20sing your bit and then return to a horizontal position in the corner.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23OK, floor's going down, dead man on.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27The countdown to opening night is nearly over.
0:21:27 > 0:21:31The final rehearsals bring together costumes, lighting and props.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34Stand by, please...positions!
0:21:34 > 0:21:37- It's getting real.- Yeah.
0:21:37 > 0:21:39We're feeling like pop stars with these mics.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45MUSIC: "Spirit in the Sky" by Norman Greenbaum
0:21:55 > 0:21:57Ready?
0:21:57 > 0:21:59Go!
0:22:06 > 0:22:10None of the cast had even been born when these songs were first hits.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13Then you can count them in, ready for the YMCA.
0:22:27 > 0:22:31Obviously, it was rocky yesterday but they've slept on it
0:22:31 > 0:22:35and today it has gone in and they are standing in the right places
0:22:35 > 0:22:38and they have remembered what they are doing, so I am pleased.
0:22:40 > 0:22:44In barely 24 hours, the Headliners will be doing the real thing
0:22:44 > 0:22:46in front of a real audience.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00The ship's now been at sea for three days.
0:23:00 > 0:23:04The passengers are relaxing ahead of tonight's main attraction.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08This is our show day, our first time.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11Any of the passengers on the ship are going to see what we've been
0:23:11 > 0:23:13doing for the last nine weeks.
0:23:13 > 0:23:1613 singers and dancers prepare for their cast debut.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18Showtime!
0:23:18 > 0:23:21Everyone's slightly on edge.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24Your fringe is as long as my eyebrows.
0:23:24 > 0:23:26Boys, back off, all right!
0:23:27 > 0:23:30I've got my show make-up on, it's time to go. There'll be people
0:23:30 > 0:23:33already sitting out in the auditorium waiting.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37Don't panic, lots of energy and sock it to them.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39CHEERING
0:23:45 > 0:23:48Safety video starting, thank you.
0:23:48 > 0:23:53There's an audience of 600, all expecting star quality.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55Let's do it!
0:23:55 > 0:23:57- Ten weeks for this.- Yeah, man!
0:24:01 > 0:24:04Ready onstage. Stand by, please.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06Let's go, let's go!
0:24:07 > 0:24:09ANNOUNCER: Imagine, if you will,
0:24:09 > 0:24:10a planet floating in deepest outer space.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13Imagine a different world, imagine a place
0:24:13 > 0:24:15totally unlike the globe we know today...
0:24:15 > 0:24:17The roller coast starts today.
0:24:17 > 0:24:19..no internet, totally unbelievable, I know!
0:24:19 > 0:24:21It's all a long way from
0:24:21 > 0:24:24an industrial estate back in Southampton.
0:24:26 > 0:24:31# An automatic alarm turns me my radio on. #
0:24:31 > 0:24:35# We are family, yeah, yeah, yeah
0:24:35 > 0:24:37# Get up, everybody, and sing! #
0:24:39 > 0:24:40# Go on, now, go
0:24:40 > 0:24:42# Walk out the door
0:24:42 > 0:24:47# I will survive, yeah! #
0:24:47 > 0:24:50APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:24:50 > 0:24:52The first medley has gone down well
0:24:52 > 0:24:56but backstage there's no time to hang around.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11The next cue is now activated, floor's coming up.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13# I like it, I like it
0:25:13 > 0:25:15# I like it, I like it
0:25:15 > 0:25:17# I lie-lie-like it...#
0:25:17 > 0:25:19They're all really smiley out there!
0:25:19 > 0:25:23# Oh-oh! Rocking all over the world! #
0:25:23 > 0:25:27- It's really nice for our first show. - They all seem to be enjoying it.
0:25:27 > 0:25:28They're all clapping along.
0:25:28 > 0:25:30# I like it, I like it
0:25:30 > 0:25:31# I lie-lie-lie-like it
0:25:31 > 0:25:33# Lie-lie-lie-like it
0:25:33 > 0:25:35# Here we go! #
0:25:38 > 0:25:41After another lightning change, the boy singers have to
0:25:41 > 0:25:44head for the pit on the deck below, ready for their next number.
0:25:44 > 0:25:49# When will I see you again? #
0:25:49 > 0:25:51James is running late.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55# When will we share precious moments? #
0:25:55 > 0:25:57Let me know when you get the cast down there.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02If he does not make it on time, the show will grind to a halt.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05# Will I have to wait forever? #
0:26:05 > 0:26:08That needs to go, mate, or we're going to be late.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11Mark and Jackie are already in position for the lift.
0:26:15 > 0:26:20It's a close call... James gets there just in time.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23Far, far too late. You need to be earlier than that.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25I'll talk to Jess between the shows.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31But the audience will never know.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34# Little girl, you look so lonesome
0:26:35 > 0:26:38# I see you're feeling blue. #
0:26:40 > 0:26:42# You're more than a number in my little red book
0:26:42 > 0:26:46# You're more than a one-night stand
0:26:46 > 0:26:48- # So, darling!- So, darling! #
0:26:48 > 0:26:52Just weeks ago, the creative team were worried about the boy singers
0:26:52 > 0:26:54but they've come up trumps.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56# You're more than a number in my little red book
0:26:56 > 0:27:01# You're more than a one-night stand
0:27:01 > 0:27:03# Ba-ba. #
0:27:07 > 0:27:09APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:27:10 > 0:27:14The hits and costume changes keep coming.
0:27:14 > 0:27:16It's non-stop all the way to the big finale.
0:27:17 > 0:27:19# Don't blame it on the sunshine
0:27:19 > 0:27:21# Don't blame it on the moonlight
0:27:21 > 0:27:22# Don't blame it on the good times
0:27:22 > 0:27:24# Blame it on the boogie
0:27:25 > 0:27:29# Boogie! Boogie!
0:27:29 > 0:27:31# Boogie! Boogie! Yeah! #
0:27:31 > 0:27:34APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:27:37 > 0:27:43The crowd have loved it, and the cast of Headliners are on a high.
0:27:43 > 0:27:44One down!
0:27:44 > 0:27:46- Woo!- Finished!
0:27:46 > 0:27:48SHE SHRIEKS
0:27:48 > 0:27:51Look at my face, absolutely sweating and that is how I feel
0:27:51 > 0:27:52but I'm on a buzz now.
0:27:52 > 0:27:54Thank you so much for coming.
0:27:54 > 0:27:56That was hard work!
0:27:56 > 0:28:00I did a few mistakes but I loved it, it was so good when we walked out
0:28:00 > 0:28:04everyone, all the audience, were really smiling and going for it.
0:28:04 > 0:28:07They seemed to enjoy it and we loved it.
0:28:07 > 0:28:09All you can ask is that everybody gives 100%
0:28:09 > 0:28:13and they have definitely given 100% from day one and it pays off.
0:28:13 > 0:28:16It's been a tough couple of months, but they've
0:28:16 > 0:28:21helped each other along the way and the adventure has only just begun.
0:28:21 > 0:28:23When I turned up on the first day,
0:28:23 > 0:28:25we thought it would all be fun and daisies but now,
0:28:25 > 0:28:29coming out the other side, you realise it is a lot of hard work.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32We get to do what we love to do as performers
0:28:32 > 0:28:36and see the world at the same time. There isn't another job like it!