0:00:02 > 0:00:04Choirmaster Gareth Malone
0:00:04 > 0:00:08believes that music can change the toughest of lives.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11I know that music can bring people together
0:00:11 > 0:00:13under really extraordinary circumstances.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16He's spent five months at two bases in Devon,
0:00:16 > 0:00:19leading a choir of military wives
0:00:19 > 0:00:23while their husbands are away fighting in Afghanistan.
0:00:23 > 0:00:25If I let my guard down, let the emotion come out,
0:00:25 > 0:00:27I would be crying the whole day.
0:00:27 > 0:00:29Let's turn on the pizzazz right now.
0:00:29 > 0:00:33With the men soon coming home, Gareth has just eight weeks
0:00:33 > 0:00:37to prepare his choir for the performance of a lifetime.
0:00:37 > 0:00:41This is it, the Albert Hall.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44I'm sorry for getting you into this,
0:00:44 > 0:00:46but listen, we're up to our necks in it now.
0:00:46 > 0:00:48Hip hip! CROWD: Hooray!
0:00:48 > 0:00:49I'm petrified.
0:00:49 > 0:00:52Butterflies, I can hear the music. It's happening.
0:00:52 > 0:00:53It all comes down to this.
0:01:04 > 0:01:07It's late summer
0:01:07 > 0:01:10and for the women of the RMB Chivenor Military Wives Choir,
0:01:10 > 0:01:15there are still two months before their husbands come home.
0:01:15 > 0:01:16Stand up, please.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20WOMEN SING
0:01:31 > 0:01:33Good, well done.
0:01:34 > 0:01:35Simple.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41'It's really moving to hear how far they've come for me,
0:01:41 > 0:01:43'because they're investing so much energy in this
0:01:43 > 0:01:46'and there's emotion in their singing now.'
0:01:53 > 0:01:56Well done, absolutely astonishing.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59'It's a very emotional time for them.'
0:01:59 > 0:02:02We can see the end but there's still a long way to go.
0:02:02 > 0:02:04For many of the choir members,
0:02:04 > 0:02:09this final stretch before the men come home is the longest.
0:02:09 > 0:02:11You're frustrated because you want them home now.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14It's like that last bit of your pregnancy when you're miserable
0:02:14 > 0:02:17and you want the baby to come and that's what it's like.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21I don't even know what I'm going to say to him.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24Probably just how much I love him.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29Tired now, bored, we need Daddy now.
0:02:29 > 0:02:34The girls, they've done really well, they have.
0:02:34 > 0:02:40We've had our moments, like every family going through this.
0:02:42 > 0:02:44It's the uncertainty.
0:02:44 > 0:02:47It's so hard to go through this kind of thing
0:02:47 > 0:02:50when you have no control over the situation.
0:02:50 > 0:02:52You can't relax until they're on that plane,
0:02:52 > 0:02:54till you know they've left that country.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06To get the women through this last stage,
0:03:06 > 0:03:09Gareth has pulled out all the stops.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13It's announcement time. This is quite a big announcement.
0:03:13 > 0:03:17It goes to the very heart of why I'm here.
0:03:17 > 0:03:21You need to keep Saturday 12th November free,
0:03:21 > 0:03:25because you're going, and it gives me huge excitement to tell you,
0:03:25 > 0:03:30we're going to perform at the Festival of Remembrance.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33It's at the Royal Albert Hall.
0:03:33 > 0:03:37More than that, it's live on BBC One.
0:03:38 > 0:03:39More than that...
0:03:39 > 0:03:42Take That are coming.
0:03:42 > 0:03:44It's not Take That.
0:03:45 > 0:03:47It's in front of the Royal Family.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53This is as big as it gets.
0:03:53 > 0:03:57The guys will be back and we'll be able to celebrate, remember,
0:03:57 > 0:03:59it's an entirely appropriate platform for us.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02It could be tough but it's going to be brilliant to do.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05I want this to be the best thing you've ever done.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07It would be a very, very proud moment.
0:04:07 > 0:04:09So we're going to have to work hard.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11- Everybody happy with that? - ALL: Yes.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14I'm done. Over and out. Well done, very good rehearsal.
0:04:17 > 0:04:22It's so exciting, I can't put it into words, and such a shock.
0:04:22 > 0:04:26I'm not a crier but it brought tears to my eyes!
0:04:26 > 0:04:28I think a lot of us are quite emotional about it
0:04:28 > 0:04:33cos it means so much and it's such a personal thing to us...
0:04:33 > 0:04:35Sorry!
0:04:35 > 0:04:36It's quite gobsmacking.
0:04:36 > 0:04:40You don't know what to say cos it's such a privilege and an honour.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43I've said, "This is the biggest thing I've ever done" so many times,
0:04:43 > 0:04:46but this is the biggest thing I've ever done in my life.
0:04:46 > 0:04:48This is absolutely huge.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51It's of national importance and national significance.
0:04:51 > 0:04:53Nothing else I've done has felt like that.
0:04:53 > 0:04:57In terms of getting their message across and getting them understood,
0:04:57 > 0:04:59I can't think of anything better.
0:05:07 > 0:05:09For Gareth, it's essential to have the right piece
0:05:09 > 0:05:11for the Royal Albert Hall.
0:05:11 > 0:05:15He's decided he wants to have something specially composed.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18I'm going to see Paul Mealor, who's a really wonderful composer.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20He composed one of the stand-out pieces
0:05:20 > 0:05:23from Kate and William's Royal Wedding recently.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27He's prepared to write something for the women, for the Royal Albert Hall,
0:05:27 > 0:05:29which is really exciting.
0:05:29 > 0:05:34It's working out what he's going to write and how it's going to work.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38- Hello Paul.- Hi, how are you, Gareth? - Very well, how are you?
0:05:38 > 0:05:39I'm all right, welcome.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42The reason I contacted you
0:05:42 > 0:05:44was because I couldn't find the right piece
0:05:44 > 0:05:47that really speaks about their courage and their strength
0:05:47 > 0:05:50and vulnerability and gets to nub of them.
0:05:50 > 0:05:51It's trying to find that line
0:05:51 > 0:05:55between something that's moving and does speak and is about remembrance
0:05:55 > 0:05:58but also about celebration. They have something to celebrate.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01At this point, touching wood, their husbands should be home
0:06:01 > 0:06:05so it's a bit more major key than minor key, perhaps.
0:06:05 > 0:06:06I can do major key.
0:06:06 > 0:06:08You can do major key? Good. That's great.
0:06:08 > 0:06:11You're the easiest composer to work with that I've ever met.
0:06:11 > 0:06:15I wondered about getting letters
0:06:15 > 0:06:17because they all write a lot of letters.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20I've never done it before.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23They may write poetry themselves, they may write lyrics.
0:06:23 > 0:06:25Ask them.
0:06:25 > 0:06:29Thank you very much. I'll be in touch with some text.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31I'm seriously excited about this. It's brilliant.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35It's every choir masters dream to have somebody right stuff for you.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41The news has spread that Gareth needs letters for the song.
0:06:43 > 0:06:47Catherine is married to Sergeant Andrew Catchpole
0:06:47 > 0:06:50who's currently in Afghanistan on his third tour of duty.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52The couple have been married for 10 years
0:06:52 > 0:06:54and have a five-year old son, Freddie.
0:06:54 > 0:06:56We always have our own little things.
0:06:56 > 0:07:01He'll always put a kiss on the back and I'll always do three.
0:07:01 > 0:07:03A big one and two little ones.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06They're old fashioned now but the same as the perfume,
0:07:06 > 0:07:09I'll put perfume on the letters and parcels and put lipstick on.
0:07:09 > 0:07:10I'll kiss the back.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13A million more kisses, the longer the time goes,
0:07:13 > 0:07:16the kisses get longer at the end of the letter.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19At the Royal Albert Hall...
0:07:19 > 0:07:21it's going to be...
0:07:21 > 0:07:25really... Yeah, mind-blowing is the only word I can think of.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28Anyone hearing it would hopefully
0:07:28 > 0:07:31get a snippet of a window of our life.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33We're the other half to them.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35That's what he says, "I couldn't do this without you."
0:07:35 > 0:07:38I want to make him proud by something we're achieving
0:07:38 > 0:07:40cos he's achieving that.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42Yeah, I hope we smash it.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47"Miss you, today, tomorrow and always.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50"I miss you with each passing second and I count every single one
0:07:50 > 0:07:53"knowing that as each one passes me by,
0:07:53 > 0:07:57"it brings me another second closer to you. I love you more."
0:07:59 > 0:08:01Any others?
0:08:01 > 0:08:04- I don't want to read mine out. - You can't read it out?
0:08:04 > 0:08:07"Keep my heart safe, my love, for I send it away with you.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09"Hold it close and now I'm with you always."
0:08:09 > 0:08:11Thank you very much.
0:08:12 > 0:08:14"There are no goodbyes for us.
0:08:14 > 0:08:16"Wherever you are, you're always in my heart."
0:08:16 > 0:08:19It's on my bracelet my husband got me for my birthday.
0:08:19 > 0:08:21That's lovely. Great. Thank you.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27The letters that the women have given me are so personal
0:08:27 > 0:08:30and I've given them to Paul Mealor to make something out of.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34It's very exciting waiting for him to write a composition.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37It's all becoming very real and very immediate
0:08:37 > 0:08:39because the guys are coming home now.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42Six months they've been away and in just a matter of weeks,
0:08:42 > 0:08:45they'll be parading through these streets.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47There's going to be a huge celebratory homecoming parade
0:08:47 > 0:08:49with flags and everyone cheering
0:08:49 > 0:08:52and that's where I think our next performance should be.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55That's a perfect build up to the Royal Albert Hall.
0:08:58 > 0:09:00So, the men are coming home very shortly
0:09:00 > 0:09:02and I can now reveal,
0:09:02 > 0:09:05that we are going to be singing at the homecoming parade.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12No song is ever going to quite do justice to the fact
0:09:12 > 0:09:15that your men have been away for all this time
0:09:15 > 0:09:18and you've shown amazing resilience through all of that.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21I've come up with what I think is a really good solution
0:09:21 > 0:09:24although it's not an obvious choral classic.
0:09:24 > 0:09:29It is, I Want To Dance With Somebody by Whitney Houston.
0:09:29 > 0:09:33Is that good? Oh, good. Shall we try it?
0:09:34 > 0:09:37I want this to be a bit all singing, all dancing.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39A bit of a show number. We've not got long to put it on.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41# Do do do do do do ah. #
0:09:41 > 0:09:44Can you sing that for three, and one.
0:09:44 > 0:09:46# Do do do do do do ah. #
0:09:46 > 0:09:48Let's have it for the second.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51# Do do do do do do ah.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54# Do do do do do do ah. #
0:09:54 > 0:09:57Great, that's a good sound. Can we spring off?
0:09:57 > 0:09:58# Do do do do do do ah. #
0:09:58 > 0:10:00Two, three and one.
0:10:00 > 0:10:01# Do do do do do do ah. #
0:10:01 > 0:10:05OK, if you think that bit's difficult, let's just look at the next bit.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07LAUGHTER
0:10:07 > 0:10:08So...
0:10:08 > 0:10:11HE SINGS TUNE
0:10:14 > 0:10:17# Da-da-da, ah. #
0:10:17 > 0:10:20Second part, you're on the offbeat.
0:10:20 > 0:10:22Now, the complexity is, that it goes...
0:10:22 > 0:10:23HE SINGS TUNE
0:10:23 > 0:10:24Like that.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26Are you excited?
0:10:26 > 0:10:28They're excited, you're not so!
0:10:28 > 0:10:302, 3, and 1.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33THEY SING
0:10:33 > 0:10:35# Da, da, da, da, da...
0:10:35 > 0:10:37# Da, da, da, da, da... #
0:10:37 > 0:10:38No!
0:10:38 > 0:10:41THEY LAUGH
0:10:43 > 0:10:46There's a sort of universal symbol of choral failure,
0:10:46 > 0:10:49which is when you just go...
0:10:49 > 0:10:51LAUGHTER
0:10:51 > 0:10:56Every choir does it. "I can't sing this! You're a lunatic!"
0:10:56 > 0:10:59You can! You can.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03All right, I know you have to go and pick up your kids, so let's call it a day.
0:11:03 > 0:11:08This is what we've been doing it for, for them, to keep them happy,
0:11:08 > 0:11:12they know that we're happy - "Here we go, this is what we've done.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14"What do you think?"
0:11:14 > 0:11:16When they are marching down the streets or around camp,
0:11:16 > 0:11:19we have that lump in our throat,
0:11:19 > 0:11:24and it would be nice to switch it a little bit, them to have a lump in their throat and feel proud of us.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28They're really keen. They're really excited about the homecoming parade, and so am I,
0:11:28 > 0:11:34I think it's really good. It's the right place for us to perform, and it's what this is all about.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38Now they're coming home, it feels right to sing, and to sing something celebratory.
0:11:40 > 0:11:44It's not only the wives who have been missing the men during the six-month tour to Afghanistan.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49The dads being away affects the entire family,
0:11:49 > 0:11:53it's not just the mums, it's the kids as well. And I can't leave them out of this.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56This is the school where a lot of the military children go to.
0:11:57 > 0:12:01Hello. Hi, could I see Miss Gillett?
0:12:04 > 0:12:06This is where the youngest children are.
0:12:06 > 0:12:09What percentage would you say are from a military background?
0:12:09 > 0:12:11We've got 40% at the moment.
0:12:11 > 0:12:15- Hello!- Is your daddy... where is he?
0:12:15 > 0:12:18- In "Afsghanidan". - Is he? Afghanistan!
0:12:18 > 0:12:21The 4-year-olds are incredible,
0:12:21 > 0:12:28and they're coming to us with specific questions or comments about the importance,
0:12:28 > 0:12:33not making Mummy feel sad, and making sure that they are brave,
0:12:33 > 0:12:35and making sure that they help out around the house.
0:12:35 > 0:12:39Put your hand up if your Daddy's away at the moment.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41- That's quite a lot of you. - That's right.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44'They're hearing things on the news about soldiers being shot,'
0:12:44 > 0:12:49and not being identified, and that's quite scary. Even the young ones pick up on it.
0:12:49 > 0:12:53How many people have heard from their family this week,
0:12:53 > 0:12:55if you've got someone in Afghanistan?
0:12:55 > 0:13:01- CJ.- I heard said Dad had his birthday in Afghanistan a week ago.
0:13:01 > 0:13:03- What did you send him?- Um...
0:13:03 > 0:13:06I sent him some sweets, and a mug,
0:13:06 > 0:13:09saying "You're the best dad in the world."
0:13:09 > 0:13:11Aw!
0:13:11 > 0:13:1410-year-old CJ lives with his mum, Danni.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17His dad is a vehicle repair engineer
0:13:17 > 0:13:19and has been in Afghanistan for the past five months.
0:13:21 > 0:13:27This one is of my dad, I think when he was in Afghanistan two years ago.
0:13:27 > 0:13:28And he was, like, helping.
0:13:28 > 0:13:33My dad's been away four times, so I'm quite used to it,
0:13:33 > 0:13:36but my mum still cries when he goes away.
0:13:38 > 0:13:43The first time Dad went out, it was really slow, it just kept on going.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45Sometimes when I think at night,
0:13:45 > 0:13:49I don't think Dad's going to make it back, but then he does,
0:13:49 > 0:13:54he actually gets back and when he does get back, it's really exciting.
0:14:02 > 0:14:07I think for the children it's possibly even more difficult than it is for the women,
0:14:07 > 0:14:09because that's six months of their lives,
0:14:09 > 0:14:14and I want them to be there at the end, I want them there for the homecoming parade,
0:14:14 > 0:14:18and I think that'll mean a lot to them, they'll want to do that.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21Gareth organises a rehearsal for the children.
0:14:21 > 0:14:22Hello.
0:14:22 > 0:14:24- CHILDREN:- Hello.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26Hi. Very good to see you all.
0:14:26 > 0:14:32I would like for you to come and sing to the dads
0:14:32 > 0:14:36- as part of the homecoming parade, would you like that?- Yeah!
0:14:36 > 0:14:41And I'd like you to sing with the mum's choir, I'd like you to stand alongside them and sing.
0:14:41 > 0:14:46You've got the coolest bit of the whole song. We go...
0:14:46 > 0:14:50# Don't you wanna dance Say you wanna dance Don't you wanna dance. #
0:14:50 > 0:14:53- Don't you wanna dance. - Don't you wanna dance.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55- Say you wanna dance. - Say you wanna dance.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58- Don't you wanna dance. - Don't you wanna dance.
0:14:58 > 0:14:59HE SINGS HIGH NOTE
0:14:59 > 0:15:02# Can you sing that for me? Laaa... #
0:15:02 > 0:15:04# Laaaa.
0:15:04 > 0:15:08# Don't you wanna dance Say you wanna dance Don't you wanna dance. #
0:15:08 > 0:15:09Three, go.
0:15:09 > 0:15:13# Don't you wanna dance Say you wanna dance Don't you wanna dance. #
0:15:13 > 0:15:15But what I don't want is... HE SINGS FEEBLY
0:15:15 > 0:15:20(LOUDLY) # Don't you wanna dance Say you wanna dance Don't you wanna dance. #
0:15:20 > 0:15:22Fun and funky and really upbeat.
0:15:22 > 0:15:23Two, three, and.
0:15:23 > 0:15:27# Don't you wanna dance Say you wanna dance Don't you wanna dance. #
0:15:27 > 0:15:30What's your name with the glasses there?
0:15:30 > 0:15:32Pardon? Erin.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35I could hear your voice all the way over here.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38It sounded really good, really good sound from Erin there.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41Let's all put that amount of effort in. Really go for it.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43Two, three, and.
0:15:43 > 0:15:47# Don't you wanna dance Say you wanna dance Don't you wanna dance. #
0:15:47 > 0:15:52- # Don't you wanna dance Say you wanna dance Don't you wanna dance.- #
0:15:52 > 0:15:55# With somebody who loves me
0:15:55 > 0:15:59# Don't you wanna dance Say you wanna dance Don't you wanna dance
0:15:59 > 0:16:02# Do do do do. #
0:16:05 > 0:16:09It's going to be a little bit nervous, but I'll be very brave,
0:16:09 > 0:16:13and I'll tell my dad before we start, "You rock."
0:16:13 > 0:16:18It'll be a good surprise as well, because they won't really expect it.
0:16:18 > 0:16:20I really enjoyed that, it was really fun.
0:16:20 > 0:16:26It doesn't need to be the greatest quality singing, it's for their dads, it's going to be a lovely event.
0:16:30 > 0:16:31It's September.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34The homecoming dates are getting closer.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37We're counting down the days
0:16:37 > 0:16:42and there's seven more days, so it's a week,
0:16:42 > 0:16:45and we're just so excited and can't wait.
0:16:45 > 0:16:49We're all like little hens, we're all preparing,
0:16:49 > 0:16:53tidying up, cleaning, cutting the grass, it's like a nesting thing!
0:16:57 > 0:17:01With most of the men now due back in less than a week,
0:17:01 > 0:17:03Gareth turns on the pressure.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07# Yeah I wanna dance with somebody. #
0:17:07 > 0:17:11Good, can you spit it out, ladies, it's marked "forte".
0:17:11 > 0:17:13Two, three, and one.
0:17:13 > 0:17:18- But the Whitney song is proving difficult to master. - Two, three, and.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21# Yeah I wanna dance with somebody. #
0:17:21 > 0:17:26I think on the word "dance" I heard somebody go up, or am I hearing things now?
0:17:26 > 0:17:27Was it Hayley?
0:17:27 > 0:17:30- I've got no clue. - Got no clue! Course you have!
0:17:32 > 0:17:35Gareth crams in the rehearsals.
0:17:35 > 0:17:37Here we go. Two, three, and one.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39THEY SING
0:17:39 > 0:17:44No, you've got to wait for them to do their first thing, that's all I can say.
0:17:44 > 0:17:48THEY SING
0:17:48 > 0:17:50No, you wait and then come straight in.
0:17:50 > 0:17:52The progress is slow.
0:17:52 > 0:17:53And one.
0:17:53 > 0:17:58THEY SING
0:18:01 > 0:18:04Yeah, yeah, you were right, you just stopped.
0:18:05 > 0:18:09No, you were right, you were right.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12THEY SING
0:18:12 > 0:18:13THEY CLAP THEIR HANDS
0:18:13 > 0:18:14OK, right.
0:18:14 > 0:18:18Let's turn on the pizzazz right now. One, two, three and one.
0:18:18 > 0:18:20THEY SING
0:18:20 > 0:18:22No, that is not pizzazz!
0:18:22 > 0:18:23# Ah.
0:18:23 > 0:18:24# Ah. #
0:18:24 > 0:18:25Which do you prefer?
0:18:25 > 0:18:29Effort, effort, effort, commitment, commitment, commitment.
0:18:31 > 0:18:33There are some very awkward moments.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36Not impressed!
0:18:36 > 0:18:38Hey ho, keep smiling, I know.
0:18:38 > 0:18:40That was hard.
0:18:40 > 0:18:42I'm kicking myself,
0:18:42 > 0:18:45it's making me really angry with myself,
0:18:45 > 0:18:47just trying to get it right.
0:19:02 > 0:19:06There's quite a lot of stress. We're going to do an extra rehearsal.
0:19:06 > 0:19:08So how are we all feeling?
0:19:08 > 0:19:11- Unprepared.- Unprepared?- Massively.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14OK. Well, let's have an emergency rehearsal.
0:19:14 > 0:19:19I think that might be useful. Two, three, four.
0:19:19 > 0:19:24# But when the night falls Loneliness calls... #
0:19:24 > 0:19:25And one.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28# Oh, I want to dance with somebody... #
0:19:28 > 0:19:30Who's playing the tambourine?
0:19:30 > 0:19:32You weren't in time!
0:19:32 > 0:19:35That's it. One, two, three, and...
0:19:35 > 0:19:39# I've been in love and lost my senses
0:19:39 > 0:19:42# Spinning through the town
0:19:42 > 0:19:43# Do do-dee-do-dee-doo ahhh
0:19:43 > 0:19:46- # Da-dah da-dah da-dah da-dah - Sooner or later the fever ends
0:19:46 > 0:19:50- # Da-dah da-dah da-dah da-dah - And I wind up feeling down... #
0:19:50 > 0:19:54Yeah, good, all right. That's great. Catherine, sing that on your own.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56# I've been in love I've lost my senses. #
0:19:56 > 0:20:00- Shall I do the line?- I've been in love and I've lost my senses.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04Do the first verse, the clock strikes. One, two, three, and.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07# Clock strikes upon the hour
0:20:07 > 0:20:10# And the sun begins to fade. #
0:20:10 > 0:20:15# Been in love, la-la-la-la-la... #
0:20:15 > 0:20:18LAUGHTER AND APPLAUSE
0:20:18 > 0:20:21All those who think Catherine ought to do that first verse as a solo?
0:20:21 > 0:20:24CHEERING
0:20:28 > 0:20:30It feels right.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33Sorry, Catherine, it's just one of those moments where talent outs.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36- Yeah, it just... - As does my blood pressure.
0:20:36 > 0:20:38Listen, I am powerless to resist the charms of your voice.
0:20:38 > 0:20:42It sounds great. Thank you very much, that's great. Good.
0:20:42 > 0:20:46I just like the song, so there's me belting it out, you know,
0:20:46 > 0:20:51enjoying it, not thinking that I can... No. Oh, well. I'll try!
0:20:52 > 0:20:57I hope I don't croak it. My throat goes all tight when I panic.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02Catherine is exactly the right person for that solo.
0:21:02 > 0:21:06It's Whitney Houston, you need a voice like hers, somebody quite poppy.
0:21:06 > 0:21:10And I think that voice will inspire everyone else to sing in the right way.
0:21:10 > 0:21:14And I haven't found a place for her before, but this is it.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20The majority of the men are now due back within the next few days.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23But precise arrival times are not known.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29Hayley has just heard from her husband Adrian
0:21:29 > 0:21:31that he's reached the stopover base in Cyprus.
0:21:33 > 0:21:38- Ooh!- Ooh! - He's been gone 28 weeks tomorrow.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41So, yeah, that's our little chart there of...
0:21:41 > 0:21:43of how long he's been gone.
0:21:43 > 0:21:47We're in limbo at the moment because we're just...
0:21:47 > 0:21:51I'm waiting for definite news of what time he'll be home.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54- Try again, shall we?- Yeah.
0:21:54 > 0:21:56I can't wait till he comes back, to start life again.
0:21:56 > 0:22:00It's not until they're on the way home that you realise
0:22:00 > 0:22:02you've been on pause for the last six months.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07Sarah's heard that her husband David has now arrived in Britain.
0:22:07 > 0:22:13I thought it'd be easier, cos it's not the first time he's been away.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16But, I don't know, maybe the feelings get stronger.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19I've just missed him immensely.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21It's like, um, a really good excitement
0:22:21 > 0:22:25but also a bit nervy, butterflies in your tummy.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28Just general excitement, like Christmas morning as a kid.
0:22:28 > 0:22:30It's that kind of feeling.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35The blues is the weeks he's been away.
0:22:35 > 0:22:40Today, Thursday, when he comes back, home will be written right there.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43193...days.
0:22:49 > 0:22:54Over the next few days, 250 Chivenor men
0:22:54 > 0:22:56will return home from Afghanistan
0:22:56 > 0:23:01to be reunited with their loved ones after a six month tour of duty.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21Families and friends and children are through there.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24Thank you, welcome back, you are now released.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41Daddy!
0:23:41 > 0:23:42Daddy!
0:23:54 > 0:23:56Always good to be home.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59Especially after a tour that's been this long.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02It's probably the longest, hardest tour I've done.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05So it's always good to get home.
0:24:08 > 0:24:10Let's take Daddy home!
0:24:17 > 0:24:21I was going to look through the book and see what there is.
0:24:21 > 0:24:25We had a quite lucky, or successful tour if you put it that way.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28As in, we had a few scrapes,
0:24:28 > 0:24:31but I think that's about as close as we got.
0:24:31 > 0:24:34'It's finished, and six months has gone.'
0:24:34 > 0:24:37You wouldn't believe it, we've missed Easter, we've missed summer.
0:24:37 > 0:24:42It is hard, it's hard to be separated from your family.
0:24:42 > 0:24:48He's here now, and he's safe. And we can just get on with our life now.
0:24:49 > 0:24:51Sometimes when I cuddle him
0:24:51 > 0:24:54he squeezes me so hard, I can't breathe.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58To make up for all the cuddles he's missed!
0:24:59 > 0:25:03Every other conversation with Nicola was the choir.
0:25:03 > 0:25:06It'd be really good to actually hear what the choir
0:25:06 > 0:25:08has produced in six months.
0:25:08 > 0:25:10I'm really looking forward to it.
0:25:17 > 0:25:20It's the day of the homecoming parade.
0:25:21 > 0:25:26Before they're officially released from their tour of duty
0:25:26 > 0:25:31at the barracks, 250 men from 24 Commando Royal Engineer Regiment
0:25:31 > 0:25:32march through the town centre.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35This is a big day, you can feel the emotion in the air
0:25:35 > 0:25:37and the significance of this.
0:25:37 > 0:25:41The women are so proud to have their husbands home. It's really important.
0:25:41 > 0:25:45It matters to the women, and the women matter to me.
0:25:47 > 0:25:51For Chivenor, the celebrations are particularly special,
0:25:51 > 0:25:55as all the men returned home from Afghanistan safely.
0:25:55 > 0:25:56Fall out!
0:26:01 > 0:26:04APPLAUSE
0:26:06 > 0:26:11Ladies! Hello, hey. All right, it's show time.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14- Is everyone feeling all right? ALL:- Yeah.
0:26:14 > 0:26:16Where's Catherine Catchpole?
0:26:17 > 0:26:21- Is she in the toilet?- No.- She's not here?- She might be out there.- Yeah.
0:26:23 > 0:26:27Hello! Oh! Am I glad to see you!
0:26:29 > 0:26:31Catherine, did you have a moment?
0:26:31 > 0:26:34- I did.- Are you with us? Yes. Good, right.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48Good afternoon, everyone. I just want to say one thing, welcome home.
0:26:48 > 0:26:52This means a huge amount to us and I hope we make you proud today.
0:26:52 > 0:26:58I'm delighted to present the children and the women of RMB Chivenor,
0:26:58 > 0:27:01with soloist Catherine Catchpole, and the Royal Engineers band.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14# The clock strikes upon the hour
0:27:14 > 0:27:18# And the sun begins to fade
0:27:18 > 0:27:20# Do-do-do-do-do do-ah
0:27:20 > 0:27:23# Still enough time to figure out
0:27:23 > 0:27:26# How to chase my blues away
0:27:26 > 0:27:27# Ahh-ahh
0:27:27 > 0:27:30# I've done all right up to now
0:27:30 > 0:27:34# It's the light of day that shows me how
0:27:34 > 0:27:38# But when the night falls
0:27:38 > 0:27:40# Loneliness calls
0:27:40 > 0:27:44# Oh, I wanna dance with somebody
0:27:44 > 0:27:48# I wanna feel the heat with somebody
0:27:48 > 0:27:52# Yeah, I wanna dance with somebody
0:27:52 > 0:27:55# With somebody who loves me
0:27:55 > 0:27:59- # Somebody who - Somebody who
0:27:59 > 0:28:01- # Ahhh-ahhh - Somebody to love me
0:28:01 > 0:28:05- # Somebody who, somebody who - Ahh-ah-ah-ah
0:28:05 > 0:28:08- # Somebody who, somebody who - Ahh-ah-ah-ah
0:28:08 > 0:28:10# Somebody to want me
0:28:10 > 0:28:14# I've done all right up till now
0:28:14 > 0:28:17# It's the light that shows me how
0:28:17 > 0:28:20# When the night falls
0:28:20 > 0:28:22# When the night falls
0:28:22 > 0:28:23# When the night falls
0:28:23 > 0:28:26# When the night falls
0:28:26 > 0:28:29- # When the night falls - When the night falls
0:28:29 > 0:28:32# Don't you wanna dance, say you wanna dance, don't you wanna dance
0:28:32 > 0:28:36# Don't you wanna dance, say you wanna dance, don't you wanna dance
0:28:36 > 0:28:41# Don't you wanna dance, say you wanna dance, don't you wanna dance
0:28:41 > 0:28:45# With somebody who loves me
0:28:45 > 0:28:48# Don't you wanna dance, say you wanna dance, don't you wanna dance
0:28:48 > 0:28:50# Whooo! #
0:28:50 > 0:28:53APPLAUSE
0:29:15 > 0:29:18I thought she was absolutely fantastic. So proud of her.
0:29:18 > 0:29:21I know she was getting really nervous before the start.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24It didn't sound like it, she looked like she really enjoyed it,
0:29:24 > 0:29:28I thought it was absolutely amazing. Made me so proud, she's brilliant.
0:29:30 > 0:29:32Really, really, really good.
0:29:32 > 0:29:35All the effort they put into it has come to fruition.
0:29:35 > 0:29:39It was a really good performance. Brilliant.
0:29:39 > 0:29:42Far easier for me to command soldiers in Afghanistan
0:29:42 > 0:29:44than try and coordinate that.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47Actually I think you're right. It probably was!
0:29:47 > 0:29:49- Welcome home.- Thanks.
0:29:49 > 0:29:51Well done. That is mission accomplished.
0:29:51 > 0:29:56I'm going to give you medals. Really, really well done.
0:29:58 > 0:30:02The homecoming parade was fantastic. It was exactly what I wanted.
0:30:02 > 0:30:05We now have to focus on the Royal Albert Hall,
0:30:05 > 0:30:07which is an infinitely bigger challenge.
0:30:07 > 0:30:10I've got the Paul Mealor piece now, which is brilliant.
0:30:10 > 0:30:12It's exactly the right piece for the women
0:30:12 > 0:30:15and I'm going to start it at rehearsal tonight.
0:30:15 > 0:30:16I think they'll love it.
0:30:21 > 0:30:24In Plymouth, home to the other half of Gareth's military choir,
0:30:24 > 0:30:28many of the husbands are Royal Marines
0:30:28 > 0:30:31still on frontline duty in Afghanistan.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34During this tour, they've been hit hard with many casualties
0:30:34 > 0:30:36and several fatalities.
0:30:40 > 0:30:45Before I came here, this was just a news story and a statistic,
0:30:45 > 0:30:49but it's seven guys from here that have died
0:30:49 > 0:30:52and many more injured.
0:30:54 > 0:30:57It's families and it's people and it's people now
0:30:57 > 0:31:00that are just one or two people away from me in the choir.
0:31:04 > 0:31:09There's quite a few to the guy that died just a week or two ago who had a young family.
0:31:09 > 0:31:11It's really painful to look at.
0:31:20 > 0:31:23Today, Gareth is ready to unveil the specially composed
0:31:23 > 0:31:27piece that the choir will sing at the Royal Albert Hall.
0:31:27 > 0:31:32I've got here a document that I sent to Paul Mealor.
0:31:32 > 0:31:36It's all your letters typed up. He read them.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39He then created a poem out of them,
0:31:39 > 0:31:42out of the sentiments and out of lots of the words.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45In particular, the title of it comes from a bracelet that one of
0:31:45 > 0:31:48the women at Chivenor has round her wrist
0:31:48 > 0:31:50that was given to her by her husband.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53It says, "Wherever you are, you are always in my heart."
0:31:53 > 0:31:58The title of the piece is Wherever You Are.
0:31:58 > 0:32:02- He's done a brilliant job. Shall I sing you a bit of it?- Yeah.- Right.
0:32:09 > 0:32:16# Wherever you are, my love will keep you safe
0:32:16 > 0:32:22# My heart will build a bridge of light
0:32:22 > 0:32:25# Across both time and space... #
0:32:25 > 0:32:28I'm going to let you take over in a minute...
0:32:28 > 0:32:32We've got one in tears already! Two in tears. I'm so sorry.
0:32:32 > 0:32:36Listen... Three in tears, I'm so sorry.
0:32:36 > 0:32:38It is a very, very emotional piece.
0:32:38 > 0:32:41It sounds like it's from everyone's hearts
0:32:41 > 0:32:44and it brings everything into perspective.
0:32:44 > 0:32:47It doesn't matter what you're doing during the day,
0:32:47 > 0:32:51someone's loved one is out in this war
0:32:51 > 0:32:55when they should be at home with their families and they're not.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58One, two, three, four...
0:32:58 > 0:33:03- # Wherever you are... #- Soft here.
0:33:03 > 0:33:07- Very light as we go down. - # Our hearts still beat as one
0:33:07 > 0:33:13# I'd hold you in my dreams each night... #
0:33:13 > 0:33:15That's where it gets complicated.
0:33:15 > 0:33:21# I hold you in my dreams each night until your task is done. #
0:33:21 > 0:33:26The hardest thing about this song is we go from # Wherever...# Disney
0:33:26 > 0:33:28to # Light up the dark... # choral,
0:33:28 > 0:33:31big old big big.
0:33:31 > 0:33:33So it's tough to pull that off, I think.
0:33:33 > 0:33:37But if anyone can do it, you can.
0:33:37 > 0:33:41# Light up the darkness, my wondrous star! #
0:33:41 > 0:33:46It's my favourite bit!
0:33:46 > 0:33:49So... Sshh.
0:33:49 > 0:33:53One, two...
0:33:53 > 0:34:00HIGH-PITCHED: # Light up the darkness my prince of peace... #
0:34:00 > 0:34:02Yes! Almost!
0:34:02 > 0:34:05Almost, not quite.
0:34:05 > 0:34:08You know what the problem was?
0:34:08 > 0:34:13You showed it fear. So you went, # Light up the da-arkness! #
0:34:13 > 0:34:18Just go, # Light up the dark... # Grab it by the horns and sing it.
0:34:18 > 0:34:19It's going to take a while
0:34:19 > 0:34:22because it's not a walk in the park, this.
0:34:22 > 0:34:25Those of you who can, homework please and do it this week,
0:34:25 > 0:34:28rather than in five weeks.
0:34:28 > 0:34:29Start learning it now.
0:34:35 > 0:34:39The Royal Albert Hall performance is now just three weeks away.
0:34:39 > 0:34:43But for Gareth, there's still one thing missing.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46I want it to start with a solo because I think
0:34:46 > 0:34:50if you start small with one voice, you draw in the audience
0:34:50 > 0:34:56and then you take them along with you as you bring in more and more voices.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59I think that's more emotional, which is really what I want.
0:34:59 > 0:35:05I want this to really speak about these women's experiences
0:35:05 > 0:35:07and I feel like a solo voice at the beginning does that
0:35:07 > 0:35:10more effectively than just hearing them all.
0:35:10 > 0:35:12Altos can you shunt up a bit.
0:35:14 > 0:35:18This week is a very important week
0:35:18 > 0:35:22because I'm going to be doing auditions in the Officers' Mess.
0:35:22 > 0:35:25The person that does this has to be able to
0:35:25 > 0:35:27stand up on that stage and deliver.
0:35:27 > 0:35:29How many people are going for it?
0:35:29 > 0:35:32One, two...ten...
0:35:32 > 0:35:3711, 12, 13, 14...15. Great.
0:35:40 > 0:35:41But for choir member, Sam,
0:35:41 > 0:35:45the solo auditions couldn't be coming at a worse time.
0:35:45 > 0:35:50My mum was recently involved in an accident with a car.
0:35:50 > 0:35:56She's now in the high dependency unit and she's suffered
0:35:56 > 0:36:00quite a lot of fractures and she has brain injuries.
0:36:00 > 0:36:02It's like one of the worst situations.
0:36:02 > 0:36:05Your husband is in Afghan for six, seven months
0:36:05 > 0:36:08and you worry constantly about them because they are on hell on earth
0:36:08 > 0:36:10and he comes back totally fine
0:36:10 > 0:36:14and then my mum's involved in a nasty accident.
0:36:14 > 0:36:18It just feels like there's one thing after another,
0:36:18 > 0:36:21and, you know, going for the solo.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24I really want it because I know I can do it
0:36:24 > 0:36:30but I just feel like my confidence has been totally knocked down.
0:36:40 > 0:36:44The women are coming to audition for the solo for the Royal Albert Hall.
0:36:44 > 0:36:46The Officers' Mess is somewhere unfamiliar
0:36:46 > 0:36:50because that's what they're going to have to do at the Royal Albert Hall.
0:36:50 > 0:36:53This is like the pinnacle of nervousness at the moment.
0:36:53 > 0:36:58I can't put my hands anywhere because they're shaking so much.
0:36:58 > 0:37:02It's a massive gig. Massive.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05I would struggle to stand up and sing in front of that number of people.
0:37:05 > 0:37:09I really would. So for someone who's a complete amateur...
0:37:11 > 0:37:13Bring in the troops.
0:37:13 > 0:37:15Good luck, Donna.
0:37:20 > 0:37:22Two, three...
0:37:22 > 0:37:25# Wherever you are
0:37:25 > 0:37:29# My love will keep you safe
0:37:29 > 0:37:33# My heart will build a bridge of light
0:37:33 > 0:37:36# Across both time and space. #
0:37:36 > 0:37:38Good.
0:37:38 > 0:37:43# Wherever I am... #
0:37:43 > 0:37:45I've forgotten the bloody words!
0:37:45 > 0:37:48Seven, eight, nine.
0:37:48 > 0:37:52I've now heard nine and no-one is ready for the Queen.
0:37:52 > 0:37:54Next!
0:37:54 > 0:38:00# Aah-aah-aah-ahh aah-aah-ahh
0:38:00 > 0:38:03# Aah-aah-aah-aah-aah
0:38:03 > 0:38:07# Aa-a-ah. #
0:38:07 > 0:38:09# Aah-aah-aah aah-aah-aah
0:38:09 > 0:38:16# Aah-aah-aah-aah-aah Aah-aah-aah... #
0:38:16 > 0:38:20# Aah-aah-aah-aah aah-aah-aah-aah
0:38:20 > 0:38:26# Aah-aah-aah-aah-aah Aah. #
0:38:27 > 0:38:32# Aah-aah-aah-aah aah-aah-aah
0:38:32 > 0:38:35# Aah-aah-aah... #
0:38:35 > 0:38:37Sorry, sorry, sorry.
0:38:37 > 0:38:39Sing the next bit for me.
0:38:41 > 0:38:46# Wherever you are, my heart... #
0:38:46 > 0:38:50- Oh, I don't even know the words, sorry.- It's OK.- No, sorry.
0:38:50 > 0:38:54- Use the music, do it again.- No, but this is so bad.- It's not bad.
0:38:54 > 0:38:58- It's not bad.- I shouldn't even be doing this.- Yes, you should.- Why?
0:38:58 > 0:39:02- Because you have a great voice. - I really need to compose myself.
0:39:02 > 0:39:04Take a minute. But you'll come back?
0:39:04 > 0:39:06Sam?
0:39:08 > 0:39:12I just totally messed it up.
0:39:12 > 0:39:14How did it go, Sam?
0:39:17 > 0:39:20Are you OK? It's all right.
0:39:20 > 0:39:24'When she sings those words, she sings them simply and from the heart
0:39:24 > 0:39:26'because she understands the meaning.
0:39:27 > 0:39:29'It's so right when she does it.'
0:39:29 > 0:39:34But I am so worried, SO worried for her.
0:39:34 > 0:39:40- Sam?- Yeah?- Take two.- Yeah, take two. - All is forgiven. It's all fine.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43- I've composed myself now. - I want you to get through this.
0:39:47 > 0:39:50# Wherever you are
0:39:50 > 0:39:53# My love will keep you safe
0:39:53 > 0:40:01# My heart will build a bridge of light across both time and space. #
0:40:01 > 0:40:06Good. Sam, look, my only worry is just... Is your current predicament.
0:40:06 > 0:40:07Could you handle the pressure?
0:40:07 > 0:40:14I mean, personally, I have my reasons for wanting it. I'm sorry.
0:40:14 > 0:40:16- It's all right. - I want to do it for my mum
0:40:16 > 0:40:19cos I know she'd be so proud of me. And that's...
0:40:19 > 0:40:23- Yeah, look.- Sorry. - That's all right. Here, come on.
0:40:27 > 0:40:31- Look...- Sorry. - No, no. Don't worry, don't worry.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34I mean, I am going through a very stressful situation.
0:40:34 > 0:40:37I know that you can perform under pressure cos you did Sandhurst
0:40:37 > 0:40:39and you aced that one.
0:40:39 > 0:40:43So I know you want to do it, so let me think about it.
0:40:43 > 0:40:47- I have got others to consider as well.- I'm not keeping my breath held.
0:40:47 > 0:40:48All right.
0:40:59 > 0:41:02We have a very important announcement today and I know you all know
0:41:02 > 0:41:05and you're all expecting it. This is the announcement of the solo.
0:41:05 > 0:41:09So I'm not going to beat around the bush too much
0:41:09 > 0:41:12but I'm going to get straight to it.
0:41:12 > 0:41:15I'd like to give a very special mention to Kelly who absolutely
0:41:15 > 0:41:17nailed it, it was rock solid...
0:41:17 > 0:41:19APPLAUSE
0:41:19 > 0:41:27..but I have made the final decision, I would like the soloist to be Sam.
0:41:27 > 0:41:30CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:41:33 > 0:41:34Very well done to Sam.
0:41:36 > 0:41:40So, so proud of Sam. I think she's the right choice, she's...
0:41:40 > 0:41:44You know, emotional rollercoaster for all of us, but a lot more
0:41:44 > 0:41:48for her for many reasons and so I'm really, really proud.
0:41:48 > 0:41:51'God bless her. She did brilliant.'
0:41:51 > 0:41:54She'll just pull one out the bag on the day
0:41:54 > 0:41:56cos she's got an amazing voice.
0:41:56 > 0:41:58What an opportunity
0:41:58 > 0:42:01and what a privilege to be asked to do something like that.
0:42:01 > 0:42:04Sorry. It's just...
0:42:04 > 0:42:06I really didn't think I was going to get it.
0:42:06 > 0:42:10This is the ultimate test of what the choir can do.
0:42:10 > 0:42:12And I hope that the women are going to rally round her
0:42:12 > 0:42:14and give her a boost and get her on that stage.
0:42:14 > 0:42:17I'm delighted for her.
0:42:22 > 0:42:25It's going to be really hard work to sing this.
0:42:25 > 0:42:28You should be knackered by the end of the rehearsals.
0:42:28 > 0:42:31With a week and a half to go,
0:42:31 > 0:42:33Gareth wants the whole choir to give it their all.
0:42:33 > 0:42:35# My love will... #
0:42:35 > 0:42:38You know, you're not a pirate, Michelle.
0:42:38 > 0:42:41You're, you know, you're a beautiful woman.
0:42:41 > 0:42:47# I hold you in my dreams each night Until your task is done... #
0:42:47 > 0:42:51- Good, it sounded like you were starting to enjoy it a bit more.- No!
0:42:51 > 0:42:53SINGING
0:42:53 > 0:42:56No, come on, come on. We've done this 16 times. Ready, two...
0:42:56 > 0:43:01# Wherever... # Where were you? That could happen, you've got to be there anywhere.
0:43:01 > 0:43:05Shh, shh, please stop talking. Thank you.
0:43:05 > 0:43:09Now that all the poppies are going on sale in the local shops, it's all getting very real.
0:43:09 > 0:43:14Light up the DARKness. Because these are lyrics about you.
0:43:14 > 0:43:16This is where I just don't believe you at the moment.
0:43:16 > 0:43:20'They've got to mean it, they've got to access the words
0:43:20 > 0:43:23'and that is really difficult, it requires a huge amount of energy.'
0:43:23 > 0:43:27- ALL:- Light up the darkness, my wondrous star. - Whose wondrous star is it?
0:43:27 > 0:43:29- ALL: Mine.- Yes!
0:43:29 > 0:43:32With just two rehearsals left,
0:43:32 > 0:43:34the words are really starting to sink in.
0:43:34 > 0:43:35One, two, three.
0:43:35 > 0:43:39# Greater love
0:43:39 > 0:43:41# Hath no man than this... #
0:43:41 > 0:43:42Good.
0:43:42 > 0:43:44# ..Greater love... #
0:43:44 > 0:43:47'The meaning of the text here is so poignant,
0:43:47 > 0:43:52'and suddenly, today, it just all clicked for them.'
0:43:53 > 0:43:56# ..lay down his life... #
0:43:56 > 0:43:59'I mean, Nikki is an absolute stalwart.
0:43:59 > 0:44:03'She is so strong, she's got a rod of steel up her spine.'
0:44:03 > 0:44:06But she's finding this really difficult.
0:44:06 > 0:44:08..two, three.
0:44:08 > 0:44:12# ..That a man lay down...
0:44:12 > 0:44:14'I'm glad that we've had all these tears now,
0:44:14 > 0:44:18'because what I'm concerned about is when we get to the Royal Albert Hall,
0:44:18 > 0:44:20'that they'll all be completely incapable of singing.'
0:44:20 > 0:44:25Well done. Shall we stop before this turns into a massive sob-fest?
0:44:25 > 0:44:28One of the lines, the very last line,
0:44:28 > 0:44:30if I say it, I'm going to go again.
0:44:30 > 0:44:36It just, sort of, hits home, I think, why we've done this.
0:44:36 > 0:44:37Sorry, I'm going to go again.
0:44:37 > 0:44:41Me, personally, I know I've got to get my head round it somehow.
0:44:41 > 0:44:45And just have the steel to be able to go on there.
0:44:45 > 0:44:47I can't practice it without a tear coming to my eye.
0:44:47 > 0:44:51Really difficult, it's just that bit, "wherever you are",
0:44:51 > 0:44:56and even though my husband's back, you put yourself in that position again and you really feel the words
0:44:56 > 0:45:00and you really feel where you was at and that doesn't leave you, you know.
0:45:00 > 0:45:02- Can we do it from... Yes? - Can I just stop you there a second?
0:45:02 > 0:45:05- Can you just go and sit there? - Yeah.- Thanks.
0:45:05 > 0:45:08As Chivenor rehearsals draw to a close,
0:45:08 > 0:45:10the women have a surprise for Gareth.
0:45:10 > 0:45:13Just sit down. I just have to stop you cos I won't...
0:45:13 > 0:45:16Oh no!
0:45:16 > 0:45:17It's all right, Jodie...
0:45:18 > 0:45:19HE LAUGHS
0:45:20 > 0:45:22I've got a little speech prepared.
0:45:22 > 0:45:27Gareth, we want to show you our appreciation for all of your hard work
0:45:27 > 0:45:30and dedication over the past nine months.
0:45:30 > 0:45:34You've changed our lives and given us something to focus on while the guys have been away.
0:45:34 > 0:45:39Who would've thought you could have changed so many women's lives by teaching us how to sing?
0:45:39 > 0:45:44This has been an unforgettable experience of which we are all so proud to be a part of.
0:45:44 > 0:45:47So here is our thank you to you and we hope you enjoy it.
0:45:47 > 0:45:49APPLAUSE
0:45:53 > 0:45:55# You're nothing special
0:45:55 > 0:45:59# In fact you're a bit of a bore
0:45:59 > 0:46:02# You're just a bit of a bore You know
0:46:02 > 0:46:05# When you tell a joke
0:46:05 > 0:46:09# We've probably heard it before
0:46:09 > 0:46:14# We must have heard it before Oh yeah
0:46:14 > 0:46:17# But we have a talent
0:46:17 > 0:46:19# A wonderful thing
0:46:19 > 0:46:25# Cos everyone listens when we start to sing
0:46:25 > 0:46:29# So, Gareth, thank you for the music
0:46:30 > 0:46:36# For giving it to...
0:46:36 > 0:46:44# Me
0:46:44 > 0:46:49# Me. #
0:46:49 > 0:46:50Oh, thank you.
0:46:51 > 0:46:55Thank YOU for the music. It's been an honour to be part of your lives
0:46:55 > 0:47:00and I've said it before, but I do find you all very inspiring, because it's a very tough thing you do.
0:47:00 > 0:47:02And yeah, you cry all the time...
0:47:02 > 0:47:04So do you!
0:47:04 > 0:47:08So do I! Who wouldn't? And actually, do you know what?
0:47:08 > 0:47:12There's no shame in it. Anyway, it's not over yet. Thank you!
0:47:12 > 0:47:14Can I have a hug?
0:47:14 > 0:47:16- ALL:- Ahh.
0:47:16 > 0:47:18That was really lovely.
0:47:18 > 0:47:20I can't do any more rehearsing after that. I'm done.
0:47:25 > 0:47:27It's November the 12th
0:47:27 > 0:47:30and the morning of the Remembrance Day Festival.
0:47:30 > 0:47:33They're here! They're here, this is it.
0:47:33 > 0:47:34- Hi! ALL:- Hello!
0:47:34 > 0:47:37- Are we excited? ALL:- Yes!
0:47:37 > 0:47:38Come on, let's go.
0:47:38 > 0:47:41The annual event, organised by the Royal British Legion,
0:47:41 > 0:47:46is held to honour all those who have died in past and present conflicts.
0:47:47 > 0:47:50This year celebrates 90 years of the charity's support
0:47:50 > 0:47:53for the nation's armed forces.
0:47:53 > 0:47:55And Gareth's combined choir from Chivenor and Plymouth
0:47:55 > 0:47:57are the opening act.
0:47:57 > 0:47:59This is eight months of preparation
0:47:59 > 0:48:03and it all comes down to two minutes and 30 seconds in front of the Queen.
0:48:03 > 0:48:05This is it!
0:48:05 > 0:48:07THEY CHEER The Albert Hall!
0:48:07 > 0:48:09- It's quite big, isn't it?- I'll say!
0:48:14 > 0:48:16Let's go, ladies.
0:48:21 > 0:48:23Oh, my God!
0:48:23 > 0:48:24It's quite scary.
0:48:24 > 0:48:28It's so exciting. Listen to it!
0:48:28 > 0:48:31I can't believe we are here.
0:48:34 > 0:48:38In just one hour, Gareth's choir face the biggest performance of their lives -
0:48:38 > 0:48:42singing in front of the Queen and the Royal Family,
0:48:42 > 0:48:43an audience of 5,000
0:48:43 > 0:48:47and millions watching at home on television.
0:48:47 > 0:48:49We're thinking about the people watching us
0:48:49 > 0:48:52and what it means to us and our husbands and our family.
0:48:52 > 0:48:55But actually, it's what we stand for all over the place,
0:48:55 > 0:48:57so that's really... It really fills your heart.
0:48:59 > 0:49:02I've had loads of messages from friends I've not seen for years,
0:49:02 > 0:49:06saying, "You're doing this for all of us, military wives everywhere."
0:49:06 > 0:49:09And it is - that's what we want to purvey. This is us.
0:49:09 > 0:49:11You know, all of us standing together.
0:49:11 > 0:49:13You all right?
0:49:13 > 0:49:16Words can't even express what is going through my head,
0:49:16 > 0:49:17how nervous I am.
0:49:17 > 0:49:20Ladies, what can I say?
0:49:20 > 0:49:26We're one choir tonight, and it's one choir that speaks much more broadly
0:49:26 > 0:49:28to all the military wives in the country,
0:49:28 > 0:49:31and very well done for being able to do that.
0:49:31 > 0:49:35It's something in your eyes, something in the way you sing.
0:49:35 > 0:49:39The energy you give to these words, this song, it really speaks
0:49:39 > 0:49:40so brilliantly.
0:49:40 > 0:49:43Just enjoy it, this is it.
0:49:43 > 0:49:47I'm sorry for getting you into this, but listen,
0:49:47 > 0:49:49we're up to our necks in it now.
0:49:49 > 0:49:54- Butterflies?- Yeah!- Yeah, yeah. Fine. Just breathe, enjoy.
0:49:54 > 0:49:57- It's going to be great. Yes? - ALL: Yeah!- Fantastic.
0:49:57 > 0:50:00APPLAUSE
0:50:06 > 0:50:07APPLAUSE
0:50:07 > 0:50:14Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Royal Albert Hall for the Festival of Remembrance of 2011.
0:50:14 > 0:50:18TRUMPET FANFARE
0:50:18 > 0:50:21It's going to be great, see you up there.
0:50:21 > 0:50:24This is the moment when military wives sing to the Royal Family.
0:50:24 > 0:50:28It's of such significance for them.
0:50:28 > 0:50:31I feel that weight of history, occasion,
0:50:31 > 0:50:34and responsibility really pressing down in this one.
0:50:45 > 0:50:50# God save our gracious Queen
0:50:50 > 0:50:55# Long live our noble Queen... #
0:50:55 > 0:50:59The Queen's in, the Royal Family are in, as soon as this finishes,
0:50:59 > 0:51:03it's me and the ladies.
0:51:03 > 0:51:05The nerves, you can hear it's started,
0:51:05 > 0:51:08and kind of like, the butterflies are going now.
0:51:08 > 0:51:11- This is like Christmas morning! - It's better than Christmas!
0:51:20 > 0:51:26Can't wait. I'm so excited. Never felt this excited in my life.
0:51:26 > 0:51:28I can't wait!
0:51:28 > 0:51:31There's only 5,000 people in there.
0:51:32 > 0:51:35And 6 million on TV!
0:51:41 > 0:51:44Petrified! Absolutely petrified.
0:51:44 > 0:51:47Think I'm going to fall over or something.
0:51:47 > 0:51:49And I keep forgetting the words!
0:51:49 > 0:51:51We're ready. Ladies, standby.
0:51:54 > 0:51:56It all comes down to this.
0:52:17 > 0:52:21# Ah, ah, ah, ah
0:52:24 > 0:52:27# Aah
0:52:31 > 0:52:34# Wherever you are
0:52:34 > 0:52:37# My love will keep you safe
0:52:37 > 0:52:43# My heart will build a bridge of light across both time and space
0:52:43 > 0:52:50# Wherever you are Our hearts will beat as one
0:52:50 > 0:52:56# I hold you in my dreams each night Until your task is done
0:52:56 > 0:53:02# Light up the darkness My wondrous star
0:53:04 > 0:53:07# Our hopes and dreams My heart and yours
0:53:07 > 0:53:10# Forever shining far
0:53:10 > 0:53:18# Light up the darkness My prince of peace
0:53:18 > 0:53:21# May the stars shine all around you
0:53:21 > 0:53:26# May your courage never cease
0:53:29 > 0:53:32# Oh, oh
0:53:32 > 0:53:35- # Wherever I am - Greater love
0:53:35 > 0:53:38- # I'll love you day by day - Hath no man
0:53:38 > 0:53:42- # I will keep you safe Cling on to faith- Than this
0:53:42 > 0:53:44- # Greater love - Along the dark, dark way
0:53:44 > 0:53:48- # Wherever I am - That a man
0:53:48 > 0:53:52- # I will hold on through the night - Lay down his life
0:53:52 > 0:53:57- # I will pray each day a safe return - For his friends
0:53:57 > 0:54:04# Light up the darkness My wondrous star
0:54:04 > 0:54:07# Our hopes and dreams
0:54:07 > 0:54:11# My heart and yours Forever shining far
0:54:11 > 0:54:17# Light up the darkness My prince of peace
0:54:17 > 0:54:21# May the stars shine all around you
0:54:21 > 0:54:29# May your courage never cease
0:54:29 > 0:54:33# Ah, ah, ah, ah
0:54:33 > 0:54:40# May your courage never cease. #
0:54:46 > 0:54:50APPLAUSE
0:55:08 > 0:55:12BAND PLAYS INSTRUMENTAL VERSION OF THE SONG
0:55:15 > 0:55:18THEY LAUGH
0:55:21 > 0:55:25I thought the emotion of it was quite extraordinary
0:55:25 > 0:55:26and second to none.
0:55:26 > 0:55:29Actually, I don't think there was a dry eye in the house.
0:55:29 > 0:55:30Absolutely magnificent.
0:55:30 > 0:55:34I was brought to tears. It was extremely moving.
0:55:34 > 0:55:36For that one solo singer to sing on her own,
0:55:36 > 0:55:40I thought that was incredible, cos that takes nerves of steel.
0:55:40 > 0:55:43In the rehearsal I was crying my eyes out, and it got me even
0:55:43 > 0:55:47more in the concert, and I turned round and everybody was crying!
0:55:47 > 0:55:50You did so well, that took real spine.
0:55:50 > 0:55:53With everything going on for you, I don't know how you did it.
0:55:53 > 0:55:56- Absolutely loved it. - Good, it's a real triumph.
0:56:01 > 0:56:03Well done, you. Well done.
0:56:09 > 0:56:12I thought it was amazing, absolutely amazing,
0:56:12 > 0:56:17and I thought they did themselves proud and all military wives proud.
0:56:17 > 0:56:18Very proud of them all.
0:56:18 > 0:56:22On the way down the stairs from my seat, an old woman peered over
0:56:22 > 0:56:26the balcony and said, "Tell your wife they were brilliant."
0:56:26 > 0:56:29I thought that summed it up. It was fantastic.
0:56:29 > 0:56:31When they started singing, it was just amazing.
0:56:31 > 0:56:36You could see everybody around us just thought they were brilliant.
0:56:36 > 0:56:38APPLAUSE
0:56:39 > 0:56:45It's been an honour to help you find the voice you so clearly had tonight.
0:56:45 > 0:56:48It was loud, it was strong, and it made most of Great Britain cry.
0:56:48 > 0:56:53- Wahey!- Yes! So very well done for that.
0:56:53 > 0:56:58I'm so proud of you all. It was beautiful. Very many congratulations.
0:56:58 > 0:57:01APPLAUSE
0:57:02 > 0:57:06Can I just say, this is the most emotional, joyous,
0:57:06 > 0:57:08absolutely fantastic experience of my life.
0:57:08 > 0:57:10And I just want to say from all of the choir,
0:57:10 > 0:57:12thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
0:57:12 > 0:57:14APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:57:20 > 0:57:25Never would we have thought seven months ago, whatever,
0:57:25 > 0:57:28when we started this on a cold February morning,
0:57:28 > 0:57:31that we would've been here, of all places,
0:57:31 > 0:57:35in front of our Royal Family. It's absolutely astounding.
0:57:35 > 0:57:38An experience of a lifetime. Nothing more, nothing less.
0:57:38 > 0:57:42Was an experience of a lifetime, I'll treasure it forever, it'll be
0:57:42 > 0:57:47stored up in here until I'm whatever age and watching it as an OAP.
0:57:47 > 0:57:52Before, we were just military wives stuck at home with the kids.
0:57:52 > 0:57:56People are actually hearing us now, and we've got a voice.
0:57:56 > 0:57:58That's it, isn't it, really? We have a voice now.
0:58:00 > 0:58:04These are women who, cos of their natural tendency to get on with it
0:58:04 > 0:58:08stoically, hide their light under a bushel. That's a terrible shame.
0:58:08 > 0:58:11They have so much to be proud of, so much to celebrate.
0:58:11 > 0:58:15I don't think there has ever been a forum to celebrate military wives before,
0:58:15 > 0:58:18and we just made one.
0:58:18 > 0:58:22It felt really fantastic, an honour to be part of that.
0:58:22 > 0:58:28And music did that. Not me, not them, music did it for them.
0:58:38 > 0:58:41Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:58:41 > 0:58:44E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk