0:00:01 > 0:00:05Two, three and... Are you going to be the best choir? Yeah. Come on, then.
0:00:05 > 0:00:08Choirmaster Gareth Malone wants to help Britain's workers
0:00:08 > 0:00:10find their voice.
0:00:10 > 0:00:11This is Gareth Malone here.
0:00:11 > 0:00:13TANNOY: I'm here to start a choir.
0:00:13 > 0:00:17Are you interested in joining a choir? Maybe, yeah.
0:00:17 > 0:00:18In search of hidden talent,
0:00:18 > 0:00:23he's creating choirs in five of Britain's biggest workplaces...
0:00:23 > 0:00:25I would like you to be in the choir, please.
0:00:27 > 0:00:29Yay!
0:00:29 > 0:00:31This proves that bankers can rock.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34If you are ever going to have a firefighting calendar,
0:00:34 > 0:00:36we've got them in the choir.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39..as they compete to be this year's best workplace choir,
0:00:39 > 0:00:42Gareth's demanding musical excellence.
0:00:42 > 0:00:43Going to sing real music.
0:00:43 > 0:00:45Crescendo, diminuendo.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49# Where you going to rock? #
0:00:49 > 0:00:51If they're going to do justice to music,
0:00:51 > 0:00:53it's got to just pour out of them.
0:01:10 > 0:01:14The choirs will face huge public audiences...
0:01:14 > 0:01:17The appetite to win is now on. Bricking it at the moment.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20..and be judged by three world-class musicians.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23You are never together. Wonderful, wonderful tuning.
0:01:23 > 0:01:25Judgement day's coming.
0:01:25 > 0:01:27This means that I will sing for the rest of my life.
0:01:27 > 0:01:28Other than getting married,
0:01:28 > 0:01:30it is one of the best experiences in my life.
0:01:30 > 0:01:33The workplace choir of the year is...
0:01:43 > 0:01:44I am so excited.
0:01:44 > 0:01:47It's like when I went on the French exchange.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49I'm going to France on a ferry.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52Here we are. Welcome to Dover.
0:01:54 > 0:01:57Gareth is on his way to set up a new company choir.
0:01:57 > 0:02:02His destination, the port of Dover and P Ferries.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25and is the UK's largest ferry company.
0:02:27 > 0:02:32They carry ten million customers a year from Britain to the continent.
0:02:33 > 0:02:37Many of them on the iconic Dover to Calais crossing.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44In less than two months, 22 workers from the company
0:02:44 > 0:02:47will be performing in front of the three world-class judges.
0:02:50 > 0:02:54But first, Gareth has to find his singers and mould them into a choir
0:02:54 > 0:02:56worthy of competition standard.
0:03:01 > 0:03:02Morning. Good morning.
0:03:02 > 0:03:04I'm going to France. You're in the right place, then.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07That's good. OK. I'm starting a choir. Are you a singer?
0:03:07 > 0:03:10I do sing a little bit but only in the car and that kind of thing.
0:03:10 > 0:03:12Would you care to give me a few bars of singing?
0:03:12 > 0:03:33# We are sailing, we are sailing. #
0:03:33 > 0:03:36But I hope they're all that happy.
0:03:37 > 0:03:41Gareth begins his search for the company's best singers
0:03:41 > 0:03:44with the employees who work out at sea.
0:03:44 > 0:03:48He's boarding the Spirit of Britain, the fleet's biggest ferry.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52I think we've left quite a lot of the company behind there,
0:03:52 > 0:03:55and I'm sure there's quite a lot of the company over there as well,
0:03:55 > 0:03:58and then there are all these people that go backwards and forwards,
0:03:58 > 0:04:02so it's a company in three parts, and trying to unify that and bring
0:04:02 > 0:04:05everyone together for the choir, I think, will be the major challenge.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09Good morning, I'm Gareth. Pleased to meet you.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12He needs to create an ensemble that represents the whole company,
0:04:12 > 0:04:13so he's scouring every deck
0:04:13 > 0:04:17to meet as many of the ship's 230-strong crew as possible.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21Are you a singer? No, merci. No merci, pas de tout? No, no, no.
0:04:21 > 0:04:41Hello, I'm Gareth. Hello, Gareth. Alan, pleased to meet you.
0:04:41 > 0:04:45and crew safely across, is the captain, Angus Morrison.
0:04:46 > 0:04:50I joined the Merchant Navy 33 years ago.
0:04:50 > 0:04:52I've just progressed through the ranks,
0:04:52 > 0:04:55just waiting for a captain's position.
0:04:55 > 0:04:59Wow. Hello, Gareth. Gareth. Thanks for having me.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02So this is the bridge? This is the bridge.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05I have to say there's a lot of boyish glee going on here.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08And what's this fantastic screen here? This is the radars.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10What are these little things? They are targets.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12They're either ships, boats. You call them targets.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15Is that a radar term? It's a radar term, yeah, targets.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17Right, from the early days of radar, presumably.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19Do you sing at all? I do actually, yeah.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21Oh what do you sing? Country and western.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24Oh, yeah. Could you give me a few notes? No, no, I couldn't possibly.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28Come on. Yeah, everyone wants to hear. Possibly.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30I might pop down later and watch you doing it.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33Oh, that'll be great, yeah. Thanks. Bye-bye. Hello, Grant.
0:05:33 > 0:05:51Also on the bridge is the quartermaster,
0:05:51 > 0:05:54Just give me a "la". # La. #
0:05:54 > 0:05:56I'm a little bit nervous at the moment. It's like a drain.
0:05:56 > 0:05:58Yeah, you put me on the spot. It's deep.
0:05:58 > 0:06:00Let me sing with everybody else. It's very good to meet you.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03I will see you at your audition later. What was your name? Grant.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05I look forward to your audition.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09Having drummed up interest from port to starboard,
0:06:09 > 0:06:12Gareth sets up for auditions in the ship's club lounge.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15He's getting his first sense of the company's character.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18This is very hierarchical. It's like the military.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21You've got the captain at the top. Well, it's the Navy.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27Hello there. Hiya. Welcome, go on in.
0:06:27 > 0:06:31Captain at the top, people scrubbing the decks down the bottom.
0:06:31 > 0:06:33That might be one of the challenges.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35We all know our roles, we all know our jobs
0:06:35 > 0:06:38and we never step outside of that.
0:06:44 > 0:07:03Good afternoon. ALL: Afternoon.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06to bring everyone together and do something for your company.
0:07:06 > 0:07:08So are you ready? ALL: Yes.
0:07:08 > 0:07:10Grant. Really?
0:07:10 > 0:07:13Yes, really. Go on, Grant! Go on!
0:07:13 > 0:07:16So, before you sing, Grant, is anyone steering the ship at the moment?
0:07:16 > 0:07:18No. No, we're parked. Oh, OK.
0:07:18 > 0:07:22No, I'm joking. We're safe. We're safe. So let's hear it.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24One, two, go.
0:07:24 > 0:07:28# We are sailing. # Great.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31# We are sailing. # Yeah.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34# Home again
0:07:34 > 0:07:37# Cross the sea. #
0:07:37 > 0:07:38APPLAUSE
0:07:38 > 0:07:41Well done. Well done, Grant. Thank you very much.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44So, Jeff, you're related? Brothers.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46Are you very similar? GRANT: No.
0:07:46 > 0:07:48LAUGHTER
0:07:48 > 0:07:52Grant's brother, Jeff, has worked for P for nearly 20 years.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54Paul, this one's away.
0:07:54 > 0:08:12He started as a trainee and is now sous chef in the brasserie,
0:08:12 > 0:08:19# We are sailing
0:08:19 > 0:08:22# Home again
0:08:22 > 0:08:25# Cross the sea. #
0:08:25 > 0:08:28Jeff is really feeling it, I can see, that's good.
0:08:28 > 0:08:29Thank you, Jeff. Well done.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31'I'm not up for singing, never have done.'
0:08:31 > 0:08:34So, yeah, for me this is a big thing. Yeah, it's really good.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37And having done it, I'd be gutted now if we didn't get through. Yeah.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41# We are sailing, we are sailing. #
0:08:41 > 0:08:43Over the next two hours,
0:08:43 > 0:08:46Gareth auditions 50 crew members from across the fleet...
0:08:46 > 0:08:51# We are sailing We are sailing. #
0:08:51 > 0:08:54..including one of the company directors...
0:08:54 > 0:08:56# We are sailing. #
0:08:56 > 0:08:59..and even employees based in France,
0:08:59 > 0:09:02including Calais accounts manager Sophie Clabaut.
0:09:02 > 0:09:22Ah, en francais. Sailing de Rod Stewart.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25Hiya. Do I need to speak to you in French? German?
0:09:25 > 0:09:28No, just English is fine, yeah. Great. And what about your singing?
0:09:28 > 0:09:29Do you do very much?
0:09:29 > 0:09:31I've sung nearly all my life since I was about three, but now
0:09:31 > 0:09:34I get really nervous like right now, like I'm shaking like a leaf.
0:09:34 > 0:09:38I don't think you're alone in that. Here we go. Two, three.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41# We are sailing
0:09:41 > 0:09:45# We are sailing, home again. #
0:09:45 > 0:09:4822-year-old Mercedes trained to be a classical singer
0:09:48 > 0:09:50before she became a stewardess.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52Hot chocolates, yeah?
0:09:52 > 0:09:54'Singing's very important to me.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57'As I got older, I started doing different shows'
0:09:57 > 0:09:59and I was getting knocked back like a lot
0:09:59 > 0:10:01and then I started questioning myself.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04But it was the death of her grandmother six years ago
0:10:04 > 0:10:07that really put an end to her musical ambitions.
0:10:08 > 0:10:12Without her there pushing me to go forward, it wasn't the same.
0:10:12 > 0:10:35So, yeah, I think it knocked me quite a lot.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38Just getting them together on this boat was fairly miraculous.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42I didn't feel that this was a group of natural singers.
0:10:42 > 0:10:46I've got some, but the search continues.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57It's a new day at P Ferries.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00Gareth's search for choir members continues.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05It's pretty breathtaking up here.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11As well as passengers, they transport over 80 million tons
0:11:11 > 0:11:15of freight a year, providing a vital conduit for the British economy.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21Up here you really understand what the business does.
0:11:21 > 0:11:41People come in down that hill, onto the ships and away they go.
0:11:41 > 0:11:42'I'm here to start a choir.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45'If you're interested in singing in the choir, make yourself
0:11:45 > 0:11:48'known to me, and we'll be coming round in the next few minutes.'
0:11:49 > 0:11:51I got a little tiny thrill from that.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53I've never pressed a bing-bong before.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56Guys, hello. Are you interested in being in a choir at all?
0:11:56 > 0:11:58I have not got one vocal bone in my body.
0:11:58 > 0:12:02You have got one vocal bone. It's call the hyoid bone.
0:12:02 > 0:12:03I don't feel confident.
0:12:05 > 0:12:10Last stop, Channel House, the nerve centre of the company.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12Would you like to come and audition for my choir?
0:12:12 > 0:12:13Oh, yes, I'd love to.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16Have you applied? Yes, I have, yeah.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19Well a couple of people saying that they're going to go for it.
0:12:19 > 0:12:23Quiet office types. Lean pickings.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27Having completed his tour, Gareth's holding his landside auditions.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31This is an office here. We're not on a ship.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33A very different type of person working in an office
0:12:33 > 0:12:34and hopefully we're going to get some good singers.
0:12:34 > 0:12:53# Across the sea. #
0:12:53 > 0:12:55SHE WARBLES
0:12:55 > 0:12:57Oooh, fancy!
0:12:57 > 0:12:59LAUGHTER
0:12:59 > 0:13:02Joe. What do you do?
0:13:02 > 0:13:06I am a call-centre man... Not manager, well, agent, sorry.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08You've got aspirations.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10LAUGHTER
0:13:10 > 0:13:14# We are sailing
0:13:14 > 0:13:18# We are sailing, home again. #
0:13:18 > 0:13:21Earlier on I was a bit worried about the standard of singing,
0:13:21 > 0:13:23but this afternoon, I've had some of the best singers.
0:13:23 > 0:13:27# We are sailing We are sailing... #
0:13:27 > 0:13:32Last person to audition, onboard steward Harry Hughes.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35# ..across the sea. #
0:13:35 > 0:13:39Done some singing before? Canterbury Cathedral Choir.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41EVERYONE MURMERS
0:13:41 > 0:13:43OK. Just going to make a note of that.
0:13:43 > 0:14:02LAUGHTER
0:14:02 > 0:14:04I've got a couple of officers.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07I've got a little bit of a balancing job now to do to make it work.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11Up to 24 singers are allowed in each choir and Gareth wants
0:14:11 > 0:14:16to ensure they reflect the character of each company.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19Each choir in this whole contest is supposed to be different,
0:14:19 > 0:14:21and it's supposed to feel like the company,
0:14:21 > 0:14:24and when I look at Jeff the chef and Grant, I really feel like
0:14:24 > 0:14:28I'm seeing P Ferries, and it would be very tempting to just go through
0:14:28 > 0:14:30all the people that work in the office and sing nicely,
0:14:30 > 0:14:34but what I want is that you hear a sound that sounds like the sea.
0:14:34 > 0:14:38To achieve a balanced sound he's looking for an equal mix of bass,
0:14:38 > 0:14:41tenor, alto and soprano voices.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45And two reserves. That's it. That's my choir.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53Today, workers from all corners of the company are gathering
0:14:53 > 0:15:13for their first ever choir rehearsal.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16Most have never sung in public before.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19We are walking into an unknown thing here.
0:15:19 > 0:15:20Could be this, we could be doing that,
0:15:20 > 0:15:24what songs we might be singing and where does it go from here?
0:15:24 > 0:15:27There's a lot of excitement going on, so...
0:15:27 > 0:15:30Come on in.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37Hello. ALL: Hello.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40Hello, welcome to your first rehearsal.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43APPLAUSE
0:15:43 > 0:15:46Before we start, we need to get you into position.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49I would like all the sopranos on port side,
0:15:49 > 0:15:51I'd like the basses on starboard side
0:15:51 > 0:15:56and I'd like the tenors midship on the starboard side. Go!
0:16:22 > 0:16:25That is a shocking situation.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28I hope you're better at singing.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31Gareth wants them to choose their first song themselves.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34Something that reflects their company.
0:16:34 > 0:16:40OK. Any ideas of a song that could represent P Ferries?
0:16:40 > 0:16:43Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay. Do we all know it? Let's sing it.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47# Sitting on the dock of the bay
0:16:47 > 0:16:51# Watching the tide roll away. #
0:16:51 > 0:16:54How many of you actually spend a lot of time sitting on the docks?
0:16:54 > 0:16:55LAUGHTER
0:16:55 > 0:16:59Is it the snappy version of we're sitting on the dock of the bay,
0:16:59 > 0:17:02waiting for our passengers?
0:17:02 > 0:17:04Don't Stop Me Now by Queen,
0:17:04 > 0:17:06cos we're always crossing, 45 times a day.
0:17:06 > 0:17:07I think that's a great song.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10It does include the lyric - "I'm a sex machine ready to explode."
0:17:10 > 0:17:12LAUGHTER
0:17:12 > 0:17:33Cliff Richard, we're all going on a summer holiday.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35Yes, sir? Rock The Boat.
0:17:35 > 0:17:37Oh, how's that go?
0:17:37 > 0:17:39# Rock the boat Don't rock the boat, baby
0:17:39 > 0:17:41# Rock the boat Don't tip the boat over
0:17:41 > 0:17:43# Rock the boat Don't rock the boat, baby
0:17:43 > 0:17:46# Rock the boat. #
0:17:46 > 0:17:48That's good.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50I mean, that kind of gets to the whole point, doesn't it?
0:17:50 > 0:17:53Al' right hands up for Rock The Boat.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56I've got two hands. It seems like a decision has been made.
0:17:56 > 0:17:57I think Rock The Boat.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59Let's have a break, and we'll come back when I've printed it.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01Thank you very much.
0:18:10 > 0:18:14# So I'd like to know where you got the notion
0:18:15 > 0:18:18# Say I'd like to know where you got the notion
0:18:20 > 0:18:44# Our love is like a ship on the ocean
0:18:44 > 0:18:46"I'm not singing that!"
0:18:46 > 0:18:48Let's work, pick through this a bit.
0:18:48 > 0:18:49'Despite my best efforts,
0:18:49 > 0:18:54'we've ended up with a camp song for a bunch of quite burly, butch men.'
0:18:56 > 0:19:00'It was never my favourite song, ever, growing up.'
0:19:00 > 0:19:03In fact any sort of disco song when I was growing up I used to hate.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06# Rock the boat, rock the boat. #
0:19:06 > 0:19:10Interesting, the song choices. Some of them are a little different.
0:19:10 > 0:19:14Painful, some of them were painful, I have to admit. I didn't like 'em.
0:19:14 > 0:19:15# Rock the boat. #
0:19:15 > 0:19:18I couldn't really give a monkeys what the song is.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20Let's just sing it.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23# Rock the boat. #
0:19:24 > 0:19:26I don't know, it's not quite what I expecting, the sound.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29It sounds quite English choral.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32I didn't really think, I thought it was going to be all like, "YEAH!"
0:19:32 > 0:19:34and it's not at all, it's not brash.
0:19:34 > 0:19:54Have a seat, well done, thank you.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57Yeah, I thought we sounded like a choir as well, straight off.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00I think it could end up sounding really good, let's hope so.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02We've just all got to get our heads round it a bit and practise.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05I now need to work with the arranger to make sure this arrangement,
0:20:05 > 0:20:08it blows their socks off, cos when I come back,
0:20:08 > 0:20:12we're going to be performing it faster than they realise.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19With five different companies in the contest,
0:20:19 > 0:20:22Gareth is limited to a day a week with each choir.
0:20:22 > 0:20:23In between his visits,
0:20:23 > 0:20:27a local choirmaster is on hand to help with their training.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35My colleagues have been working really,
0:20:35 > 0:20:37really hard from early in the morning.
0:20:37 > 0:20:39Some of them are going to be still working
0:20:39 > 0:20:42when they get home tonight to get those words in their heads.
0:20:42 > 0:21:04# Said I'd like to know where you got the notion. #
0:21:04 > 0:21:07When I left, there was a decided feeling of being unimpressed
0:21:07 > 0:21:12with the song, and I sort of left with a slightly worried feeling.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14If they go for it, it'll be really fun.
0:21:14 > 0:21:16If they look embarrassed and they shuffle through it,
0:21:16 > 0:21:19it will be a disaster for them.
0:21:19 > 0:21:24I'm going to learn a lot about their general attitude today, I think.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29Before launching into the next rehearsal, Gareth wants
0:21:29 > 0:21:33to get to know his singers more, so he's dropping in on them at work.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38I'm here to see Dean who works in the warehouse.
0:21:38 > 0:21:40Morning. How are you? I'm very well. You?
0:21:40 > 0:21:41Dean is one of the tenors
0:21:41 > 0:21:45and has worked in the warehouse for six years.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48This is the warehouse to which I am a shift manager.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53We have staff here in the warehouse that pick all the stock
0:21:53 > 0:22:11and we send it down to the ships.
0:22:11 > 0:22:15Scourers, the people on the kitchens that scour that pans, they're here.
0:22:15 > 0:22:17Plastic little stirrers you get with your tea that don't make sense
0:22:17 > 0:22:20cos you need a spoon, they're here.
0:22:20 > 0:22:22You name it, they're here.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27I am always here. You never get out? Never on the ships?
0:22:27 > 0:22:28They don't often let me out.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31You now know a few more faces within the business. Yeah.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35I know Jeff through Jeff in black writing on an email.
0:22:35 > 0:22:37Oh, really? And that's how I know Jeff the chef. Yeah.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39And it'll be quite often, "No, you can't have it."
0:22:39 > 0:22:42"Well, I want it." "No, you can't have it." "Well, I want it."
0:22:42 > 0:22:44"But you can't have it, cos we ain't got it." "But I need it."
0:22:44 > 0:22:47And that's the kind of communication me and Jeff would have.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49Don't you feel that when you sing with someone it's different,
0:22:49 > 0:22:51it's much easier to communicate with them?
0:22:51 > 0:22:53When it sounds rubbish, it doesn't.
0:22:53 > 0:22:54When it sounds good,
0:22:54 > 0:22:57it really does feel like you've known each other a long time.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00And that's the time to sort out all your disputes.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03Yeah. That was good, "Oh, by the way, where's my chips?" Yeah.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25It's a very busy job. We have 46 crossings a day.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28There's not much rest in a controller's position.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31Once the ship is loaded, they set sail,
0:23:31 > 0:23:34and the onboard crew takes over.
0:23:34 > 0:23:38Down on his galley is Jeff the chef. Hello.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41Hello, Gareth. How are you? Yeah, not too bad.
0:23:41 > 0:23:43So do you spend your whole life down here, Jeff? Pretty much.
0:23:43 > 0:23:48Yeah? So you never get to see the actual sea.
0:23:48 > 0:23:52No, not unless we go and take a look out the port hole.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55And how are you enjoying the choir? I love it, actually. Do you? Yeah.
0:23:55 > 0:23:56Have you always sung with your brother?
0:23:56 > 0:23:59We've never sung together before. Really? How funny!
0:23:59 > 0:24:00In your entire life? No.
0:24:00 > 0:24:02I just sang Happy Birthday to the rest of the family,
0:24:02 > 0:24:04but that's about as far as it goes.
0:24:08 > 0:24:12The rest of the day is set aside for choir rehearsal.
0:24:12 > 0:24:32Having had five days to work on their first song,
0:24:32 > 0:24:33LAUGHTER
0:24:33 > 0:24:36Let's get started. On your feet. Let's get ready to sing.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39One, two, three and...
0:24:39 > 0:24:41PIANO STRIKES UP
0:24:43 > 0:24:48# So I'd like to know where you got the notion
0:24:48 > 0:24:53# Said I'd like to know where you got the notion
0:24:53 > 0:24:55# Rock the boat Don't rock the boat, baby
0:24:55 > 0:24:58# Rock the boat Don't tip the boat over
0:24:58 > 0:25:00# Rock the boat Don't rock the boat, baby
0:25:00 > 0:25:05# Rock the boat
0:25:05 > 0:25:08# Aah
0:25:08 > 0:25:11# Ooh-ooh. #
0:25:11 > 0:25:14OK, well done. Have a seat.
0:25:14 > 0:25:18Lots of good things and what I'm really hearing is potential.
0:25:18 > 0:25:19I don't think it's there.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22I think what's lacking at the moment is that overall sound
0:25:22 > 0:25:43absolutely coming together, just feels a little bit piecemeal.
0:25:43 > 0:25:45One, two, three and.
0:25:45 > 0:25:50# Rock the boat, don't rock the boat baby, rock the boat. # Listen.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55That's going sharp there, and it's because you're not listening.
0:25:55 > 0:25:57'The sopranos are really sharp.'
0:25:57 > 0:25:59It just sounds like they're trying a bit too hard.
0:25:59 > 0:26:01Can I hear Lorraine and Julie together?
0:26:01 > 0:26:04# Rock the boat. # Yeah, Julie you're slightly sharp.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07Can you hear? You're all going, "Oh, shit!
0:26:07 > 0:26:11"Gareth's looking at me, and I'm doing it wrong and I'm in trouble."
0:26:11 > 0:26:12You're not in trouble.
0:26:12 > 0:26:16'When they listen and when they relax, it's a phenomenal sound.'
0:26:16 > 0:26:20# Said I'd like to know where you got the notion
0:26:20 > 0:26:23# Rock the boat Don't rock the boat, baby
0:26:23 > 0:26:25# Rock the boat Don't tip the boat over. #
0:26:25 > 0:26:26Much better.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28# Rock the boat Don't rock the boat, baby. #
0:26:28 > 0:26:31And listen. # Aaah-aaah. #
0:26:31 > 0:26:34Ah!
0:26:34 > 0:26:54Yeah.
0:26:54 > 0:26:58I'm just interested, what's the perception of people who go to sea
0:26:58 > 0:27:01from the people on the land and vice versa.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04Possibly the guys that work ashore don't quite understand
0:27:04 > 0:27:07how difficult the logistics are with working on a ferry
0:27:07 > 0:27:10and getting hold of stores and communication, how important it is.
0:27:10 > 0:27:13It's easier on shore side, cos you can run into the office next door.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16We still have to call and do the, "Yes, it is urgent."
0:27:16 > 0:27:19And we have to put the stores on for the ships.
0:27:19 > 0:27:20If there is a role for the choir,
0:27:20 > 0:27:23it's a perfect opportunity for you guys to get together
0:27:23 > 0:27:25and actually talk about these sorts of things,
0:27:25 > 0:27:27cos you know people on a personal level.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30Do the heads of the company know you as individuals? No, no.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33Well, depending on who it is. Some.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36This is a fantastic chance for you as a choir and as individuals
0:27:36 > 0:27:39to be known by the heads of the company, which is really exciting.
0:27:39 > 0:27:43So, listen, my feeling is that
0:27:43 > 0:28:01you're not really a choir until you've performed.
0:28:01 > 0:28:04So Gareth scours Head Office for an audience,
0:28:04 > 0:28:08inviting managers and staff to the atrium to hear them sing.
0:28:09 > 0:28:12Hello. The choir are going to sing.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15I'll be watching from over there. Great.
0:28:15 > 0:28:17Cinq minutes. D'accord. Merci.
0:28:17 > 0:28:19I think the choir's ready.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22We just need to basically remember and think whilst we're singing
0:28:22 > 0:28:25and not get carried away with ourself. Hello. They're performing,
0:28:25 > 0:28:27ten, 15 minutes, downstairs. Oh, brilliant.
0:28:27 > 0:28:30You going to come? Oh, yeah, love to.
0:28:30 > 0:28:31Piece of cake.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34Piece of cake, yeah. Well, if we're ready or not, we'll see.
0:28:34 > 0:28:38CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:28:43 > 0:28:47Hello, ladies and gentlemen of P Head Office here.
0:28:47 > 0:28:49It's very good to be here. This is YOUR choir.
0:28:49 > 0:28:52APPLAUSE
0:28:52 > 0:29:16We're going to sing a really wonderful song for you called
0:29:16 > 0:29:18# Rock the boat Don't rock the boat, baby
0:29:18 > 0:29:20# Rock the boat Don't tip the boat over
0:29:20 > 0:29:23# Rock the boat Don't rock the boat, baby
0:29:23 > 0:29:26# Rock the boat
0:29:26 > 0:29:30# Oh-whoa
0:29:30 > 0:29:33# Ever since our voyage of love began
0:29:35 > 0:29:38# You're touch just thrilled me like a like a rush of the wind
0:29:40 > 0:29:44# And your arms have held me safe from a rolling sea
0:29:45 > 0:29:50# There's always been a quiet place to harbour you and me-e-e-e
0:29:53 > 0:29:58# Our love is like a ship on the ocean
0:29:58 > 0:30:03# We've been sailing with a cargo full of love and devotion. #
0:30:24 > 0:30:26So emotional.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29In the space of a week, I couldn't believe how far they'd come.
0:30:29 > 0:30:32They were brilliant, they were absolutely brilliant.
0:30:32 > 0:30:34I think the performance was great.
0:30:34 > 0:30:37I'm not sure we followed all the instructions and small details,
0:30:37 > 0:30:40but the big lines were there.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43I thought the performance was pretty good, actually.
0:30:43 > 0:30:46A lot of the detail that we've done in the rehearsal disappeared,
0:30:46 > 0:30:49but the general sound was good.
0:30:49 > 0:30:51I'm optimistic about this choir.
0:30:57 > 0:31:00I'm going to rubber-stamp that and say you are definitely a choir,
0:31:00 > 0:31:04and now it's about making you a really good choir.
0:31:04 > 0:31:08The choir has successfully delivered their first ever public performance.
0:31:08 > 0:31:11Good job. Give yourselves a round of applause.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14Now they must begin to work towards their next goal,
0:31:14 > 0:31:32learning a brand-new song to be sung in front of the contest judges.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36Beyond The Sea.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:31:39 > 0:31:42C'est en francais aussi.
0:31:44 > 0:31:46It's in two languages. The whole of the beginning is in English
0:31:46 > 0:31:48and the whole of the middle section is in French.
0:31:48 > 0:31:50So have we all now got to learn French?
0:31:50 > 0:31:53Yes, you've also got to learn French as well as being a choir.
0:31:53 > 0:31:55Here we go. Beyond The Sea.
0:31:55 > 0:31:59Composed in 1946 by Frenchman, Charles Trenet,
0:31:59 > 0:32:04Beyond The Sea, or La Mer, is a song about the romance of the sea.
0:32:04 > 0:32:08Good. OK so, Beyond The Sea. Shall we just have a blast through?
0:32:10 > 0:32:14# Somewhere beyond the sea
0:32:15 > 0:32:19# Somewhere waiting for me
0:32:20 > 0:32:24# My lover stands on golden sands
0:32:43 > 0:32:46# Voyez
0:32:46 > 0:32:48# Ces oiseaux blancs
0:32:48 > 0:32:51# Et ces maisons rouillees. #
0:32:53 > 0:32:55There you go.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58That sounded horrendous.
0:32:58 > 0:33:02My French is petit, nah.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05Bonjour. That's it.
0:33:05 > 0:33:10Pres des etang... What? Yeah, it could sound like roadkill.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13'Everybody else, apart from me,
0:33:13 > 0:33:16'is quite worried about how they're going to go on with that song.'
0:33:16 > 0:33:18I will help them as much as I can,
0:33:18 > 0:33:21because they've been helping me much about the English song, so...
0:33:21 > 0:33:24You know what I'm looking for now, and I will communicate that as well
0:33:24 > 0:33:28to your choirmaster who will then continue that work.
0:33:28 > 0:33:31Well done. Bye-bye.
0:33:31 > 0:33:32APPLAUSE
0:33:32 > 0:33:35'This choir only started one week ago today,
0:33:35 > 0:33:54'so we've done an awful lot in a very short space of time.'
0:33:54 > 0:33:57it's down to choir member Sophie Clabaut to teach them
0:33:57 > 0:34:00the correct pronunciation while Gareth is away.
0:34:01 > 0:34:03'It's very difficult for them,
0:34:03 > 0:34:06'because some sounds are very different.'
0:34:06 > 0:34:10The "Y", the "R"...all of those sounds are quite tough for them,
0:34:10 > 0:34:12but they are doing very well.
0:34:12 > 0:34:15ALL: Et ces maisons rouillees.
0:34:15 > 0:34:19APPLAUSE
0:34:25 > 0:34:29A few weeks later, and Gareth is back in Dover.
0:34:29 > 0:34:32He's heard that creating an "entente cordiale"
0:34:32 > 0:34:34is proving a challenge for the choir.
0:34:34 > 0:34:38Good morning. I'm taking an enormous party of singers onboard.
0:34:38 > 0:34:41A day trip to France.
0:34:43 > 0:35:03Morning, everyone. Morning. Hello, how you doing?
0:35:04 > 0:35:07Hurry up! We've a ship to catch!
0:35:11 > 0:35:13I'm taking the choir to Calais today,
0:35:13 > 0:35:16because they need to experience a bit of the French atmosphere.
0:35:20 > 0:35:23Gareth's hoping some joie de vivre will rub off,
0:35:23 > 0:35:27because in France, he's holding auditions for the solo section
0:35:27 > 0:35:30and he wants to try something different.
0:35:30 > 0:35:33Because it is such a romantic song, and they are singing about
0:35:33 > 0:35:37the romance of the sea and the romance of travelling between England
0:35:37 > 0:35:39and France - I think it needs to be a duet,
0:35:39 > 0:35:41because it's about two people.
0:35:41 > 0:35:43# Somewhere. #
0:35:45 > 0:35:48That's not too bad. It's not too shabby.
0:35:48 > 0:35:52# Somewhere waiting for me. #
0:35:52 > 0:35:55No. No? Do it again.
0:36:13 > 0:36:18and a little bit croony, so I need someone who gets the style.
0:36:18 > 0:36:21I don't really know what to expect of them individually.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24I know what they sound like as a choir.
0:36:24 > 0:36:28For stewardess Mercedes, this will be her first shot at a lead part
0:36:28 > 0:36:33since giving up her classical music dream at the age of 16.
0:36:33 > 0:36:36It took a lot of persuasion to apply for the solo auditions.
0:36:36 > 0:36:38Enter!
0:36:38 > 0:36:40Hello. Come on in.
0:36:40 > 0:36:44But then I thought, maybe one last shot and to see how it goes.
0:36:44 > 0:36:48How you doing? Yeah, OK.
0:36:48 > 0:36:49Ready, here we go.
0:36:51 > 0:36:56# Somewhere beyond the sea
0:36:57 > 0:36:59# Somewhere waiting... #
0:36:59 > 0:37:01If I'm honest, it's very careful,
0:37:01 > 0:37:03and you don't look like you're having a good time.
0:37:03 > 0:37:23I'm trying to not get it wrong. # Somewhere. #
0:37:23 > 0:37:25# They'll go sailing. #
0:37:28 > 0:37:29It's got to be fun.
0:37:29 > 0:37:32You weren't enjoying it. No, because I get too nervous.
0:37:32 > 0:37:33You were trying too hard.
0:37:33 > 0:37:36I'm worried I'll get it wrong and then I can't enjoy it any more,
0:37:36 > 0:37:38because I think, "Oh, what if I mess it up?"
0:37:38 > 0:37:41# Somewhere. #
0:37:41 > 0:37:43# Beyond the sea. #
0:37:43 > 0:37:45# Somewhere. #
0:37:45 > 0:37:48# Waiting for me. #
0:37:48 > 0:37:52Over the next hour, Gareth persists with his search for a leading duo.
0:37:52 > 0:37:57# And watches the ships that go sailing. #
0:38:02 > 0:38:03How did you do?
0:38:03 > 0:38:07'Very often, I know, as soon as that person comes in, it's you,
0:38:07 > 0:38:09'and I didn't really have that sense.'
0:38:09 > 0:38:10# Somewhere. #
0:38:10 > 0:38:13# Waiting for me. #
0:38:13 > 0:38:34Yeah, it was nice enough, but this is a contest,
0:38:35 > 0:38:38# Somewhere. # So much better.
0:38:38 > 0:38:41# Beyond the sea
0:38:41 > 0:38:45# Somewhere waiting for me. #
0:38:45 > 0:38:47If we sing it together and we was happy,
0:38:47 > 0:38:50and we smile like we did that one, I think it'll sound all right.
0:38:50 > 0:38:53And we even got the high notes. Yeah, as long as we smile.
0:38:53 > 0:38:55The last one was brilliant. Got to smile.
0:38:55 > 0:38:57I'm a bit disappointed really with the quality of the solo singing,
0:38:57 > 0:39:01because, actually, together, they make a really good noise,
0:39:01 > 0:39:04but just individually, none of them really had any style.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10Perhaps Mercedes, maybe Jeff?
0:39:10 > 0:39:14I don't want to make a snap decision here, because I don't really feel
0:39:14 > 0:39:18like anyone's really leapt out and said, "Yes, it has to be me."
0:39:21 > 0:39:25As part of the ongoing drive to unite the choir,
0:39:25 > 0:39:43Gareth is taking them into Calais to sample some French culture.
0:39:43 > 0:39:46Can I propose a toast, not only to the P choir,
0:39:46 > 0:39:50but to bringing France and England together a little more.
0:39:50 > 0:39:53To the choir!
0:39:53 > 0:39:54APPLAUSE
0:39:54 > 0:39:56Coming down to Calais is really nice.
0:39:56 > 0:39:58Nice to have a good beverage.
0:40:01 > 0:40:04Yeah, I've come to Calais ten times a day usually doing my job,
0:40:04 > 0:40:07but it's the first time I've been into the town.
0:40:07 > 0:40:09Sophie is based full-time in Calais
0:40:09 > 0:40:13and must make the 90-minute crossing for every choir practice.
0:40:13 > 0:40:15Do you think this is helping your English?
0:40:15 > 0:40:18Yes, because I've been talking a lot of English since I've joined
0:40:18 > 0:40:21this choir, but I've been improving their French as well.
0:40:21 > 0:40:23Yeah, definitely there's been a lot more French spoken,
0:40:23 > 0:40:25and now we're in France.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28Yeah, I'm very pleased you're in France. Sante.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31Well, I hope you enjoy the wine.
0:40:31 > 0:40:32No, there's no Stella. No Stella?
0:40:32 > 0:40:34'It's fascinating, really.
0:40:34 > 0:40:54'Some of them are so staunchly English
0:40:54 > 0:40:58which is to bring people to France for fun.
0:40:58 > 0:41:00The social element's going well.
0:41:00 > 0:41:03I think the singing is not really getting there yet.
0:41:10 > 0:41:13Three days later, and Gareth is back at P to announce
0:41:13 > 0:41:15who will be singing the duet.
0:41:18 > 0:41:20'I'm surprised at this company, that seemed to be quite
0:41:20 > 0:41:24'a flamboyant lot in rehearsal, but when they stood up in front
0:41:24 > 0:41:28'of me in that situation, all the personality seemed to go out of it.'
0:41:30 > 0:41:31Hello, how you doing?
0:41:31 > 0:41:35'Nobody wowed me. That makes it more difficult for me to decide.'
0:41:35 > 0:41:37Good morning, everyone. ALL: Morning.
0:41:37 > 0:41:39Hello, very good to see you.
0:41:39 > 0:41:42Lots of you came in your pairs to come and audition.
0:41:42 > 0:41:45I've chosen a pair that I've made up,
0:41:45 > 0:41:46and those people are...
0:42:04 > 0:42:09'This means so, so much. I can't stop smiling.'
0:42:09 > 0:42:14My cheeks are actually hurting right now, but I think we'll do great.
0:42:14 > 0:42:16Shall we have a listen to it?
0:42:18 > 0:42:24# Somewhere beyond the sea
0:42:24 > 0:42:26# Somewhere waiting for me. #
0:42:26 > 0:42:29'Sitting down, I had butterflies when he said I've got it.'
0:42:29 > 0:42:33I just sort of wanted to jump up and sort of scream, really.
0:42:33 > 0:42:36# My lover stands on golden sands. #
0:42:36 > 0:42:38'I think the soloist voices go well together.'
0:42:38 > 0:42:42They've got a bit of work to do to make the blend absolutely immaculate,
0:42:42 > 0:42:44and then it's beautiful when all the voices come in,
0:42:44 > 0:42:46so I think that's going to work well.
0:42:46 > 0:42:49# Somewhere, somewhere
0:42:49 > 0:42:51# Beyond the sea
0:42:51 > 0:42:55# She's there watching for me. #
0:42:55 > 0:43:15'I'm happy with the soloists,
0:43:15 > 0:43:18I mean, it was brilliant, and that's absolutely it.
0:43:18 > 0:43:19If you're doing that, then you've got it right,
0:43:19 > 0:43:23and I don't think everyone's got the same kind of level of connection,
0:43:23 > 0:43:24and that's what we have to work on.
0:43:24 > 0:43:27I think it's the physicality that I'm really looking for,
0:43:27 > 0:43:28so we're going out for a nice walk.
0:43:28 > 0:43:30Follow me.
0:43:37 > 0:43:40The iconic white cliffs of Dover are the first things seen
0:43:40 > 0:43:42when you sail into port
0:43:42 > 0:43:46and are regarded the world over as a romantic symbol of English heritage.
0:43:49 > 0:43:51They overlook the whole business,
0:43:51 > 0:43:55and it's here Gareth has chosen to bring his choir for inspiration.
0:43:59 > 0:44:01That's a romantic scene, isn't it?
0:44:01 > 0:44:04That ship down there is my husband's ship.
0:44:04 > 0:44:06We see each other one week out of the month.
0:44:06 > 0:44:25So we do watch the ships go sailing. Oh, really?
0:44:25 > 0:44:28which is to take people across this amazing expanse of water.
0:44:28 > 0:44:30Your song is about romance.
0:44:30 > 0:44:34It's about travel across a vast expanse of water
0:44:34 > 0:44:37and arriving at a destination to meet the person that you love.
0:44:37 > 0:44:41Try to imagine, you know, that kind of fervent excitement that you
0:44:41 > 0:44:44have when you're first in love and you're desperate to see that person.
0:44:44 > 0:44:48And obviously when you're married as well.
0:44:48 > 0:44:52Shall we have a little go at it. Ready, one, two, three.
0:44:52 > 0:44:55# Somewhere, somewhere
0:44:55 > 0:44:57# Beyond the sea
0:44:57 > 0:45:01# She's there watching for me
0:45:03 > 0:45:08# If I could fly like birds on high
0:45:08 > 0:45:13# Straight to her arms I'd go sailing
0:45:14 > 0:45:36# Voyez, voyez
0:45:36 > 0:45:39# Happy we'll be beyond the sea
0:45:42 > 0:45:47# Watching the ships that go sailing. #
0:45:49 > 0:45:53CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:45:54 > 0:45:58That's feeling like the spirit is there, is it not? Yes.
0:45:58 > 0:46:00The spirit of the choir.
0:46:00 > 0:46:05I thought, Jeff, you were really grooving there. Really, really good.
0:46:05 > 0:46:09Use these things. Have the cliffs and the birds and the sea
0:46:09 > 0:46:12and the ships in your mind when you're performing.
0:46:12 > 0:46:14We need an audience now. We need to just go and do it.
0:46:14 > 0:46:18Well done, it's been really useful to come out here. Really good.
0:46:18 > 0:46:20APPLAUSE
0:46:22 > 0:46:25Ice creams anyone? ALL: Yeah!
0:46:25 > 0:46:46I don't have any, but...
0:46:46 > 0:46:48That's what's been missing in the rehearsal room.
0:46:48 > 0:46:53There are one or two who are still not really going for it,
0:46:53 > 0:46:55but we'll see, perhaps they just need an audience.
0:47:01 > 0:47:05For the next few weeks, it's business as usual on the ferries.
0:47:05 > 0:47:07# Just as before... #
0:47:08 > 0:47:10In readiness for the big performance,
0:47:10 > 0:47:13the choir practise every spare minute.
0:47:13 > 0:47:16# Beyond the sea. #
0:47:16 > 0:47:18# Do, do, do, do, do Do, do, do, do. #
0:47:18 > 0:47:22I think it's changing the attitudes of everyone in the choir.
0:47:22 > 0:47:26We can all see that we can work well together, we can sing well together.
0:47:26 > 0:47:28# And watches the ships. #
0:47:28 > 0:47:32As a whole company, everyone's behind us.
0:47:32 > 0:47:34# Voyez. #
0:47:34 > 0:47:55The choir is a really good morale booster.
0:47:55 > 0:47:59The P choir came together less than two months ago.
0:47:59 > 0:48:04They've spent weeks trying to master their first contest piece.
0:48:04 > 0:48:07Now the day of the big performance has arrived.
0:48:07 > 0:48:10Hello. ALL: Hello.
0:48:10 > 0:48:13It's show time. Do we have everyone? Have we got all the sopranos?
0:48:13 > 0:48:15Yes.
0:48:15 > 0:48:17Altos? Yes.
0:48:17 > 0:48:19Basses? BASSES: (DEEPLY) Yes.
0:48:19 > 0:48:20LAUGHTER
0:48:20 > 0:48:22Anchor's away!
0:48:25 > 0:48:29The choir are boarding the pride of the fleet, the Spirit of Britain.
0:48:31 > 0:48:33The performance will be taking place
0:48:33 > 0:48:37in front of a large audience of colleagues, friends and family.
0:48:37 > 0:48:41We're going to be performing in here.
0:48:41 > 0:48:46I will be here, and the judges will be right in front of you over there.
0:48:46 > 0:49:04The nerves haven't really hit me yet, but I think they definitely will.
0:49:07 > 0:49:10With everyone on board, they set sail.
0:49:12 > 0:49:14The performance will be taking place
0:49:14 > 0:49:17in the middle of the English Channel.
0:49:17 > 0:49:21Judging the contest are three highly distinguished members
0:49:21 > 0:49:23of the classical music community.
0:49:23 > 0:49:26They've got to get that French mood right, even the English bits.
0:49:26 > 0:49:29The first judge, Professor Paul Mealor,
0:49:29 > 0:49:32was recently voted the nation's favourite living composer.
0:49:32 > 0:49:36Can they sing the harmonies together, balanced and in tune?
0:49:36 > 0:49:37Do they sell the song?
0:49:37 > 0:49:40What a venue for a first performance, on a ship.
0:49:40 > 0:49:42The second judge is Ken Burton,
0:49:42 > 0:49:46award-winning gospel conductor and performer.
0:49:46 > 0:49:48Singing in two languages is a challenge.
0:49:48 > 0:49:52It's a completely different tone production.
0:49:52 > 0:49:54A lot of English people don't like singing in French,
0:49:54 > 0:49:56cos they've so many different vowel sounds.
0:49:56 > 0:50:15Finally, Sarah Fox, international operatic soprano.
0:50:15 > 0:50:18# Then straight to her arms. #
0:50:18 > 0:50:22# That go sailing. #
0:50:22 > 0:50:25# Voyez ces oiseaux. #
0:50:25 > 0:50:27The bass section is doing pretty good.
0:50:27 > 0:50:30God knows what we're going to be like when we actually stand there.
0:50:30 > 0:50:32It might completely change.
0:50:33 > 0:50:37After months of effort, the moment has arrived.
0:50:40 > 0:50:43The audience take their seats
0:50:43 > 0:50:46for the P choir's first ever public performance.
0:50:49 > 0:50:54This is part of the contest, this is the competitive situation,
0:50:54 > 0:50:56and it will count towards the next stage,
0:50:56 > 0:50:59and that's where somebody will be knocked out.
0:50:59 > 0:51:02So you've got to bring a bit of the magic that we found
0:51:02 > 0:51:06up on the white cliffs of Dover into the Forward Bar.
0:51:24 > 0:51:27APPLAUSE
0:51:27 > 0:51:30It's crazy to think that all the hard work we've put in,
0:51:30 > 0:51:34going home late, getting up early, one song...that's all we've got
0:51:34 > 0:51:38to really show these three judges that we've got what it takes.
0:51:38 > 0:51:39Let's hope we can do it.
0:51:39 > 0:51:41The P choir!
0:51:41 > 0:51:44CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:51:50 > 0:51:53A contest wouldn't be a contest unless we had judges.
0:51:53 > 0:51:57Here they are. Paul Mealor, Sarah Fox and Ken Burton.
0:51:57 > 0:52:02The judges are evaluating the choir on technical ability, musicality
0:52:02 > 0:52:03and performance.
0:52:03 > 0:52:07Any feedback they give will help the choir through the contest.
0:52:07 > 0:52:11So, the P choir performing La Mer, Beyond The Sea.
0:52:11 > 0:52:14CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:52:38 > 0:52:44# And watches the ships that go sailing
0:52:45 > 0:52:49# Somewhere, somewhere
0:52:49 > 0:52:52# Beyond the sea
0:52:52 > 0:52:55# She's there watching for me
0:52:57 > 0:53:01# If I could fly like birds on high
0:53:03 > 0:53:08# Then straight to her arms I'd go sailing
0:53:10 > 0:53:13# Voyez, voyez
0:53:13 > 0:53:17# Pres des etangs, pres des etangs
0:53:17 > 0:53:19# Roseaux mouilles
0:53:19 > 0:53:22# Voyez ces oiseaux
0:53:22 > 0:53:25# Voyez, voyez
0:53:25 > 0:53:45# Ces oiseaux blancs Ces oiseaux blancs
0:53:45 > 0:53:50# Happy we'll be beyond the sea
0:53:51 > 0:53:56# Watching the ships that go sailing. #
0:54:00 > 0:54:04CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:54:14 > 0:54:18P choir, we want to thank you so much for that performance.
0:54:18 > 0:54:20Men, don't look so...so nervous.
0:54:20 > 0:54:22Your tone was very pleasing, it was very easy,
0:54:22 > 0:54:27and I feel, ladies, you could take a lead from the men.
0:54:27 > 0:54:29Don't let it get to your heads, men. OK.
0:54:29 > 0:54:31In terms of your performance,
0:54:31 > 0:54:34when you started singing in the French section,
0:54:34 > 0:54:36it had a completely different energy.
0:54:36 > 0:54:55Your technique was better, the sound was better,
0:54:55 > 0:54:58and, particularly in this acoustic, we can hear that.
0:54:58 > 0:55:02The "MS" on the end of "arms", that needs tidying up a little bit more.
0:55:02 > 0:55:05Duettists, it was a bit shaky.
0:55:05 > 0:55:07Maybe, think, whatever piece you're doing next time,
0:55:07 > 0:55:10if there's a solo, you're the heart of this thing.
0:55:10 > 0:55:12Just be aware that you're the heart of this.
0:55:12 > 0:55:15We really want to try and help you, because we want to try
0:55:15 > 0:55:17and make sure you're as best as you possibly can be.
0:55:17 > 0:55:20Well done. I really enjoyed it.
0:55:20 > 0:55:24CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:55:29 > 0:55:33It's always very easy to just remember the negative, isn't it?
0:55:33 > 0:55:36But every single one of them said that they enjoyed it.
0:55:36 > 0:55:40We knew we're not exactly giving it loads when we're singing it,
0:55:40 > 0:55:43but I think a lot of people just go "Ooh!" when they get up there.
0:55:43 > 0:55:45Hello, I'm Gareth.
0:55:45 > 0:56:05Hi, Gareth, I'm Jo. Hello. She's always crying. I know.
0:56:05 > 0:56:07Judging's irrelevant, really,
0:56:07 > 0:56:09because, at the end of the day, this is for all of us.
0:56:09 > 0:56:12It was for the choir and all of our family, no-one else.
0:56:12 > 0:56:15They're the ones that matter. If they enjoyed it, we're happy.
0:56:15 > 0:56:18Yep. Well said, bruv. Yep.
0:56:20 > 0:56:22We know we can sing better than that.
0:56:22 > 0:56:24We had a little bit of nervous excitement,
0:56:24 > 0:56:27but you'd expect that for a first-time performance,
0:56:27 > 0:56:29but I think we know where to go from now, so...
0:56:34 > 0:56:37I thought that was all right. There were no obvious problems.
0:56:37 > 0:56:41It perhaps didn't have the magic of some of their rehearsals.
0:56:41 > 0:56:45The basic sound is great. I think they could have done better.
0:56:45 > 0:56:48A really proficient choir is able to turn its hands to any
0:56:48 > 0:56:50different performance situation -
0:56:50 > 0:56:53whether you're on a boat or you're in a cathedral, you have
0:56:53 > 0:56:56to adjust accordingly - and I think they found it difficult in here.
0:57:21 > 0:57:26You have just got fabulous, fabulous feedback from people that
0:57:26 > 0:57:30really know, so the sound you're starting to get, when you're
0:57:30 > 0:57:34really in your stride, that's what they want right the way through.
0:57:34 > 0:57:38They heard those moments and they want more.
0:57:38 > 0:57:42Rejoice, you've just done a fantastic performance under, I would say,
0:57:42 > 0:57:45the most difficult circumstances of my professional career.
0:57:45 > 0:57:48I've never performed anywhere worse.
0:57:48 > 0:57:52LAUGHTER AND APPLAUSE
0:57:52 > 0:57:57So well done, everyone. Round of applause to you.
0:57:57 > 0:58:02Hip-hip, hooray! Hip-hip, hooray! Hip-hip, hooray! Hip-hip, hooray!
0:58:25 > 0:58:29It's so blinking obvious, you've only got one note to sing.
0:58:29 > 0:58:32Gareth finds the perfect soloist...
0:58:32 > 0:58:34It's show-time! Everyone excited?
0:58:34 > 0:58:36..but will she turn up?
0:58:36 > 0:58:39Er...do we have a soloist?
0:58:55 > 0:58:57Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd