0:00:02 > 0:00:06'Gareth Malone wants to help Britain's workers find their voice.'
0:00:06 > 0:00:10Good morning, everyone. I'm here to start a choir.
0:00:10 > 0:00:13If you are interested, make yourself known to me.
0:00:13 > 0:00:17'In search of hidden talent, he wants to create choirs
0:00:17 > 0:00:20'in four of Britain's busiest workplaces.'
0:00:21 > 0:00:22BEEPING
0:00:22 > 0:00:24Are you a singer?
0:00:24 > 0:00:27- What do you do? - Dig holes for a living.
0:00:28 > 0:00:32# Pat puts all his post bags in his van! #
0:00:31 > 0:00:32Yes, he does!
0:00:32 > 0:00:37'And for the workers, company pride will be at stake when they compete
0:00:37 > 0:00:42'to find Gareth's best workplace choir.'
0:00:42 > 0:00:45- Is everybody ready? Fighting spirit? - ALL: Yes.
0:00:45 > 0:00:50When I was learning to sing, it was through competing with other people that I got better.
0:00:50 > 0:00:54I want that for these choirs, to feel the pressure and get better.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57Before the performance, I'll pray to God.
0:00:57 > 0:00:59"God help us this time."
0:00:59 > 0:01:03- Want to win it.- And we're going to go hell for leather to win it.
0:01:03 > 0:01:10Months of work and slog come down to that one moment when you're on stage. That's why I love it.
0:01:25 > 0:01:32'Gareth is on his way to Bristol to set up the second of his four workplace choirs in the Royal Mail.
0:01:34 > 0:01:37Singing is a way to make people feel better about going to work.
0:01:37 > 0:01:42You can display the pride that people have in their workplace.
0:01:42 > 0:01:46You can draw people together from different parts of the business.
0:01:46 > 0:01:50I think a choir in the Royal Mail is absolutely right.
0:01:53 > 0:01:57'Royal Mail employs over 150,000 staff nationwide,
0:01:57 > 0:02:00'and delivers over 50 million pieces of mail a day.'
0:02:04 > 0:02:06We represent something special.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09Believe it or not, we are proud to be postmen.
0:02:09 > 0:02:13I do feel proud to work for Royal Mail.
0:02:13 > 0:02:17Cut me in half, you'll see Royal Mail running through my veins.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23'But as a government-run business that's lost thousands of jobs
0:02:23 > 0:02:25'and which now faces privatisation,
0:02:25 > 0:02:29'in parts of the organisation, staff morale is low.'
0:02:31 > 0:02:35At the moment, in the economic climate, we're losing jobs,
0:02:35 > 0:02:39they're making the rounds bigger and we are under a lot of pressure.
0:02:39 > 0:02:43Times move on, and that's the way the business is being run.
0:02:44 > 0:02:48There are a lot of changes going on in the company.
0:02:48 > 0:02:53It's getting a lot harder, so a morale boost wouldn't go amiss.
0:02:56 > 0:03:02'Gareth wants the Bristol choir to represent every part of the business.
0:03:02 > 0:03:07'Nearly 3,000 staff work across the Bristol region.
0:03:07 > 0:03:12'To find the 30 strongest singers, Gareth will be holding a series of open auditions.'
0:03:12 > 0:03:16Good morning, everyone. I'm here to start a choir.
0:03:16 > 0:03:20If you are at all interested, I'm coming round. Make yourself known to me.
0:03:20 > 0:03:21Thank you.
0:03:21 > 0:03:25'He starts his search in the region's biggest mail centre.'
0:03:25 > 0:03:29It's absolutely huge! It's like Wembley Stadium.
0:03:30 > 0:03:34- You look very busy. - Well, sort of.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37- Have you heard about my plan to start a choir here?- Yeah.
0:03:37 > 0:03:42- Are you interested?- No.- No? - Can't sing!- No singing voice at all?
0:03:43 > 0:03:47Hi, there. I'm Gareth. I'm here to start a choir in your workplace.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50- I'm auditioning later on.- You've put your name forward? What's your name?
0:03:50 > 0:03:55- Pete Flook.- Nice to meet you, Pete. And can you sing?- No.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00'Next stop, the local delivery offices.'
0:04:00 > 0:04:01Morning.
0:04:03 > 0:04:08- Are you interested in being in a choir?- No, thank you. I can't sing to save my life.
0:04:08 > 0:04:12- Hello. Are you interested in being in a choir?- I'm not, no.
0:04:12 > 0:04:17The point of the choir is to represent the business, to bring everyone together.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19A lot of people don't want that, though.
0:04:19 > 0:04:24They'd like to come to work, go home and leave work behind them.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31- Is it a busy job?- No. It's a shit job.- You're not into your job?- No. Don't like it.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34- How long have you been doing it? - Five years.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38- Has it changed much in five years. - Yeah. It's got worse.- Has it? Why?
0:04:38 > 0:04:43Longer hours, worse hours, harder to do.
0:04:43 > 0:04:47- I guess I'm not going to get you into the choir.- Not a chance.
0:04:47 > 0:04:49- I hope you have a good day.- Cheers.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56I'm sure that guy doesn't speak for everyone.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59But I suspect he speaks for a few.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02I think I might have my work cut out
0:05:02 > 0:05:06finding people that actually want to stand up and be part of this.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13'Following the disappointing response on the shop floor,
0:05:13 > 0:05:16'Gareth hopes to have better luck with the management.'
0:05:16 > 0:05:18Knock, knock.
0:05:18 > 0:05:22It's a very serious meeting, but do you think the choir can be good for the Royal Mail?
0:05:24 > 0:05:27Well, obviously you do(!) I'm so glad I came(!)
0:05:27 > 0:05:32There's a lot of talented-looking people here. Anyone interested in singing?
0:05:32 > 0:05:36- I'm going to audition.- I'm Gareth, hello.- Hi, Gareth. I'm Tim.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38- What singing have you done before? - None.- None.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42- Well, I do karaoke. - OK, that's good. That's some.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45If I sang something, could you sing it back to me?
0:05:45 > 0:05:47- Probably, yeah. Go on, then. - # La la #
0:05:47 > 0:05:50- # La la # - OK, that's a good start.
0:05:50 > 0:05:54I'll audition you properly at the audition. Anyone else?
0:05:54 > 0:05:59- I'm auditioning.- You've put your name forward. They're all coming out the woodwork now!
0:05:59 > 0:06:03'It's good that two people from round the executive table are getting involved.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05'This is very different up here.'
0:06:05 > 0:06:10Lots of numbers to deal with, how many pieces of mail, graphs and statistics.
0:06:10 > 0:06:14It's very different from the practical business of sorting mail.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17I want to make sure that both sides are represented.
0:06:17 > 0:06:19To get the right kind of talent, we'll need both.
0:06:29 > 0:06:35'Despite the initial lukewarm response, word gets around and staff turn up for auditions.'
0:06:35 > 0:06:40- Hello. Welcome, everyone. I'm Gareth. Are you ready?- Yes.
0:06:40 > 0:06:41Follow me. Let's go.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48Come on in. Well, here I am, in the Royal Mail.
0:06:48 > 0:06:52I am looking for a choir - a choir that is "first class"!
0:06:52 > 0:06:56- GROANING - I'm looking for you to "deliver" for me.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59- I'm looking for the "whole package". - GROANING
0:06:59 > 0:07:01- I've got one more. - LAUGHTER
0:07:01 > 0:07:05If you're not good enough, to be "frank", I'll just "stamp" on you.
0:07:05 > 0:07:09- GROANING - OK, that's enough.
0:07:09 > 0:07:14So, I'm here to start a choir and I am looking for it to be first class.
0:07:14 > 0:07:19I genuinely am, and it's going to compete in this contest against other British workplaces.
0:07:19 > 0:07:23That means I want the best voices.
0:07:23 > 0:07:27So, what is the song that you are going to be singing for your audition?
0:07:27 > 0:07:31What possible song could I think of for the postal service?
0:07:31 > 0:07:36- WOMAN: Postman Pat. - A brilliant idea! Let's do that!
0:07:36 > 0:07:38- PIANO STARTS - And...
0:07:38 > 0:07:40# Postman Pat, Postman Pat
0:07:40 > 0:07:45# Postman Pat and his black-and-white cat
0:07:45 > 0:07:49# Early in the morning Just as day is dawning #
0:07:49 > 0:07:52SPEAKS Pat pick up his bags...
0:07:52 > 0:07:57- Wow! You were in such a rush, I see you're under pressure for targets! - LAUGHTER
0:07:57 > 0:08:01'Over two days, Gareth hears over 120 voices.'
0:08:01 > 0:08:05# Postman Pat, Postman Pat and his black-and-white cat... #
0:08:05 > 0:08:08'And a myriad of different singing styles.'
0:08:08 > 0:08:12# Early in the morning Just as day is dawnin'
0:08:12 > 0:08:14# I think I...yawning and again #
0:08:14 > 0:08:18A-beep-a-boop-a-di! I like the little scat bit!
0:08:18 > 0:08:20- # Early in the morning - That's right.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23- # Just as day was dawning - Just as the day is dawning
0:08:23 > 0:08:27# Pat puts all his post bags in his van #
0:08:25 > 0:08:27Yes, he does!
0:08:28 > 0:08:33'Amongst those auditioning is one of the regional directors, Tim Barber.'
0:08:33 > 0:08:36I met you in the big corporatey bit,
0:08:36 > 0:08:39- and now you're on the hook.- Indeed. - Here we go.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42# Postman Pat, Postman Pat
0:08:42 > 0:08:46# Postman Pat and his black-and-white cat... #
0:08:46 > 0:08:51I've been in the business for 30 years. Started as a postman.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53I've worked my way through a number of different jobs.
0:08:53 > 0:08:58I've now got a job that's 24/7. It's a high-accountability job.
0:08:58 > 0:09:02I have somewhere in the region of 4,500 people.
0:09:02 > 0:09:05In terms of finance, I spend around £70 million a year.
0:09:05 > 0:09:10I will always be very proud to be part of the Royal Mail.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12We're a fantastic organisation
0:09:12 > 0:09:14# ..Early in the morning... #
0:09:14 > 0:09:16'I think the choir could benefit us.
0:09:16 > 0:09:21'There is just this opportunity for us to understand each other better.'
0:09:21 > 0:09:24When you're all striving towards the same thing
0:09:24 > 0:09:28and you're all out of your comfort zone, it bonds you.
0:09:28 > 0:09:32Thank you very much. You can sit down. Sam...
0:09:32 > 0:09:34'Also auditioning is postman Sam Fry.'
0:09:34 > 0:09:37- And... - # Postman Pat, Postman Pat
0:09:37 > 0:09:41# Postman Pat and his black-and-white cat
0:09:41 > 0:09:44# Early in the morning
0:09:44 > 0:09:46# Just as day is dawning
0:09:46 > 0:09:49# Pat puts all his post bags in his van #
0:09:49 > 0:09:54That's a really big voice, actually. Do you do a lot of speaking?
0:09:54 > 0:09:57- Arguing with management. - Arguing with management?- Yeah.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00- Just heated debates.- Debates!
0:10:00 > 0:10:04- I'm not sure if I want you the choir, then! - LAUGHTER
0:10:04 > 0:10:06Thank you. Well done. Very good.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11I found it pretty tough, myself.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14I think we all done really well. We gave 100%
0:10:14 > 0:10:17Well, for people who can't sing.
0:10:17 > 0:10:21- I'm used to posting letters, not singing.- Yeah.
0:10:21 > 0:10:25WOMAN: Really enjoyed it. Thought it was a bit of fun.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28Royal Mail has not been in the limelight for quite a long time.
0:10:28 > 0:10:33I think this will give everybody that works for Royal Mail a bit of a boost.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35I was surprised
0:10:35 > 0:10:39that such an ugly bunch of people could make such a nice noise.
0:10:39 > 0:10:47- 'Auditions over...' - Perhaps.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50'..Gareth must select just 30 of the very best voices
0:10:50 > 0:10:52'to create a choir to compete in the contest.'
0:10:52 > 0:10:54Definitely.
0:10:54 > 0:11:00'From high female sopranos to low male basses.'
0:11:00 > 0:11:04This is not going to sound like a really refined choir.
0:11:04 > 0:11:10It's a factory environment out there, and they have a kind of rough earthy quality to them.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13They're inexperienced choral singers,
0:11:13 > 0:11:16and I've got to make them into something that sounds great.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20There's an energy about them. There's a spirit and they're fun.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23That will be an advantage in a contest. OK.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25Done.
0:11:36 > 0:11:40'Decisions made, Gareth's up early to break the good news of who's in.'
0:11:40 > 0:11:44- Patrick, there you are! Hello. How are you?- I'm very well.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47- You taking it easy with a coffee? - Absolutely.
0:11:47 > 0:11:49- I think you did really well. - Thank you.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52- I would like you to be in the choir. - Hey! Fantastic!
0:11:52 > 0:11:54- You're in. - Well, thank you very much.
0:11:54 > 0:11:58- Very well done.- To say I'm surprised is an understatement.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00- Morning.- Morning.
0:12:00 > 0:12:05- I'd really like you to be in the choir.- Seriously?- Yeah. - Seriously?- Yeah.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07- Is it today?- It is today.
0:12:07 > 0:12:13- Blimey. I need to get home to give tablets to me dog.- Well, you'd best get on it! Get on your bike!- Yeah.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15Brilliant! Wow!
0:12:20 > 0:12:23See ya later, boys.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26'Postie Sam Fry will be one of the choir's new tenors.'
0:12:26 > 0:12:31I joined Royal Mail back in June '96 or '97.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33So I've been here some time.
0:12:33 > 0:12:38I've seen a lot of changes, but I do really enjoy the job.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40When you're outdoors,
0:12:40 > 0:12:44you are your own boss, you do the round how you see fit to do it.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46I do enjoy meeting people,
0:12:46 > 0:12:50you know, the banter we have inside, we have good fun.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54As soon as they said we're forming a choir,
0:12:54 > 0:12:58I said, "I'm going to step up and play. I want to be part of this."
0:13:03 > 0:13:06'Delivery rounds over,
0:13:06 > 0:13:11'the 30 members of the newly formed choir gather for their first ever rehearsal.'
0:13:11 > 0:13:13- Oh, you're a bass! - I'm a bass, yeah.
0:13:13 > 0:13:17- What are you? - Alto. And me.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19- Soprano! - Oooh!
0:13:19 > 0:13:22- Hello! - EVERYONE: Hello.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25It's the choir. Come on in. How are you doing?
0:13:25 > 0:13:29- Hi, Mandy. Hello, Pat. How are you? - Good to see you.
0:13:29 > 0:13:31Did your dog get its tablets?
0:13:31 > 0:13:36- Dog got the medication. I rushed home.- I was terribly worried.
0:13:36 > 0:13:40Don't be shy! Don't be shy. Good afternoon.
0:13:40 > 0:13:44- ALL: Good afternoon. - What have I let myself in for?
0:13:44 > 0:13:49- LAUGHTER - You are the Royal Mail choir for Bristol.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51Congratulations.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54You are now in a competitive situation.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57You are going forward into the contest.
0:13:57 > 0:14:02This means that you will be competing against other workplace choirs.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05Remember that you are representing the Royal Mail.
0:14:05 > 0:14:10How many of you are from the Mail Centre, that big processing plant?
0:14:10 > 0:14:13One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16OK, great. How many of you are from the delivery offices,
0:14:16 > 0:14:19out delivering the mail? Quite a lot of you.
0:14:19 > 0:14:23How many of you are management?
0:14:24 > 0:14:26BOOING AND HISSING
0:14:26 > 0:14:27LAUGHTER
0:14:27 > 0:14:32It's nice to see what an inclusive and welcoming bunch we are(!)
0:14:32 > 0:14:35All right, so, we're going to move straight on.
0:14:35 > 0:14:41I want to come up with a song that represents what you do and who you are.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44I want it to be your choice.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47So let's have suggestions of songs that spring to mind.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50- Return To Sender. - Oh!
0:14:50 > 0:14:52# Return to sender! #
0:14:52 > 0:14:54That's a good idea. Next idea?
0:14:54 > 0:14:57- Who Let The Dogs Out? - LAUGHTER
0:14:57 > 0:14:59Who let the dogs out?
0:14:59 > 0:15:02- ALL BARK - Who let the dogs out?
0:15:02 > 0:15:05- It's not usually done by choirs! - LAUGHTER
0:15:06 > 0:15:09- Any others?- I Want To Ride My Bicycle.- Say that again.
0:15:09 > 0:15:13- I Want To Ride My Bicycle by Queen. - I Want To Ride My Bicycle.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16- Are you allowed to ride your bicycles?- No!
0:15:16 > 0:15:20- Are the bikes going?- They're going. - OK, next suggestion. Yeah?
0:15:20 > 0:15:22- Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now. - LAUGHTER
0:15:23 > 0:15:27- Heaven Knows I'm...?- Miserable Now. - How does that go?
0:15:27 > 0:15:30# I was looking for a job then I found a job
0:15:30 > 0:15:33# Heaven knows I'm miserable now #
0:15:33 > 0:15:36- Well, let's choose that one, then! - LAUGHTER
0:15:36 > 0:15:39- Any others before we move on? - Changes?- Sorry.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42- Changes by Bowie. - Changes. How does that go?
0:15:42 > 0:15:45START TO SING, PIANO PLAYS
0:15:45 > 0:15:48# Ch-ch changes... #
0:15:48 > 0:15:51The best use of a choir is in communicating to an audience.
0:15:51 > 0:15:56This comes down to what you want your choir to say about your company.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59I think because it's not just post people that are in here,
0:15:59 > 0:16:05something like that would be good because that covers the changes in the office, in admin, in sales,
0:16:05 > 0:16:08in the delivery offices, everything, it's the company.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12It's a whole process. It's not just the letter through the door.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15Where it's collected, the process that it goes through.
0:16:15 > 0:16:20- And all of that's changing as well? - The whole of Royal Mail has been changing for a long time.
0:16:20 > 0:16:25The question is what you think is going to represent your business best out of these songs. Beverly?
0:16:25 > 0:16:30- Return To Sender.- Why? - Well, because it's catchier.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33Changes, I think is controversial.
0:16:33 > 0:16:35- Joanne, what do you think? - Return To Sender.
0:16:35 > 0:16:41I don't think many people would actually understand why we chose Changes.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43- Do people agree with that? - ALL SPEAK AT ONCE
0:16:43 > 0:16:47Those of you who think it's Changes, put your hands up.
0:16:47 > 0:16:51One, two. Those of you who think Return To Sender put your hands up.
0:16:51 > 0:16:55- Well, that seems... Is this a democracy?- Yes.- Great, then.
0:16:55 > 0:16:57Let's look at Return To Sender.
0:16:57 > 0:17:01- PIANO BEGINS - Eyes up. Smiling.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04One, two, three and...
0:17:04 > 0:17:07# I gave a letter to the postman
0:17:07 > 0:17:11- # He put it in his sack - Sit up. Three, and...
0:17:11 > 0:17:17# Bright and early next morning he brought my letter back
0:17:17 > 0:17:19- Basses. - TUNELESSLY: # She wrote upon it #
0:17:19 > 0:17:21- Woah! - LAUGHTER
0:17:21 > 0:17:24Let's try to agree on some notes here.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27# She wrote upon it
0:17:27 > 0:17:28# Ba-ba-ba-ba-ba #
0:17:28 > 0:17:31- One, two... - # She wrote upon it #
0:17:31 > 0:17:34- It goes... - # She wrote upon it #
0:17:34 > 0:17:36- One, two. - # She wrote upon it #
0:17:36 > 0:17:39Stand up and do that same line.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42- One, two, three and one... - # She wrote upon it
0:17:42 > 0:17:45- # Return to sender - Oo-ooh
0:17:45 > 0:17:49- # Address unknown - Oo-ooh
0:17:49 > 0:17:53- # There's no such number - Oo-ooh
0:17:53 > 0:17:55- # No such zone - Oooh
0:17:56 > 0:17:59- # We had a quarrel - Oo-ooh
0:17:59 > 0:18:01- # A lovers' spat - Oo-ooh
0:18:01 > 0:18:03Here we go
0:18:03 > 0:18:08ALL: # I write I'm sorry but my letters keep coming back #
0:18:08 > 0:18:12That's going to work! Well done. Round of applause. Very good.
0:18:12 > 0:18:14Thank you very much. Well done.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20I really like them. I think they're great. They're really good.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25I thought they were going to go down the negative song route,
0:18:25 > 0:18:30a complaining song, but they went for something really positive and I think there's hope.
0:18:30 > 0:18:34There's a lot of people who are really proud of this institution.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37I think this is useful in giving them a public face.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40I am so pleased to be here. I am really, really over the moon.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44'It's so nice to meet other people. I've met so many people today.
0:18:44 > 0:18:49'Everybody's friendly and we're all having such a good time.'
0:18:49 > 0:18:51I'm really happy.
0:18:51 > 0:18:55I've been able to talk to people I've not talked to before.
0:18:55 > 0:19:00'It's been great hearing people's stories about what's going on in work.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03'Also hearing how people are so excited about being in the choir.'
0:19:03 > 0:19:05Everyone's really buoyed-up.
0:19:15 > 0:19:17If you'll sign in that box there.
0:19:19 > 0:19:20Thank you.
0:19:20 > 0:19:24'With the choir formed, Gareth organises additional rehearsals
0:19:24 > 0:19:28'with a local choirmaster, to help speed up their progress.'
0:19:28 > 0:19:31Good, now, can we just do the rhythm?
0:19:31 > 0:19:34Imagine a doorbell. # Ding dong #
0:19:34 > 0:19:35# Ding dong #
0:19:35 > 0:19:39- # Return to sender # - Got it.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42'Soon, word of the choir is on everyone's lips.'
0:19:42 > 0:19:45So what are you actually singing?
0:19:45 > 0:19:49- We're singing an Elvis song, Return To Sender.- And that goes...?
0:19:49 > 0:19:51# Gave a letter to the postman
0:19:51 > 0:19:55# He put it in his sack He put it in his sack
0:19:55 > 0:19:58# Ooo-ooo-ooh. #
0:19:58 > 0:20:02- There's a bit more than that, though, Pete.- Yeah.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05WOMAN: # Return to sender
0:20:06 > 0:20:08# Address unknown
0:20:09 > 0:20:11BOTH: # No such number
0:20:12 > 0:20:14# No such zone. #
0:20:14 > 0:20:18It's always hard getting the first note to start it off.
0:20:18 > 0:20:23Hopefully, we will have improved by the time we have another practice.
0:20:24 > 0:20:28- Do you like being out and about? - I do like being out and about...
0:20:28 > 0:20:32'Before his next rehearsal, Gareth gets to grips with a postie's work out on the rounds.'
0:20:34 > 0:20:37Am I doing this right? There we are. It's probably 100 years old.
0:20:38 > 0:20:40Wow! There's loads in here.
0:20:40 > 0:20:43I'm sorry. I'm not very good at this.
0:20:43 > 0:20:45I'm sure you'd be more efficient.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54- Morning, Sam.- Morning, Gareth. - How are you?- Very well, thank you.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00- How long have you worked for Royal Mail?- Um... About 15 years.
0:21:00 > 0:21:02- 15 years? Wow.- 15 years.
0:21:02 > 0:21:07- It seems to suit you, this job. - Yeah. I love this job.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09I care about the people I deliver to, speaking from the heart.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12I really care about these people I deliver to.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15- Who are you taking me to see? - Lady H.
0:21:15 > 0:21:20- Is she actually royalty?- No, but she's got names. I'm Viscount Sam.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27- Hello, Lady H.- Good morning, Sam. - And how are you?- Not too bad.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30What have you got for me? Something nice, I hope.
0:21:30 > 0:21:34No, I've brought you lots of advertising and lots of rubbish.
0:21:34 > 0:21:36Oh, look at that!
0:21:36 > 0:21:42- What does Sam do for you? - What does he do for me? Odd jobs. Keeps an eye on me every day.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46- More than a postman?- Oh, more than a postman. He's a friend.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49Come on in. You're welcome.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51He is so friendly.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53I don't see many people.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56So when you don't see anyone,
0:21:56 > 0:21:59if only just to pass the time of the day, say, "Hello"
0:21:59 > 0:22:02or "How are you? Are you OK?"
0:22:02 > 0:22:04means a heck of a lot.
0:22:04 > 0:22:10After all's said and done, he's my contact with the outside world, for one thing.
0:22:10 > 0:22:15- Come on, Viscount Sam. - I'm sure she'll have a name for you as well, Gareth.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18- I look forward to hearing what that is.- Give her time.
0:22:20 > 0:22:22# Gave a letter to the postman
0:22:23 > 0:22:25# He put it in his sack
0:22:25 > 0:22:28# Put it in his sack... #
0:22:28 > 0:22:30- 'A few weeks later...' - Energy here.
0:22:30 > 0:22:35- '..at the next rehearsal...' - There should be no harmony there.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38'..Gareth is working hard to give the choir a more unified sound.'
0:22:38 > 0:22:42There's no harmony. "A lovers' spat" is in unison.
0:22:42 > 0:22:46Just sing me "a lovers' spat", three and one...
0:22:46 > 0:22:48# A lovers' spat #
0:22:48 > 0:22:50Oh, hello! "A lovers' spat".
0:22:50 > 0:22:53# A lovers' spat # It's up high for basses.
0:22:53 > 0:22:57- Two, three and one... - # A lovers' spat #
0:22:57 > 0:23:00It needs a bit of energy. # A lovers' spat #
0:23:00 > 0:23:03A spat! If you've ever had one, they're not great.
0:23:03 > 0:23:05One, two, three and...
0:23:05 > 0:23:07# A lovers' spat #
0:23:07 > 0:23:09I can still hear somebody...
0:23:09 > 0:23:11- Just tenors. Was it you?- Yeah.
0:23:11 > 0:23:16It may just be too high. That's at the top of your range.
0:23:16 > 0:23:21- If I just stop there?- Just that phrase. One, two, three and...
0:23:21 > 0:23:22# A lovers' spat #
0:23:22 > 0:23:25- It was you. - LAUGHTER
0:23:26 > 0:23:29And that's never gonna happen again!
0:23:29 > 0:23:32There's no shame in being wrong. That's an important point.
0:23:32 > 0:23:37This is a rehearsal room. This is a space to make mistakes and not worry about it.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39So "no such zone", ready? And a one, two...
0:23:39 > 0:23:43- # No such zone # - And...
0:23:43 > 0:23:45# We had a quarrel
0:23:45 > 0:23:48- # A lovers' spat - Good.
0:23:48 > 0:23:54# I write I'm sorry but my letter keeps coming back #
0:23:54 > 0:23:56Ooh, I like that, basses.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59Well done. We're going to take a break. Thanks very much.
0:24:00 > 0:24:02'We've got a hell of a lot to learn, to be honest.'
0:24:02 > 0:24:06We really want to be good. And we're finding it hard to be good.
0:24:06 > 0:24:10Yeah, he's working us really hard, but we definitely need it.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13That's what we're here for. He knows what he's on about.
0:24:13 > 0:24:17What I find frightening, he can pick out... There's 30 of us singing.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20He's gone, "One of the sopranos is not quite in tune.
0:24:20 > 0:24:24- "One of the tenors is slightly out." - There's no hiding.- No.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29I'm actually really, really pleasantly surprised.
0:24:29 > 0:24:32I thought it might be terrible and it wasn't.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35It really felt like they started to get it and I was able to push them.
0:24:35 > 0:24:38They didn't crumble. I think they're quite resilient.
0:24:38 > 0:24:42There's an innate energy that I think will stand them in good stead.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47OK, everyone. Let's get cracking.
0:24:47 > 0:24:52'Tea break over, Gareth has a surprise for the choir.'
0:24:52 > 0:24:55OK, so, it's time for an announcement.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58You are going to go and perform this...
0:24:58 > 0:25:00LAUGHTER
0:25:00 > 0:25:05You are going to perform this in five minutes at the Mall shopping centre...
0:25:05 > 0:25:08- LAUGHTER - ..in Cribbs Causeway.
0:25:08 > 0:25:13Nothing brings you together as a choir like a performance.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16And in some ways, it's better just to get on with it.
0:25:16 > 0:25:18It's going to be cracking.
0:25:23 > 0:25:28'The choir have less than an hour before they must give their first ever performance
0:25:28 > 0:25:32'in one of Bristol's biggest shopping centres.'
0:25:33 > 0:25:36I think the deep end is the best place to be thrown.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38Because you learn there.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41They're going to suddenly come together. They'll have to.
0:25:41 > 0:25:45They'll have to bond together because they'll be so terrified.
0:25:47 > 0:25:51I'm very, very nervous. I've got sweaty hands. I feel sick.
0:25:51 > 0:25:56Just like going to the dentist. Don't really want to go.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59- Have a mint.- Ta.
0:25:59 > 0:26:06- I've never performed in front of people unless I've had ten pints of beer.- But you'll be all right.
0:26:06 > 0:26:08We're going to attack it!
0:26:08 > 0:26:11I think it's really exciting.
0:26:11 > 0:26:13We're going to be fine.
0:26:13 > 0:26:17- Will you stand by my side? - I'll stand beside you. No problem.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26OK, deep breaths, everyone.
0:26:27 > 0:26:30Look! I've even got a post box for you.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34Can you all shuffle forward a bit?
0:26:38 > 0:26:40Roll up! Roll up!
0:26:40 > 0:26:44You only ever see these guys when they're delivering your mail.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48Now, they're going to sing for you. Return To Sender.
0:26:50 > 0:26:52# Return to sender
0:26:53 > 0:26:56# Return to sender
0:26:57 > 0:26:59# I gave a letter to the postman
0:27:00 > 0:27:02# He put it in his sack
0:27:02 > 0:27:06- # He put it in his sack, ooh - Bright and early next morning
0:27:06 > 0:27:08# He brought my letter back
0:27:09 > 0:27:10# She wrote upon it
0:27:10 > 0:27:12# Return to sender
0:27:13 > 0:27:15# Address unknown
0:27:17 > 0:27:18# No such number
0:27:20 > 0:27:23# No such zone
0:27:23 > 0:27:24# We had a quarrel
0:27:26 > 0:27:28# A lovers' spat
0:27:29 > 0:27:34# I write I'm sorry but my letter keeps coming back
0:27:35 > 0:27:38# This time I'm gonna take it myself
0:27:38 > 0:27:40# Put it right in her hand
0:27:41 > 0:27:44# And if it comes back the very next day
0:27:44 > 0:27:47# And then I'll understand
0:27:47 > 0:27:49# Written on it Return to sender
0:27:49 > 0:27:52- # Return to sender - Address unknown
0:27:52 > 0:27:55# Address unknown
0:27:55 > 0:27:56# No such number
0:27:56 > 0:28:01# No such zone
0:28:01 > 0:28:03# Return, return
0:28:03 > 0:28:07# Return, return
0:28:08 > 0:28:14# Return. #
0:28:16 > 0:28:19CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:28:20 > 0:28:23The Royal Mail!
0:28:24 > 0:28:26Well done, everyone.
0:28:26 > 0:28:28Couple of high fives?
0:28:28 > 0:28:30High tens! Well done!
0:28:30 > 0:28:34'I think I underestimated this lot. They've worked really hard.'
0:28:34 > 0:28:40There's a lot of spirit there that I hadn't anticipated them putting so directly into their music.
0:28:40 > 0:28:45That just had real gusto. And, yeah. I think they're good.
0:28:45 > 0:28:47I was nervous to begin with.
0:28:47 > 0:28:50But once we did it,
0:28:50 > 0:28:53and I could hear so much of what we were doing,
0:28:53 > 0:28:56it just felt really brilliant. I was really chuffed.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59For our first performance, I thought we did very well.
0:28:59 > 0:29:02There were people here that I knew.
0:29:02 > 0:29:05I asked them how it sounded, because you can't hear yourself,
0:29:05 > 0:29:08and they said it almost sounded angelic.
0:29:08 > 0:29:11It was really lovely. And a very appropriate song, I thought.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13Wonderful.
0:29:13 > 0:29:15I thought it was fantastic. Honestly.
0:29:15 > 0:29:21He's just telling me that there's only been three or four rehearsals, it was really good, yes.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24Gather round. I'm not going to make you do anything else.
0:29:24 > 0:29:28- LAUGHTER - No more singing for today.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31- How did you think it went? - ALL MAKE POSITIVE NOISES
0:29:31 > 0:29:36It was really good. I think that it was really entertaining, had lots of energy.
0:29:36 > 0:29:40What was great was that I saw a lot of you come to life in the performance.
0:29:40 > 0:29:43What we can do is take that energy and refine it now.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46Work on making sure that every chord comes together,
0:29:46 > 0:29:50like a lot of the chords came together - get the detail right.
0:29:50 > 0:29:54Think how good you're going to be if we continue this level of work.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57Round of applause, I think. Well done, everyone.
0:30:00 > 0:30:04You'd better go or no-one's going to get their post in the morning.
0:30:10 > 0:30:14# I gave a letter to the postman
0:30:14 > 0:30:16# He put it in his sack
0:30:17 > 0:30:20# Bright and early next morning
0:30:20 > 0:30:23# He brought my letter back
0:30:23 > 0:30:25# Return to sender
0:30:26 > 0:30:28# Address unknown #
0:30:28 > 0:30:32'With the choir now over a month into rehearsals,
0:30:32 > 0:30:34'Gareth catches up with one of his basses...'
0:30:34 > 0:30:38These machines sort between 25,000 and 30,000 items an hour.
0:30:38 > 0:30:40'..regional manager, Tim.'
0:30:40 > 0:30:43What made you audition for the choir?
0:30:43 > 0:30:47- Nobody else was prepared to do it from the senior management team. - Yeah.
0:30:47 > 0:30:51I can hold a bit of a note and I thought I'd enjoy it, actually.
0:30:51 > 0:30:53- Are you?- I'm loving it.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56What did you think you were going to get out of it?
0:30:56 > 0:30:58Because I've got seven mail centres,
0:30:58 > 0:31:03sometimes it's very difficult to get in there with people, as you'd like.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06I will walk through here and somebody will call across
0:31:06 > 0:31:09- and say, "Tim, choir!" - That's nice.- Yeah.
0:31:09 > 0:31:15I'm convinced I would not have had that closer integration with people had I not been doing this.
0:31:15 > 0:31:19It's interesting. I've been around the business talking to people.
0:31:19 > 0:31:24The one thing that everyone's said is how much it's changed over the last ten, 15 years.
0:31:24 > 0:31:29- That must have been a difficult process for some people to accept. - Yeah.
0:31:29 > 0:31:33Obviously, in human beings there's an in-built resistance to change.
0:31:33 > 0:31:37Presumably, if it doesn't change and doesn't develop,
0:31:37 > 0:31:42- that impacts on you very seriously. - Yeah. On the whole business and everybody within it.
0:31:42 > 0:31:44The mail market is shrinking.
0:31:44 > 0:31:48Over the last four, five, six years, the competition has mushroomed.
0:31:48 > 0:31:51If we don't respond to that, we can't survive.
0:31:51 > 0:31:53It's really interesting.
0:31:53 > 0:31:59- You've got such a different perspective on this business from the postie out on the walk.- Yeah.
0:31:59 > 0:32:03Sometimes, posties can find it difficult to relate to us
0:32:03 > 0:32:05and be wary of talking to us.
0:32:05 > 0:32:09Actually, all we do is a different job. We're still human beings.
0:32:09 > 0:32:13It's not a case of me being better. I choose to do a different job.
0:32:15 > 0:32:17'I think Tim's got quite a hard job.
0:32:17 > 0:32:22'I feel it might, at times, be rather a lonely position to be in.'
0:32:22 > 0:32:25People do have a problem talking to the management.
0:32:25 > 0:32:29'Whereas, in the choir, I think people are responding to Tim differently.
0:32:29 > 0:32:33'That is the purpose of the choir, bringing people together'
0:32:33 > 0:32:34to work positively together.
0:32:36 > 0:32:43'In just a few months, the choir will compete against other workplace choirs in a nationwide contest.
0:32:48 > 0:32:52'To prepare them, Gareth needs to set another challenge.'
0:32:52 > 0:32:54KEYBOARD PLAYS CHORDS
0:32:54 > 0:32:58'He's working on a new musical arrangement.'
0:33:03 > 0:33:09I picked a song that's really bright in a major key, it's really optimistic, fast and upbeat.
0:33:09 > 0:33:13And it's got... Ha! It's got real energy about it!
0:33:14 > 0:33:17I thought of lots and lots of songs,
0:33:17 > 0:33:21but this song is about all the positive people here.
0:33:24 > 0:33:27It's the right song for them, a song they can all get behind.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30It's good. It's a really good song.
0:33:41 > 0:33:43CHEERING
0:33:43 > 0:33:46LAUGHTER AND WHOOPING
0:33:46 > 0:33:47Hello.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50- Chicken legs!- What? What? - CLUCKING
0:33:50 > 0:33:53I've seen more meat on a butcher's prep saw!
0:33:53 > 0:33:56Would I make it as a postie? I'm not sure.
0:33:56 > 0:33:58- Ready for another rehearsal? - ALL: Yeah.
0:33:58 > 0:34:04So, I think it's time for you to have a new song.
0:34:04 > 0:34:07- Don't you? - ALL: Yes.
0:34:07 > 0:34:11The song that I've chosen for you is a Beatles song and it's called
0:34:11 > 0:34:13We Can Work It Out.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16- Good choice? Is that good? - ALL: Yeah.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19I'm glad you said that. It's a really good song.
0:34:19 > 0:34:21I'm going to give you the music. Here we go.
0:34:23 > 0:34:27Shall we just sing the tune at the beginning? One, two, three and...
0:34:27 > 0:34:30# Try to see it my way
0:34:30 > 0:34:34# Do I have to keep on talking till I can't go on?
0:34:35 > 0:34:36# While you see it your way
0:34:36 > 0:34:41# Run the risk of knowing that our love may soon be gone
0:34:41 > 0:34:43# We can work it out
0:34:44 > 0:34:47# We can work it out. #
0:34:47 > 0:34:49Yeah, this T business at the end.
0:34:49 > 0:34:53It's got to be together. I can't have an extra one at the end.
0:34:53 > 0:34:56- Three, and... - # We can work it out
0:34:56 > 0:35:00# We can work it out-t-t #
0:35:00 > 0:35:01LAUGHTER
0:35:01 > 0:35:04I've got somebody doing it massively late and very loud.
0:35:04 > 0:35:08I've got some people doing it right and some people going...ttttt.
0:35:08 > 0:35:12Guessing. Guessing is fatal. If you're not sure, don't do it.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17We can work it o-ou-t. That's it. Great.
0:35:17 > 0:35:20- Now try and sing it like that. - LAUGHTER
0:35:20 > 0:35:21Two, three and..
0:35:21 > 0:35:24# We can work it out
0:35:24 > 0:35:26# We can work it o-out #
0:35:26 > 0:35:30Well done, guys. That's really good. Do you know what's exciting for me?
0:35:30 > 0:35:34You have all just confidently looked through a piece of music
0:35:34 > 0:35:37for the first time and nobody looks flustered.
0:35:37 > 0:35:41- You're all just going, "Oh, yeah." - LAUGHTER
0:35:44 > 0:35:46I loved the song when it came out.
0:35:46 > 0:35:50The Beatles were out when I was a young boy. I was born in 1954.
0:35:50 > 0:35:53I don't look it, but I am that old.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56I loved it first time round, when it came out.
0:35:56 > 0:35:58- Are you old enough, Jo, to remember that?- No.
0:35:58 > 0:36:02- I'm not old enough to remember it. - Just a lovely song.
0:36:02 > 0:36:04- Good song choice? - Yeah.- Yeah.
0:36:04 > 0:36:08I'm hoping you picked it cos it's not too difficult to learn.
0:36:08 > 0:36:13Not entirely that. No. That wasn't it, I'm afraid.
0:36:21 > 0:36:23'With a good response to his song choice,
0:36:23 > 0:36:28'the next day, Gareth is on the hunt for a soloist to open the piece.
0:36:29 > 0:36:32'18 choir members put themselves forward.'
0:36:34 > 0:36:37- Hello, Tim.- It's like waiting for the dentist.- Yes.
0:36:37 > 0:36:42- It's worse than the dentist. I'm going to inflict real pain. - Oh, dear.
0:36:42 > 0:36:44Two, three and one...
0:36:44 > 0:36:47# Try to see it my way
0:36:47 > 0:36:50# Do I have to keep on talking till I can't go on?
0:36:50 > 0:36:53# While you see it your way
0:36:53 > 0:36:57# Run the risk of knowing that our love may soon be gone #
0:36:57 > 0:36:58Good.
0:36:58 > 0:37:03'As they sing, Gareth discovers the lyrics have struck a chord.'
0:37:03 > 0:37:09My situation as a postman, sometimes I feel that the managers aren't really listening to what we say.
0:37:09 > 0:37:13That first line, "Try to see it my way" is really quite relevant at the moment.
0:37:13 > 0:37:17- Yeah.- The recent changes have really taken hold of people, I think.
0:37:17 > 0:37:21I think morale is quite low at the moment, which is a shame.
0:37:21 > 0:37:25- Thank you very much, Pat. - # While you see it your way
0:37:25 > 0:37:30# Run the risk of knowing that our love would soon be gone. #
0:37:30 > 0:37:32I think it is a really good song.
0:37:32 > 0:37:37We've been fighting against each other for years about all these changes.
0:37:37 > 0:37:40I've been with the Royal Mail for 12 years and I've seen many changes.
0:37:40 > 0:37:44Not one of them has ever gone through without a fight.
0:37:44 > 0:37:46- Thank you, Mandy.- Thank you. - That was great.
0:37:49 > 0:37:55It's interesting how music can get everyone talking. It does bring people together.
0:37:55 > 0:37:59You feel OK about talking with people that you sing with.
0:37:59 > 0:38:03I think you feel closer to them, and it's a very positive force.
0:38:05 > 0:38:09If I can get them to sing with that kind of positive ambition,
0:38:09 > 0:38:11it'll be great.
0:38:11 > 0:38:14# Try to see it my way Do I have to keep... #
0:38:14 > 0:38:17'I'm very proud of working for Royal Mail.'
0:38:17 > 0:38:20As long as they don't sell us on to somebody else.
0:38:20 > 0:38:25I'm a royalist. I think a lot of the Queen and the royal family.
0:38:25 > 0:38:28So I hope that we don't... Sorry.
0:38:28 > 0:38:32- No, that's all right. You don't want to be separated from your boss.- No!
0:38:32 > 0:38:34Not really.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37# Try to see it my way
0:38:37 > 0:38:41# Do I have to keep on talking till I can't go on?
0:38:41 > 0:38:44# While you see it your way
0:38:44 > 0:38:48# Run the risk of knowing that our love may soon be gone... #
0:38:48 > 0:38:50'I can actually see me'
0:38:50 > 0:38:53with my boss, using that top line in a conversation.
0:38:53 > 0:38:57- "Try to see it my way." He'd probably come in with the second line.- Maybe!
0:38:57 > 0:39:00Maybe we should get your boss in to do it as a duet.
0:39:00 > 0:39:03I think we can work together
0:39:03 > 0:39:06and we can sort all these issues out, I really do.
0:39:06 > 0:39:09- Right, OK.- Thanks very much, Sam.
0:39:09 > 0:39:11Well done.
0:39:11 > 0:39:17I'm leaning towards a man for this solo. I feel that's right for this company and for this song.
0:39:17 > 0:39:21I've now got the problem of figuring out which of the men it's going to be.
0:39:27 > 0:39:32So, I know you're all dying to find out how the solo auditions went.
0:39:32 > 0:39:34We're going to cut to the chase and get on with it.
0:39:34 > 0:39:39First thing to say is everyone who went for it did a fantastic job.
0:39:39 > 0:39:41Hats off for that.
0:39:41 > 0:39:45The person who's going to do the solo is...
0:39:45 > 0:39:47LAUGHTER
0:39:47 > 0:39:50..is Sam.
0:39:50 > 0:39:52CHEERING
0:39:59 > 0:40:02So, very, very many congratulations, Sam.
0:40:02 > 0:40:04Did an absolute stand-up job.
0:40:04 > 0:40:06- He's absolutely terrified! - LAUGHTER
0:40:06 > 0:40:10But listen, this is a team.
0:40:10 > 0:40:12- We're all behind him, right? - ALL: Yes.
0:40:12 > 0:40:18So, it is going to be time for you to do your next performance fairly soon.
0:40:18 > 0:40:22I want you to perform to
0:40:22 > 0:40:24the rest of the workforce.
0:40:24 > 0:40:27Oh, wow!
0:40:27 > 0:40:31- In three weeks' time. - NERVOUS LAUGHTER
0:40:32 > 0:40:35- It sounds worse that way. - LAUGHTER
0:40:35 > 0:40:40Shall we have a go at it? Sam, would you like to come out to the front?
0:40:40 > 0:40:43- CHEERING - Come and stand here.
0:40:43 > 0:40:46Up we get. Let's put it to the test.
0:40:46 > 0:40:50OK, here we go. One, two, three and...
0:40:50 > 0:40:52# Try to see it my way
0:40:52 > 0:40:56# Do I have to keep on talking till I can't go on?
0:40:57 > 0:40:59# While you see it your way
0:40:59 > 0:41:03# Run the risk of knowing that our love may soon be gone
0:41:03 > 0:41:05# We can work it out
0:41:05 > 0:41:08# We can work it o-out. #
0:41:08 > 0:41:11'This is one of the biggest things, apart from seeing the kids born'
0:41:11 > 0:41:16and marrying my present wife, and a few other sporting events,
0:41:16 > 0:41:18'this is right up there with them.'
0:41:18 > 0:41:20# We can work it out
0:41:20 > 0:41:22# We can work it o-out #
0:41:22 > 0:41:25I'll give it a go. I don't know if he's got a reserve.
0:41:25 > 0:41:30But if he helps me... My fear is letting people down. I hate letting people down.
0:41:30 > 0:41:32# We can work it o-out #
0:41:32 > 0:41:36There we go. Well done. Give Sam a round of applause.
0:41:36 > 0:41:37CHEERING
0:41:39 > 0:41:41This song is just... It hits the nail on the head.
0:41:41 > 0:41:45I think that people, when they hear of us,
0:41:45 > 0:41:48will be inspired by the choir.
0:41:48 > 0:41:54And think, "These guys are sending a message out to every individual."
0:41:54 > 0:41:58And I think people will sit up and notice
0:41:58 > 0:42:01and, who knows, relationships, to some extent, could improve
0:42:01 > 0:42:05- on the basis of us delivering this message.- Well done, Sam.
0:42:05 > 0:42:10Go back and join the tenors and let's have another crack at it.
0:42:11 > 0:42:14I'm not surprised that he got it.
0:42:14 > 0:42:17When he was talking, I could feel myself getting quite choked-up.
0:42:17 > 0:42:21And everyone was going, "Yeah."
0:42:21 > 0:42:24You could feel yourself sort of getting, yeah, choked-up with it.
0:42:24 > 0:42:27That was exactly the right choice. Fantastic choice, I think.
0:42:27 > 0:42:31'I'm a manager. He's a postman. We're sitting side-by-side.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34'We help each other and we're just getting along.'
0:42:34 > 0:42:40What it proves, apart from the fact that he's a better singer than me, there's no difference between us.
0:42:48 > 0:42:51# Life is very short... #
0:42:51 > 0:42:57'In the run-up to their performance in front of their colleagues, the choir puts in the practice.'
0:42:57 > 0:42:59# We can work it out
0:42:59 > 0:43:01# We can work it o-out. #
0:43:01 > 0:43:03That sounded loads better.
0:43:03 > 0:43:07# Run the risk of knowing that our love may soon be gone
0:43:07 > 0:43:10# We can work it out #
0:43:10 > 0:43:12BOTH: # We can work it out... #
0:43:12 > 0:43:18It's given me an outside interest, but it's also given me a bit of pride back in myself.
0:43:18 > 0:43:20Cos I want to do the best I possibly can.
0:43:20 > 0:43:24Standing up, please. It needs to sound light and optimistic...
0:43:24 > 0:43:27'And Gareth works them hard.'
0:43:27 > 0:43:29Don't hammer the message over the head.
0:43:29 > 0:43:31# I have always thought #
0:43:31 > 0:43:34Can it be balanced? Too much soprano and not enough alto.
0:43:34 > 0:43:35# Think of what I'm saying #
0:43:35 > 0:43:40Already, it's much too loud. Everyone's singing the same part so it becomes much louder.
0:43:40 > 0:43:44'When Gareth's been here pushing us like this,'
0:43:44 > 0:43:48we always go away feeling really confident, so it's what we need.
0:43:48 > 0:43:51If I'm going like this, what do I want?
0:43:51 > 0:43:54Flowing, right. If I go like that?
0:43:54 > 0:43:57I want you to jab the sound in my eye!
0:43:57 > 0:43:59LAUGHTER
0:43:59 > 0:44:05'The key thing for us at the moment is absolutely to do our best'
0:44:05 > 0:44:07and to say we couldn't have done any better.
0:44:07 > 0:44:13# Ooo-ooo-oooh. #
0:44:15 > 0:44:18Well done. That was so much better and it's only three hours!
0:44:18 > 0:44:22- LAUGHTER - Well done! Have a seat.
0:44:22 > 0:44:24That's it for rehearsal.
0:44:24 > 0:44:28I think it's in very good shape. Thanks very much. You may go home.
0:44:28 > 0:44:29Well done.
0:44:38 > 0:44:41'In less than 24 hours, the choir will perform for their colleagues
0:44:41 > 0:44:43'for the first time.
0:44:46 > 0:44:50'Gareth is on his way to a meeting to help drum up support.'
0:44:52 > 0:44:55Tim Barber has just taken over
0:44:55 > 0:44:58and he's now doing a massive PowerPoint presentation
0:44:58 > 0:45:02about the choir to 40 of the regional managers.
0:45:02 > 0:45:06These are the people that run the Royal Mail across most of the south of England.
0:45:06 > 0:45:10..But before I do that, I'd like to introduce Gareth.
0:45:10 > 0:45:12Round of applause for Gareth.
0:45:12 > 0:45:16Thank you very much. Hello. Good to see you. Hi, Tim.
0:45:19 > 0:45:22As a choir, we work together brilliantly. We help each other.
0:45:22 > 0:45:25We support each other. We put up with each other's mistakes.
0:45:25 > 0:45:29Actually, when we get it all right, it sounds fantastic.
0:45:29 > 0:45:32Why doesn't that translate to the workplace? What is it we're missing?
0:45:32 > 0:45:37There's a belief and there's a passion in our people that we don't know about.
0:45:37 > 0:45:40Because we don't ask them. Gareth HAS asked them.
0:45:40 > 0:45:42I think Gareth was pretty stunned,
0:45:42 > 0:45:46and I was certainly quite stunned, about the response that he got.
0:45:46 > 0:45:50There's a real buy-in to our business and it's in people's blood.
0:45:50 > 0:45:53I'm going to invite Peter to come up, who's a member of the choir.
0:45:53 > 0:45:57He is actually one of my bass line colleagues.
0:45:59 > 0:46:05It doesn't make a difference who you are, because we're all after the same object. We're all singers.
0:46:05 > 0:46:09The choir's brought us all together and instead of being individuals,
0:46:09 > 0:46:11we end up as a team.
0:46:11 > 0:46:15We look forward to singing together. I know it sounds a bit wussy,
0:46:15 > 0:46:19blokes singing, but it helps us all.
0:46:19 > 0:46:22We're all thinking the same way choir wise, but also work wise.
0:46:22 > 0:46:27I didn't know Tim, but I didn't realise how big he is until now!
0:46:27 > 0:46:29LAUGHTER
0:46:37 > 0:46:41I always say singing cannot change things.
0:46:41 > 0:46:47It can't make you better if you're sick. It can't turn round the fortunes of a company.
0:46:47 > 0:46:50But it's really amazing what it can do for morale.
0:46:50 > 0:46:54I'm hoping that as many of you as possible will come to the performance tomorrow.
0:46:54 > 0:46:58It's going to be a great opportunity for YOU, the management,
0:46:58 > 0:47:03to support the workforce, visibly, be there cheering them on.
0:47:03 > 0:47:08Because they're doing something that is absolutely FOR the company, not just for themselves.
0:47:08 > 0:47:12Can I have a show of hands? How many people are thinking of coming?
0:47:12 > 0:47:15- That's more like it.- Everyone!
0:47:15 > 0:47:17- I'm going to check! - LAUGHTER
0:47:17 > 0:47:19Thank you, everybody.
0:47:21 > 0:47:24'It's so good having Tim in the choir.
0:47:24 > 0:47:26'If this message came from the workforce on their own,'
0:47:26 > 0:47:30it wouldn't be translated into the language that managers understand.
0:47:30 > 0:47:33"What can we get from this? What are the goals?
0:47:33 > 0:47:36"What are the clear lessons that we can take?"
0:47:36 > 0:47:39That's the language that managers speak and Tim has just translated
0:47:39 > 0:47:44everything that we've done in the choir and put it into something tangible for this business.
0:47:44 > 0:47:46I hope that it has an impact.
0:47:54 > 0:47:57'The day of the performance.
0:48:03 > 0:48:06'As the audience begin to take their seats...'
0:48:06 > 0:48:10- There's my sister! - '..the choir get ready.'
0:48:10 > 0:48:12I'm glad they're here.
0:48:15 > 0:48:18I am nervous. I'd be a liar if I wasn't.
0:48:18 > 0:48:22A lot people have made the effort to come from our office to see us.
0:48:22 > 0:48:25I take it seriously. I don't want to let these guys down.
0:48:25 > 0:48:28I never imagined I could be this nervous.
0:48:28 > 0:48:31Waiting for my lift, I was pacing round the house.
0:48:31 > 0:48:35I was ready too early and didn't know what to do with myself.
0:48:35 > 0:48:39Starting to get the adrenaline going now. Getting a little bit nervous.
0:48:39 > 0:48:43That's a buzz. It's not fear. I'm really looking forward to it.
0:48:43 > 0:48:47I know we're good, we're well-practised, we've worked hard.
0:48:47 > 0:48:50I know it's going to come together - so, confident at the same time.
0:48:52 > 0:48:56'What the choir don't know is that Gareth has invited a special guest.
0:48:59 > 0:49:03'Ralph Allwood, former head of music at Eton College,
0:49:03 > 0:49:08'is one of three judges who'll decide which choir will win the final contest.'
0:49:08 > 0:49:12Everybody wants to be excellent. Everybody loves excellence.
0:49:12 > 0:49:16It's my job to make sure that I am judging at the highest level.
0:49:16 > 0:49:22People don't want you to go in, say "well done" and pat them on the head.
0:49:22 > 0:49:25They want to know how they can get better in the smallest detail.
0:49:29 > 0:49:33'Ralph will be hidden amongst the audience of family and work colleagues.'
0:49:35 > 0:49:39- Hello, everyone. Hi. - EVERYONE: Hello!
0:49:39 > 0:49:41- Everyone OK? - Yes, thank you.
0:49:41 > 0:49:43Right, come and gather round.
0:49:43 > 0:49:46It feels that we've got something to prove today.
0:49:46 > 0:49:50We've got to go out there and prove that this hasn't been a jolly,
0:49:50 > 0:49:54it hasn't been about relaxing, it's been incredibly hard work.
0:49:54 > 0:49:57You've taken on the mantle of singing for your entire company.
0:49:57 > 0:50:00Very well done for taking that on.
0:50:00 > 0:50:03- Is everybody ready? Fighting spirit? - ALL: Yes.
0:50:03 > 0:50:05Let's go and do it.
0:50:07 > 0:50:08Ready?
0:50:18 > 0:50:23- WHISPERS:- All right? - Yes.- It's going to be fine. Just have fun.
0:50:23 > 0:50:26We're going to have fun!
0:50:33 > 0:50:36Hello. Thank you very much. Good evening.
0:50:36 > 0:50:40Thank you very much for welcoming me into your company.
0:50:40 > 0:50:43It's incredible to be in a space like this.
0:50:43 > 0:50:49Who gets to come into these sorts of buildings? It's been fascinating to nose around the Royal Mail.
0:50:49 > 0:50:53I have to say, after looking in mail bags and post boxes
0:50:53 > 0:50:56and bothering people at machines,
0:50:56 > 0:51:00I found a fantastic group of 30 people who I'm going to introduce you to now.
0:51:00 > 0:51:05This is, ladies and gentlemen, the Bristol Royal Mail choir.
0:51:05 > 0:51:08CHEERS AND WHISTLES
0:51:22 > 0:51:24For me, it's really important
0:51:24 > 0:51:28that you get behind this choir for the contest.
0:51:28 > 0:51:31They need your support and to feel, going into this contest,
0:51:31 > 0:51:34that they represent you.
0:51:34 > 0:51:38It's going to be nerve-racking. Look at them. They're nervous already!
0:51:38 > 0:51:43The song I've chosen for them is We Can Work It Out by the Beatles.
0:51:43 > 0:51:44Here we are.
0:51:44 > 0:51:47PIANO PLAYS CHORD
0:51:48 > 0:51:51# Try to see it my way
0:51:51 > 0:51:55# Do I have to keep on talking till I can't go on?
0:51:55 > 0:51:57# While you see it your way
0:51:57 > 0:52:01# Run the risk of knowing that our love may soon be gone
0:52:01 > 0:52:04# We can work it out
0:52:04 > 0:52:06# We can work it o-out
0:52:06 > 0:52:09# Think of what you're saying
0:52:09 > 0:52:14# You can get it wrong and still you think that it's all right
0:52:14 > 0:52:16# Think of what I'm saying Oooh
0:52:16 > 0:52:20# We can work it out and get it straight or say good night
0:52:20 > 0:52:22# We can work it out
0:52:22 > 0:52:24# We can work it o-out
0:52:24 > 0:52:28# Life is very short
0:52:28 > 0:52:32# And there's no ti-ime
0:52:32 > 0:52:36# For fussing and fighting, my friend
0:52:38 > 0:52:41# I have always thought
0:52:41 > 0:52:45# That's it's a cri-ime
0:52:45 > 0:52:50# So I will ask you once again
0:52:51 > 0:52:54# Try to see it my way Oooh
0:52:54 > 0:52:57# Only time will tell if I am right or I am wrong
0:52:57 > 0:53:00# Ooh While you see it your way
0:53:00 > 0:53:04# There's a chance that we might fall apart before too long
0:53:04 > 0:53:06# We can work it out
0:53:06 > 0:53:09# We can work it o-out
0:53:09 > 0:53:15# Oo-oo-oo-oo-ooh. #
0:53:16 > 0:53:19CHEERING
0:53:34 > 0:53:37I wasn't expecting it to be as good as that.
0:53:40 > 0:53:42It was brilliant.
0:53:42 > 0:53:46I got right into the swing of it. Leg was going. Fingers was going.
0:53:46 > 0:53:48Thoroughly enjoyed it.
0:53:48 > 0:53:51I think for all these people to come and support us,
0:53:51 > 0:53:55I thought it was...well, amazing to see everyone.
0:53:55 > 0:53:59Well, you can't describe it, really. It was brilliant.
0:54:00 > 0:54:05Within the choir itself, we are such a brilliant bunch of friends.
0:54:05 > 0:54:08I can't describe it. It's been fantastic.
0:54:08 > 0:54:11One of them held my hand up there cos I was so nervous!
0:54:11 > 0:54:15I've heard lots of great things, lots of positive feedback,
0:54:15 > 0:54:18but I really was not prepared for what we witnessed tonight.
0:54:18 > 0:54:20They were absolutely amazing.
0:54:25 > 0:54:26Hello!
0:54:26 > 0:54:28CHEERING
0:54:29 > 0:54:31Well done, everyone.
0:54:31 > 0:54:34- Really good. Are you happy? - EVERYONE: Yes.
0:54:34 > 0:54:38I'm happy, too. I think you did a great job. You became a choir.
0:54:38 > 0:54:42I'm not going to tell you all the things that we might want to fix
0:54:42 > 0:54:45or might want to work on, because somebody else is.
0:54:45 > 0:54:47Oh, no!
0:54:47 > 0:54:51In the audience was a man called Ralph Allwood.
0:54:51 > 0:54:54He is one of the judges from the contest.
0:54:54 > 0:54:56GROANING
0:54:58 > 0:55:03The reason that Ralph is here is to give you some feedback about your performance.
0:55:03 > 0:55:05- Oh, right... - Right now!
0:55:05 > 0:55:08- Oh, yes! - I'm going to go and get him.
0:55:08 > 0:55:10Yeah!
0:55:10 > 0:55:14So, I am delighted to introduce you to Ralph Allwood.
0:55:14 > 0:55:19He's an eminent conductor and choir trainer. This man knows about choirs.
0:55:19 > 0:55:22I have no idea what he's going to say. He hasn't told me.
0:55:22 > 0:55:25I'm in the same boat as you, so I'll have a listen.
0:55:25 > 0:55:27Thank you, Gareth. Thank you very much.
0:55:27 > 0:55:32That was all beautifully together. The feeling was together.
0:55:32 > 0:55:34The rhythm was there.
0:55:34 > 0:55:37Lovely solo at the beginning, Sam.
0:55:37 > 0:55:39CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:55:40 > 0:55:47Now, I wouldn't be being a judge unless I told you one or two little ideas for future improvement.
0:55:47 > 0:55:49First of all,
0:55:49 > 0:55:54you made a lovely sound, but I think you could make a sound with more impact.
0:55:54 > 0:55:57You were a little bit tentative about yourselves.
0:55:57 > 0:56:02The second point is there was a certain nervousness in your eyes, of course!
0:56:02 > 0:56:05You came onto the stage and you looked at us,
0:56:05 > 0:56:10"Good lord! This is an audience and we are singing to them!"
0:56:10 > 0:56:15And you stared at Gareth as if you were on a sinking ship and he was a life belt.
0:56:15 > 0:56:17LAUGHTER
0:56:17 > 0:56:21Now, Gareth and I will both say to you that was really good,
0:56:21 > 0:56:24so you can stop staring at him and just look out and enjoy it!
0:56:24 > 0:56:26OK? Thank you.
0:56:28 > 0:56:31- Thank you. Thank you very much. - It was very good.
0:56:31 > 0:56:34You've heard it now.
0:56:34 > 0:56:37I absolutely agree with everything Ralph said.
0:56:37 > 0:56:42And nothing that Ralph said is too difficult for you to achieve.
0:56:42 > 0:56:44You can achieve that with hard work.
0:56:44 > 0:56:49You can go home and feel really happy with a job well done.
0:56:49 > 0:56:51- Congratulations. - Thank you.
0:56:55 > 0:56:59We're on a crest of wave at the moment. Everyone is riding high.
0:56:59 > 0:57:03Performing like we did this evening in front of all those people,
0:57:03 > 0:57:06the message is going to spread, I know it will.
0:57:06 > 0:57:10The women in our office can't keep their mouth shut, anyway!
0:57:10 > 0:57:15The other thing is, they were hugely impressed and we didn't nail it.
0:57:15 > 0:57:19- When we do nail it, we'll be unstoppable.- Yeah.
0:57:21 > 0:57:26There were musical things that didn't quite come off, but as a performance, it really worked.
0:57:26 > 0:57:28I'd like to see more from them.
0:57:28 > 0:57:32I feel like they've got the potential to go further,
0:57:32 > 0:57:34but that's what the next stage is all about.
0:57:36 > 0:57:40'Next week, Gareth is at Manchester Airport.'
0:57:40 > 0:57:43This is your captain speaking. We are cleared for take-off.
0:57:44 > 0:57:48'The search for singers gets off to a bumpy start.'
0:57:48 > 0:57:51If I sung out there, it'd clear that airfield.
0:57:52 > 0:57:54'As the heat is turned up...'
0:57:54 > 0:57:57That was the most intense thing I've ever done!
0:57:57 > 0:58:00'..the pressure mounts.'
0:58:00 > 0:58:03- I'm sorry. I'm not usually like this.- Toughie like you?
0:58:03 > 0:58:07I'm a bit nervy now. Ooh! # Shooby-do-doo! #
0:58:10 > 0:58:13Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:58:13 > 0:58:16E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk