The Choir: Sing while you work

[sp1814]

Is it me, or is Gareth Malone a bit of a genius.

I missed his Military Wives series, but just catching up with his workplace choir show, and even though I've got a voice that sounds like a plate of baked beans making its way through a cow's digestive system...I want to join a choir.

[emmie]

not so much a genius but a very genial bloke, enthusiastic and motivational.
I have followed all the series he has made, been quite a few years now. This one doesn't grab me all that much, and it isn't him, but some of it has become rather formulaic.

[emmie]

it does rather explain what i meant. Though the surgeon was a grumpy git.

http://www.independen...-surgeon-8122435.html

[sp1814]

em10

I missed last week's one. Going to have to seek it out on iPlayer.

Pity the Royal Mail staff didn't think of 'Please Mr Postman' for their song.

Also, I agree with you - the first series he did with the school kids was better because there was more 'drama' to the show (which stroppy boy would drop out, which girl would get pregnant before the final show).

[emmie]

he has done quite a few series now, i have enjoyed them, but i do think he should stop, i didn't watch much of the Military wives one as i felt it was tripping over into X factor reality show territory.

[VictorMildew]

sp, don't worry dear, many dog rough voices can be "lost" in the massed ranks of a choir, just ask Mr Mildew. Hope he doesn't see this. lol

[sp1814]

em10

Just read your link - interesting, and I believe every word he says. A friend of mine is very high up in the London musical theatre world, and CH4 did a series on the company he was working for.

The moment the producers found out my mate was gay, they basically asked him whether he could 'camp it up a bit' and be 'more bitchy'.

My mate knew exactly what they were up to, so spent the entire filming acting as 'butch' as he possibly could (didn't really work that well).

[VictorMildew]

I've done a few shows with gay directors and have always found them far funnier and willing to have a laugh during rehearsals that the straight ones.

[emmie]

the programme makers pick out someone who has a story, something sad usually they can play up to, and this series is no exception. I love Gareth, he is a very talented guy, but this has really run it's course.

[Maydup]

All of the good TV programmes become formulaic in the end and this one is no exception. I didn't watch the Military Wives until part way through and although I enjoyed it, I could happily miss it too.

I haven't bothered this time as I think I know what happens now; nevertheless Gareth is a genius and if it still gets people singing then all well and good. No harm in it.