Star choir on song to wow Philharmonic audience

Dec 23 2008 Chester Chronicle

WELSH wonders Only Men Allowed will raise the roof at the Philharmonic Hall in Liverpool next spring, as part of their first UK tour.

The choir, which won first place in BBC1’s hit show Last Choir Standing will wow audiences with a repertoire ranging from 15th century to current day.

Since being crowned the nation’s favourite choir, the boys have been swept up in a whirlwind of showbiz success, which has included an album and two sell-out dates at the Wales Millennium Centre.

Member, Wyn Davies, said: “It’s absolutely amazing, everything that’s happened to us over the last couple of months – I have to pinch myself sometimes!

“We have recorded an album and now we’re going on tour – our feet really haven’t touched the ground!”

The group, made up of 18 singers, has a varied line-up, to say the least. There are teachers, musicians, students, a gardener – and 23-year-old Wyn qualified as a pharmacist while the show was being filmed.

He laughed: “It was a double whammy!

“I have always sung, since I was a child, but not many people get the chance to sing live on prime time TV. I honestly never thought it would happen on this scale.

“There were a lot of routines to learn, we had to throw in a few moves as well, and some of us are not the best movers in the world!”

The choir, which formed in 2000, has performed regularly on BBC Radio 4 and Songs of Praise.

Wyn said: “The best thing about it was the great atmosphere – we all mixed really well. We were really pleased to have two Welsh choirs in the final.

“Choral singing is so strong in Wales and it was good to showcase that.”

Only Men Allowed are at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on Wednesday, May 6. Tickets are £17.50-£30. To book call 0151 709 3789