A group of choristers from Glynneath Male Voice Choir are once again going viral for their hilarious antics at their end-of-year performance. Earlier this month, members donned feather crowns and tutus to perform a Swan Lake ballet sketch that even retired ballerina and former Strictly Come Dancing judge Dame Darcey Bussell would love.
The performance was part of the choir’s Christmas concert where as well as singing together, different groups have to do a comedy sketch. The tradition has been going on for over 20 years and is a “sell-out” every year, with Welsh comedian and singer Max Boyce MBE one of the people watching in the audience at Glynneath Rugby Club this year.
The sketches put on by the choir are even a surprise to the men’s friends and family in the audience, so their tutus were met with a great reaction of claps and cheers when the curtains were pulled back. Huw Watkins, chairman of the choir and one of the men who starred in the ballerina sketch, said: “It’s always a sell-out. It’s a good, fun night every year.”
Glynneath Male Voice Choir have been performing comedy sketches at their end of year show for over 20 years
(Image: Nigel Bailey)
While the three-minute performance may have been a bit of fun, the men, aged between 50 and 70, spent a number of weeks rehearsing in order to get it right. “It’s surprising the rehearsal we put in,” Huw said. “We all learn our parts but I tell everyone to follow me and if they all do that it’s not too bad. It takes a couple of weeks.”
There around 25 men in the choir, 10 of whom are involved in organising the sketches. Huw said that they spend time looking at comedy sketches on YouTube in order to get the ideas for their end of year performance. For the latest Neath Port Talbot news, sign up to our newsletter here
The audience chanted “more” after the men finished their routine
(Image: Nigel Bailey)
Huw has been in Glynneath Male Voice Choir for 25 years while another of the fellow ballerinas has been a chorister for over 40 years. However, some members of the sketch are more new to the choir and it was their first time taking part – what a way to get started!
As well as the laughs and cries of “more” on the night, the choir shared the video to their Facebook page which has been viewed over 50,000 times. One comment said: “You guys are bonkers and we love you for it!”. Another person said: “Absolutely brilliant! Well done guys for being such great sports.”