Viewers who switched on to the Michael McIntyre Big Show on Christmas Eve saw 21 of our nurses become the unexpected stars of the show. The nurses, who all sing in the NHS Forth Valley Nurses Choir thought they were travelling to London to appear in an audition for a Christmas concert but instead found themselves in front of a packed theatre audience.
NHS Forth Valley’s Director of Nursing Professor Angela Wallace, who was in on the subterfuge and hidden in the audience said: “We managed to keep it a surprise and I will never forget the look on their faces when they came out onto the stage and saw Michael McIntyre for the first time – not to mention the 2,200 people in the audience wearing Santa hats!”
“When it dawned on them what was actually happening some were in tears and others couldn’t stop laughing with the sheer mixture of shock and joy! It was a fantastic experience and I’m really proud of our nurses as they gave an outstanding performance.”
The nurses, who regularly sing for patients and at events to raise money for local charities, managed to hold their nerve in front of a live audience at London’s Theatre Royal in Drury Lane to sing White Christmas as the finale to the show.
The Choir’s TV debut attracted some fantastic feedback on social media – here are just a few examples of what people had to say about their performance:-
“As one of the choir members, this was an amazing experience to log in our memories. We have so much fun together but our reward is singing for the patients and seeing them respond from being quiet still people. Music comforts the core of everyone. Truly fantastic experience” Ailsa Bayne, Facebook
“Just saw you Forth Valley Choir girls tonight on McIntyre’s Show- so proud of you all, well done!” Christina Leij, GP in Bannockburn, Facebook
“Well done. You were all amazing. Made us all very proud!!” Yvette Gordon, Facebook
“Watching @McInTweet with the fabulous @NHSForthValley choir. Amazing girls! X” Robin Galloway, Heart Scotland DJ, Twitter
“Wow! Forth Valley Nurses Choir doing Scotland & NHS proud on #michaelmcintyre show. You looked proud as punch @Profawallace. Well done all!” Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister, Twitter
“Loved working with the inspiring & lovely @NHSForthValley nurses choir on @McInTweet‘s Big Show. Merry Christmas lovely ladies” Juliet Russell, Vocal Coach, Twitter
“@Profawallace @NHSForthValley What a stunning performance on tonight’s Michael MacIntyre show” Shirley Rogers, Twitter
Photo Credit: BBC/Hungry Bear Media LTD/Gary Moyes
