Name: Jim Lawrenson
How long have you been a member of Johns’ Boys Male Chorus?
Since 2025.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself — where you’re from and how you first got into singing?
I’m originally from Bury, but live near Preston. I started singing in my 40’s having never done any singing in groups before. I wasn’t even allowed in the Primary school choir. In fact, I’d only ever sung karaoke twice, before I joined a local barbershop chorus. When that closed down in 2018, I moved to the next nearest chorus in Bolton, who happened to be the UK Barbershop champions – and that was a serious step up.
What made you want to join Johns’ Boys Male Chorus?
It seemed like a huge challenge with the different languages the chorus sings in – Welsh, Italian, English and others.
I messaged Aled to find out more about the Chorus and he said to come down and join a rehearsal, sent me the repertoire and two weeks later I learned 17 new songs and sang in the Wrexham show… which was pretty exhausting to be fair.
How has your experience with the choir been so far?
It’s been amazing so far. There are some incredibly talented singers in John’s Boys and the team spirit is awesome. The repertoire is really varied as well, so lots to get stuck on and into.
Do you have a favourite piece the choir performs (or one you’re most looking forward to singing)?
It’s going to have to be Sosban Fach – because it’s the first Welsh song I learned and my family love it too. How you can finish a song with “Oggi, oggi oggi, oi, oi, oi” I have no idea, but it works.
What’s something fun or unexpected about you that the audience or choir fans might not know?
Having never sung in anything a decade ago, I’ve won three national Chorus gold medals, sung internationally and now with the two best choruses in the UK.
With enough practice and commitment, I genuinely believe most people can do this too – if they just give it a whirl and are prepared to commit to improving and developing their voice.
Join a choir – I promise it will change your life for the better. I was also friends with the lads from elbow, Lisa Riley and Anna Friel at College – so there’s clearly a lot of talent in Bury!