O’Connell does first live theatre show

Absolute Radio breakfast presenter Christian O’Connell has done his first live late-night radio show in front of an audience in a West End theatre.

The unscripted hour-long programme, ‘Man on Wireless’ featured no adverts or music – but did include appearances from audience members sharing their secrets and strange life stories.

Christian met a man who had appeared on ‘Come Dine with Me’ dressed as a transvestite, a woman who had been asked to present a gift to the Prince of Abu Dhabi but shut his fingers in a wooden box, and a man who was ‘pimped out’ by Chas n Dave as an 11 year old boy to bring passers-by into a record signing event. The show finished with a mass prank call to a taxi firm, and a karaoke rendition of ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ sung by all 140 audience members.

Christian told us: “Man on Wireless was me out of my comfort zone, without my wingman Richie or my usual team, but the audience stepped-up to the mark. They were brilliant and made the show completely unique – it will never be the same again! I had an emergency copy of Nickelback ready to play just in case it all went wrong – all I can say is ‘Thank Chad’ it didn’t!”

The OC’s already lined up to do another late night show, live from London’s Soho Theatre next month. Have a look at the highlights of last night’s show here.