Now that the dust has settled following the very first live sing-off, how do you feel about the way Amy Diamond was made to exit the show? Did you laugh, cry or hold your head in your hands? I ask because The Lord has always stipulated that these shows are about nurturing these wannabe West End stars. But, over the years – we have watched and supposedly wept at the exits – including the handing over the coat (Any Dream Won’t Do, more like) and the “So, Long, Farewell” of the Marias in How Do You Solve A Problem Like…..
We know that these shows are about casting a lead role in a musical but the genre is reality television – as the audience needs the drama, otherwise they would be very boring.
This time round, we seem to wave off the least popular girl on a crescent moon, as she flies off into the distance. This follows a ceremonial handing over of her ruby slippers to Andrew by the girl he chooses to save. It does make you wonder what’s in store as the show progresses as the finalists have already mucked out pigs in order to win an extra spot on the TV Show. So, do we have to watch Toto cock his leg on the loser next week?
Don’t get me wrong – most things about the new format – including the judges are spot on. But the ending made me cringe slightly, so I hope this is toned down slightly from now on. Otherwise, it might make Over the Rainbow too over the top for many viewers.
I don’t like the big red stiletto’s back of stage for a start. Sir Andrew said he was worried about getting too far from the innocence of Dorothy and these burlesque type props are therefore rather innapropriate. After a week of criticism in the press Amy did very well to exit smiling, singing and flying on the crecent moon, but it could be different for some of the other young girls who might be teary and voice choked at that moment, OTT in my view.