With the girls all getting cast, following the success of the TV hit show, we have started a discussion at one of our regional sites - WOS Manchester. Is Sam too young to play the experienced Sally Bowles in Cabaret? What do you think? If you want to add your thoughts, please follow the link here, as it would be great to hear from you.

Thanks, Glenn

The Lord kept mentioning that he wasn’t sure if said Nancy has the stamina to do eight shows a week. Seems like none of them are allowed to! See below before you book, expecting to see the winning lass!

This is from the see tickets website:

Performance Schedule – Nancy & Oliver

As performances do not commence until 12 December, we do not yet have a full confirmed performance schedule for Nancy and Oliver.

Due to licensing issues we cannot decide which Oliver will perform until shortly before the performance starts.

Sickness and holiday permitting, we have decided that the winning Nancy is scheduled to perform on Monday and Tuesday evenings, Wednesday matinees and Friday evenings. Until the show opens in December we cannot make a final decision on any additional performances.

Cameron Mackintosh Ltd

Well, now that the dust has settled and you have had time to pick yourself up off the floor, or maybe you have just finished watching Britain’s Got Talent on Skyplus; what a final!

I must admit I didn’t have the pleasure of watching the results show live, as I was at a gig, but I did see the three girls battle it out to begin with. Then I blocked all media coverage and watched the results at midnight, braced for a bad result. But what of the final three?

Firstly, Sam handled herself with real grace. I know I have given her some stick on here as she did seem slightly too driven for me and lacking in emotion. Her performances again, lacked the pizzazz yesterday needed to win, but she was a really gracious third place contestant. Not once did she resemble a spoilt brat like many do who get so close.

If you saw Britain’s Got Talent on the other side, you probably know what I mean. I’m sure this lass has a future, she could end up in Chicago, although I can see Bill Kenwright rubbing his hands with glee as he may just have found another narrator for his Joseph tour; an ideal role for Sam. If Tara can do it! (more…)

My spies tell me that Jessie, Jodie, Sam and the lord himself were spotted at one of Liza Minnelli’s gigs in London last week. Anyone who saw JB and the Lord on Jonathan Ross last night will know why. Liza coaches the girls tonight, well not literally, but the via the V.T as it has already happened.

It got me thinking really, as I am lucky enough to be reviewing one of Liza’s gigs on Monday night in Manchester. One of the reasons why I love this singer is that you feel when she is on stage that she is getting rid of some inner demons; she completely loses herself in the moment, just like her late mother, Judy Garland. Sure, she’s not as good as she used to be, but she still brings emotion to a song by the bowler hatful.

Now, I know that I’d Do Anything is ultimately a reality tv show, but sometimes the contestants are criticised for having “nothing behind the eyes”, “lack of depth”, or “not feeling the song.” But then you listen to them off stage and all you hear is “I have wanted this al my life!” Have they really? Since birth, all they have thought about is Nancy? It’s a very small part, why didn’t they aim higher?! (more…)

With the final just twenty four hours away, everyone has their favourite, although unlike Joseph and Maria, many folks’ faves have since been sent packing. Has your Nancy left the building already? Or is the feisty one still there, waiting to win?

I liked Rachel and thought Sarah was a very talented lass. I also thought Ashley had a certain something; she wasn’t always on the money but, as a reality tv character, she had a real survival instinct which became very endearing. So, as you read through my ideal scenario for tomorrow, leave a comment whether you agree or not, as you guys have kept this blog going and your views are really appreciated.

First to go:
Hopefully Jessie. I know this Irish philly has a huge following but apart from the voice, which on the odd show has been exceptional, there is no star quality. The posture, the answering back to the panelists and the awkwardness of this performer needs ironing out and it will take more than a few months to do that.

Next:
Sam. There is no doubting that this girl has grown as a performer. But due to the constant praise, she seems to believe her own hype, beyond belief. The role itself requires some emotional depths to be plunged. Can you imagine the Bill Sykes scene, whereby he beats Nancy? Sam would either smile throughout or look blank, as she has no real acting style apart from earnest or happy. (more…)

After watching the results show, you become very aware of how inconsistent the panels’ comments are. Rachel received this comment from the Lord: “Bravo you! So good to see you come through like this.” If you missed the results show, read on and you will find out what I mean.

The Nancy mission was a good one this week. The ladies had to spend a night in a Victorian house; so Big Brother in the past then? Well, not quite as this was not the clever part of the task. They then had to speak and act the lyrics to “As Long As He Needs Me.”

The results were mixed. Barry praised Jessie, although was it just me or did she sound like Sean Connery? Rachel was brilliant and even Barry had to admit he was impressed. Jodie was heartfelt and is certainly coming on as an actress, compared with the earlier rounds. I just wish she would stop the histrionics at the end when she gets through. It must irritate those who are getting the boot! (more…)

Thank the lord (not ALW) that BBC iplayer exists, as I was out reviewing The Osmonds last night and forgot to record the show. So, having had the chance to catch up, it was clear that last night was one of the best shows of the series. Each girl had to raise their game and the performances really show the audience who could cut it and who should leave.

First up was Rachel who had a mammoth task. Andrew is not feeling her performances and she has been in the bottom two twice. So, she had everything to gain with her version of Cabaret. We were shown clips from a summit meeting in which the judges and Cameron (at last!) talked about the girls’ strengths and weaknesses.

They claimed that Rachel lacked heart, Jodie was too cabaret, Sam received praise but lacked emotion, Jessie was talked up via her voice but little else. But with Cameron Mackintosh on board, you feel that this show is entering a new phase. Put it this way, Barry should step aside for him!

Rachel - “Cabaret”
Back to the competition, Rachel was asked to bring individuality to the table and she certainly did that. Her version of “Cabaret” was an absolute show-stopper! She gave the sort of performance that the panel had been looking for. I felt that she connected with the material ten-fold, filling your living room with her personality. She could breathe life into Bill Kenwright’s ropey West End Cabaret. DVO thought it was “Phenomenal” and even Barry was swayed claiming that it was a “star performance.” (more…)

I rarely mention the Olivers, as often I forget that they are in the show! But, something happened tonight during the group song, in that I suddenly realised that there is a wealth of talent in the final set of lads. It will be hard for Cameron to decide, I would imagine, as they are all strong. Although I would say goodbye to the little blonde lad who sounds too Welsh for Oliver. “Please Sir Can I Have Some More?” What would Mr Bumble reply: “Tidy?”

The Nancy mission this week was acting but more than that; comedy. Each of the girls took part in a comedy workshop led by Phil Jupitas. After viewing the footage Phil said that Jessie needed some work. Rachel received praise for doing confusion well. she has had enough practice, ending up in the sing off! Sam, as I suspected over-acted. Her character was supposed to be weak, yet she went in all cocky.

Niamh received praise for improvising and Jodie was described as “fantastic” (and John was nowhere to be seen!).

The group number was “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Out Of My Hair” from South Pacific. This involved some movement in a bath tub. (more…)

After Ashley’s untimely exit last week and the younger Nancys definitely flavour of the month with the Lord, what would the girls pull out of the bag tonight? Incorporated into the show was a stint from some of the Josephs, but more on that later. For now, which Nancy is still a contender?

Jodie sang “Holding Out For a Hero” from the film and stage show, Footloose. Andrew wanted to see how well she could move this week. She moved ok, but vocally she was very flat and nasally. I thought it was the worst performance she had ever done. The judges thought differently as John liked it, as did Barry with his back-handed compliment “You’ve been round the block a bit.” DVO claimed it was perfect and Andrew, obviously realising that his rudeness equals more than two phone votes to save his ‘victim’ said she danced “like Meatloaf.” This was uncalled for and John Barrowman gallantly stuck up for her.

Rachel had put up with a bit of stick last week and was determined to wow the judges and the audience at home. She sang X Factor/American Idol favourite “I Will Always Love You.” Vocally, it was excellent and felt like a two fingered salute to Barry and Andrew. I could really see her playing the role after this. But the judges clearly ring in the comments every week, as Barry said she hits an “emotional ceiling.” (more…)

Ttonight we were shown details of a Nancy mission, which should have been shown yesterday. But, this would have affected the voting process! Each girl had to learn how to perform stunts. Ashley and Rachel proved to be really great actresses. But Barry still insisted that the Irish pro should be going home.

Jodie was just too nice and asked the stunt man if he was ok, rather than continue with the performance. So, the actresses with the most mettle were Rachel and Ashley. Even Jodie commented that she would not want to bump into Ashley in a dark alley way. Perfect credentials for a great, potential Nancy then!

When asked who was the strong actress, John Barrowman said Rachel.

The group song was “Nobody Does It Better” and again, Jessie was very weak in this number, as was Niamh. The young ones are not faring well, although the panel keep calling them the best. (more…)