June 2nd 2008

So we're finally here. Thousands of hopefuls put themselves forward for the role of Nancy in Cameron Mackintosh's upcoming production of Oliver! and, after weeks of whittling down the contenders, the public have finally chosen Blackpool's Jodie Pregner as their leading lady.

Saturday's live show was split into two halves this week; first we had the three-way face off between Sam, Jodie and Jessie, and then we had Jessie and Jodie going head to head in the final showdown.

The first of the shows really set things off with a bang. The three finalists and the three Olivers were reunited with the previous adversaries in a huge ensemble performance of I'd Do Anything. All the familiar faces from the series were there: Keisha, Tara, Sarah, Niamh, even Graham was roped in to sing a line! Spirits were high as the panel gave the raucous sing-a-long a rapturous standing ovation. Then, of course, things became slightly more serious. The pressure of the competition set in between the three finalists and now they had to perform for the role solo. The heat, quite definitely, was on.

Clad in vibrant red, with only a hint of their distinctive colours peeping through underneath their petticoats, the Nancys descended the studio stairs for their biggest performance to date.

Jodie was up first but, before we got to see her number, we were shown a little montage of her journey so far. Chopped in with a few teary addresses to camera were Jodie's 'best bits': a few choice cuts from pervious shows and behind the scenes footage paired with her saying things like "It just don't happen to people like me"

Cut back to the studio and we finally got to see Jodie perform Son of a Preacher Man. Big and brassy, Jodie's rendition was exactly what we've come to expect from her. With her huge voice and bubbly demeanour, Jodie seems to have the edge on her contemporaries in terms of the warmth of her performance. Some glowing reviews from the panel followed before Samantha the siren was allowed to take to the stage.

We were treated to a similar video montage of Samantha's progress before she too descended the studio stairs to stake her claim for the role. Anyone Who Had a Heart was Samantha's choice and the panel certainly took to it. After the usual praising of her, let's say 'aesthetic qualities', Barry Humphries declared "The West End needs you Samantha!".

Jessie was up next with The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face .Tender and delicate, the panel were very aware that this is what Jessie does best. When asked if he thought Jessie could play Nancy in the West End, Cameron Mackintosh asserted "Jessie was born to play Nancy" to rallying applause.

So far the competition was looking pretty open. Each of the girls had put in sterling performances to match the occasion and each had received heroic reception. To separate the Nancys, the three Olivers were drafted in to gauge each of the girl's maternal chemistry. Jodie was up first with Laurence and the pair gave a heart-warming rendition of Getting to Know You. Sam was up next with Harry and the two of them really seemed natural together. Jessie and Gwion probably made the most impact and worked fantastically well despite singing a really rather silly song about being "scrumptious" or something.

Before the person with the fewest votes was cast off, we were shown a short video of the girls meeting musical theatre legend Liza Minnelli. A huge honour for all the Nancys, Liza gave the girls a detailed masterclass to prepare them to sing Maybe This Time at tonight's live final. After the Nancys performed the piece as a trio, it was time for one of the Nancys to bow out of the runnings.

Of course it was 17 year old Samantha Barks that had to give up her locket and leave the role to be fought over by 18 year old Jessie Buckley and 28 year old Jodie Prenger.

When we finally were put back through to the studio for the final showdown there was a definite air of tension hanging over the proceedings. First of all Jodie and Jessie had to take it in turns to sing the classic As Long as He Needs Me, a song that typically has meant the demise of Nancys. Each interpretation was very different but both were strong in their own right. We had a rousing ensemble performance of Take That's Never Forget and then even last year's Joseph, Lee Mead popped in to have a brief stint in the spotlight. All the focus was on Jodie and Jessie though and when the vote was finally announced the whole studio erupted with cheers, confetti and pyrotechnics. Jodie was chosen as the people's Nancy on Saturday and now follows in the footsteps of Lee Mead and Connie Fisher. The show opens in six months and Cameron Mackintosh says he can't wait to start the rehearsal process in earnest. Saying on the night that he was "Thrilled for Jodie", all we can do now is wait for the show to open at the end of the year.

It's been a marvellous ride from those early auditions and we've certainly seen some real talent and stunning performances. All Cameron Mackintosh needs to do now is keep the energy and the excitement of I'd Do Anything going until Oliver! opens at the The Theatre Royal Drury Lane and it's bound to be every bit as successful as both Joseph and the Sound of Music.

From all of us at the Show and Stay^® team: thanks for reading and we'll see you at the box office!

May 26th 2008

Wow, what a weeked! Saturday's sensational semi final was definitely the most explosive episode to date. With the grand finale only a week away and victory stirring in the nostrils of all the girls, everyone's performance was certainly charged to the nines. Quite an impressive itinerary awaited us: the three winning Olivers were to be chosen, the panel gained the insight of Sir Cameron Mackintosh and we were going to say goodbye to the final Nancy before the big public vote.

By now, I'm sure we are all aware that this Sunday saw the end of Rachel Tucker. We think that, considering her stunning performance the night before, the outcome was somewhat of a travesty: a glitch in the Matrix one might say. After hitting the sing off for the second time the week before, Rachel's rendition of Life is a Cabaret on Saturday had all the zing and excitement of a woman stamping her authority on the role. And with the unanimous standing ovation that followed her number, it looked like her place in the final was secured. How on earth was she kicked off? Rachel was first up though, and the other girls were yet to show their hands...

It was Jessie's job to follow it up with "What I did for Love" from Chorus Line. It was a fine performance but, to my mind, a little forgettable after Rachel's smashing rendition. John Barrowman was the sternest of the critics saying that he hadn't felt Jessie had been progressing like should have been. Barry disagreed but, nevertheless, it was nothing like the glowing review that Rachel received.

As a bit of a twist this week the girls were split into two pairs and we were then treated to the first duet of the night. Jodie and Samantha chipped in to give a rapturous rendition of Jesus Christ Superstar. Bold and brassy, the duo delighted both the audience and the panel. So far, the show's been a real scorcher hasn't it?

Next, the first huge revelation was announced; the three Olivers were chosen. Where as the Nancys performances have fluctuated in their appeal from week to week, the wee guys have been consistently great. The three lucky Olivers are: Gwion from Carmathenshire, Harry from Oxford and Laurence from Cheshire. The 'Lord' concurred with Cameron and said that the three Olivers were each very different but totally spectacular, "Whatever Oliver you go and see it'll be a great show"

Samantha followed this news with a heartfelt version of "When You Believe" from The Prince of Egypt. Warm and sincere, Sam looked like a sure thing for the final but, alas, found herself in the bottom two with Rachel on Sunday.

Jodie followed with Out Here on my Own. The panel were looking for grit in Jodie's performance this week and boy did she have it by the bucket load. Tender and passionate, Jodie's song may just have nudged her into pole position.

Another duet followed, this time with the Celtic contingent, Rachel and Jessie. Singing "Buenos Aires" from Evita, the pair performed the song well but lacked the intensity of Samantha and Jodie's effort. Rachel seemed very comfortable on the stage but sometimes Jessie's diction was a little rushed and a few of the lyrics were hard to hear.

It was then up to the unsuccessful Olivers to close Saturday's show with No Matter What. A very fine performance indeed and one that shows that nigh on all of the finalists could have made it into the winning three.

Quite a show wasn't it? And with performances like that, it was difficult to predict the outcome of Sunday's show. What wasn't difficult to predict was that the Eurovision Song Contest that followed I'd Do Anything had nothing on the outstanding performances we'd just been spoiled with!

Sunday's episode was then a bit of anomaly really. We saw the Nancy's head back in time and take on a one to one acting session with Barry Humphries in a rather spooky old Victorian house. If that wasn't frightening enough, the drawn-out announcement of the voting results was a complete nerve-shredding nightmare. Everyone here at the Show and Stay^® was shocked to see Rachel and Samantha in the bottom two; if anything, we thought they were the strongest contenders. In fact, one of our number was so upset by the result that he launched into a tirade about how he felt it was all a popularity contest. We quietened him down just in time for the sing off; and my oh my what a sing off it was! An absolutely staggering rendition of Memories, it must have been up there with the best performances of the series. A real tear-jerker, even Andrew was caught welling up on camera. Andrew said that this final choice was the hardest of all bust said he had to save Samantha.

Definitely an amazing weekend's worth of entertainment and if the looming final can conjure up half the intensity of this week's, we'll be in for a real belter. So, who takes the crown? Tune in next week to find out how the I'd Do Anything story ends; We can't wait!

May 19th 2008

Saturday's I'd Do Anything was, in effect, the quarter finals of this exciting competition. Five Nancys had to become four and, regrettably, it was young Niamh who had to say her goodbyes to the West End dream. I'm not going to lie to you, we're all a little disheartened to see the back of Niamh: she was definitely one of our favourites. Maybe the panel were correct after all and the role was not right for her but, still, I think everyone will miss her big voice and pretty little face.

Anyway, the show certainly kicked off in a bit of a dour tone. After the opening credits we were shown a stern montage of all last week's barbed comments and criticisms. Then, before we'd even seen any solo performances, we were made privy to a fairly prickly bitching session as each Nancy was privately asked what she thought of her rivals. I say 'prickly', it was more like The Little House on The Prarie than The Apprentice but it was frosty enough. All that was left was for Andrew to claim that the competition was wide open and that the fight for the semi final would be fought out tonight: now, let's see some Nancys...

Jodie was up first with the biggest of power ballads, the colossal I Need a Hero. Sassy and vampish, Jodie completely owned the stage. Accompanied by two dancers, Jodie's performance was more heavily choreographed than in recent weeks but was still a little light for Andrew who wanted to see her move more. Apart from that the panel were very complimentary and seemed to route for her inclusion in the semi final.

Just when we thought the numbers couldn't get any bigger or brassier, Rachel stepped in with the theme from The Bodyguard, I Will Always Love You. Much more Whitney Housten than Dolly Parton, Rachel's rendition was certainly high voltage. The performance then split the panel; Barry thought it was colder than he would have liked and Denise agreed, but John thought it was as emotive as it was strong and claimed that she'd make a fantastic leading lady. The 'Lord' only gave her one piece of advice for next week, "just be Rachel" and the emotion will come. We'll see, I suppose.

Samantha was up next with another huge performance, this time a song from the West End musical Wicked. We could definitely see a theme arising now: show-stopping numbers are the new black and gentle little ditties are out! The performance was a massive hit and proves that, though the youngest contender, Sam definitely has what it takes to play the role of the steely Nancy. What's more, the Olivers seemed to like it because they all jumped up to give a massive standing ovation when she finished

Speaking of the Olivers, they were up next with an acting class with Les Miserables child star Daniel Barber playing the role of the Artful Dodger. Jonny was selected this week as the last of the boys to go through to the final and be in with a shot of landing one of the three Oliver roles up for grabs.

Jessie was up next with a version of Leann Rimes's How Do I Live. Vocally okay, the performance didn't really show Jessie's full capacity, indeed, John Barrowman likened the performance to "vanilla".

Niamh was then up to fight for her place with No Doubt's Don't Speak. All week Niamh has been training with some rugby chaps to try and toughen up her fragile persona. May I just say, seeing her ruck it out with the best of them definitely made me think that, no matter what those judges say, I wouldn't like to get in a fight with her: she looks like she can handle herself.

Right, getting back to Saturday's show; it wasn't a poor performance by Niamh by any standard but the decision to put some black clad male dancer from one of the other routines on stage with her just seemed a little awkward and unnecessary. Anyway, with some pretty cold comments from the judges it looked like Niamh's fate was sealed before we got to see her in the big ensemble performance with the former Joseph finalists that followed.

Sunday's show saw the Nancys turn their hand to a little comedy to see how they could cope with the lighter aspects of the role. After the public vote was announced we had to contend with one of the finest sing offs in the competition. Rachel and Niamh received the fewest votes and so had to duet "Another Suitcase in Another Hall" from Evita. Though Niamh had to say goodbye it was certainly a gracious and impassioned performance and a truly outstanding and fitting swan song.

Next week we'll find out who are the three Olivers that will take the role and see who the last Nancy is to leave before the grand finale. You don't need us to spell it out for you... next week's I'd Do Anything is simply going to be UNMISSABLE. See you next time!

May 12th 2008

Well, after Sarah's unexpected departure last week it seems that the Nancys have all been sharpening their proverbial claws to stay in the competition. OK, so there wasn't any real Apprentice-style bitchiness (at least not between the Nancys), but the songs they each chose certainly pass as fightin' talk.

Jessie kicked off the aggressive theme with a boisterous rendition of Christina Aguilera's Stronger. No where near last week's spectacular Judy Garland number, the judges criticised her song choice. John Barrowman began the battery by reminding everyone that this was not a talent competition but a casting competition. Jessie's rushed diction meant that swathes of the lyric were unclear and, if this was a piece of musical theatre, that simply could not happen.

Next we were backstage at a Celine Dionne show with Andrew and the Nancys. A treat for the girls and a masterclass on how to deliver a rousing ballad, the girls were ushered in to meet the star in her dressing room. Niamh seemed to be most impressed with getting to meet the French-Canadian warbler and it was she that was next to perform.

In a wee bit to camera, Niamh declared that she wanted the panel to see that she could be as mature and maternal as any of the older Nancys and she decided to do this by singing Phil Collins' hit True Colours. A really rather beautiful rendition, Niamh sung with tenderness and honesty but, as the judges said, it didn't really smack of maternal guidance. Her voice cracked at one point too but it was only a fairly minor hiccup. The performance she gave on Sunday however, after she was picked by the Olivers to perform Chitty Chitty Bang Bang with them, was very different. The interaction she had with the boys worked really well and she effortlessly exuded a motherly sort of warmth. The panel liked both performances but, alas, she still found herself in the sing off after the public vote.

Ashley was up next with Aretha's Say a Little Prayer. Only JB thought the performance was of any note, the others found her a little cheesy and uninteresting. I couldn't quite put my finger on why I didn't like her song until Denise said that she thought it was a little "cruise ship". That, I thought, was exactly what was wrong with it; the voice was fine but was completely lacking a sense of honesty or intent. Andrew Lloyd Webber was exceptionally cruel and said that, after hearing her sing the lyric "run for the bus dear", he thought that "that's exactly what you should take"

After the sing off Andrew Lloyd Webber apologised for being so harsh on Ashley the day before and said that he would like to work with her on something else and really try and bring the performances out of her. Niamh and Ashley performed "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" in the sing off and I have to say it was a fairly lacklustre performance by Niamh. Her tuning was fine but the integrity and connection with the lyric she usually commands was definitely not as clear as it has been before. Still, she simply had to stay over Ashley and the Lord duly saved her from elimination for the second time in three weeks.

Flitting back to Saturday's show, the Olivers were sent for an acting class with former Eastender Todd Carty, each one going over the famous Workhouse scene for the camera. Eleven year old Lawrence stood out to the judges and he was sent through to the semi final.

Sam, who I think has just been getting better and better, was next up to the plate and performed the Destiny's Child hit Survivor. Energetic and impassioned, Sam was very strong on Saturday. The judges loved it and Denise felt the need to apologise for doubting her at the beginning of the audition process. "I thought you were a very young girl" said Denise, "but now I see you as a leading lady".

Jodie was up next with an altogether more robust approach to the role. After confidently and competently belting out the Alicia Keys song If I Aint Got You. The Judges were impressed but Webber questioned whether she could cope with some more intense choreography. The feisty Jodie then declared "Oh, I can move like you don't know what!" to a huge cheer from the studio audience.

Rachel was up next and, after being saved from the sing off last week by Andrew, was fighting for her place. A very fine rendition of Carole King's "You Got a Friend" was not enough to convince Barry who thought that he now saw here as a great understudy but not a leading lady.

To add to the tension, Graham then announced that the six Nancys would be split into two groups, one would comprise of the young hopefuls (Niamh, Jessie and Sam) and the other of the more seasoned performers (Rachel, Ashley and Jodie). The youngsters were up first with a hi octane rendition of Aguilera's Candyman. With a few fairly saucy lyrics and some suggestive moves their rendition was fun if a little cheeky. The older crowd managed a calmer and more resilient version of Man, I feel Like a Woman. A much easier song to sing, Rachel, Ashley and Jodie pulled off a tongue-in-cheeck cabaret act complete with high heels and walking canes. Andrew said he liked both groups and said they were great fun but refused to say which he preferred.

All in all the performances were not quite as strong as they were last week and it was clear nerves have started settling in with a few of the hopefuls. Still, a great show and, with only five Nancys left in the competition, next week's I'd Do Anything is shaping up to be a real corker.

May 6th 2008

This week's I'd Do Anything was a real cracker! Since Andrew Lloyd Webber threw himself into a huge sulk at the public's decision to make him choose between Niamh and Keisha last week, the tension was audibly bubbling long before the opening credits started rolling. What's more, the 'Lord' was taking things into his own hands this week by coaching the Nancys in intense, one to one, singing sessions. The heat was most definitely on.

After the opening number, Jodie and Sarah were left to kick off the sixth round of the competition. Feisty Jodie went first and launched into the Guys and Dolls classic Luck be a Lady Tonight. A theatrical and punchy rendition, the judges lapped up Jodie's performance with calls that it had set the bar for the evening's entertainment. Then Sarah was again trying to tone down her lovely, bubbly persona with the complex lyric of Mr Bojangles. Not all the judges were convinced though and Barry even said that he feared she had limited capacity for expression. She suddenly was not looking quite so chirpy... until John Barrowman disagreed, thought she was fantastic, and that sunny sparkle came flooding back. It looked like she was going to be OK but, alas, it wasn't to be.

Rachel and Samantha were the next two to face the music, Rachel hit the stage first with the Stevie Wonder song For Once in my Life. Now, despite us thinking that Rachel was the judges' cast iron favourite, Webber had some pretty stern words for her in the coaching session. Still, she took everything on board and whipped out an energetic and, we thought, faultless performance. It clearly wasn't to the public's taste though because she was awarded the fewest amount of votes and had to go up against Sarah in the sing off.

Samantha then dragged out a pretty steamy performance of Sway which was a real hit with the judges. Classy and sensuous, Sam pulled off another turn as the siren of the group. Barry, of course, was again most enamoured by Sam's confident rendition and it looked like she must be safe this week.

The Olivers were up next and this week they'd been having a High School Musical inspired workshop. Donning white trainers and sports vests, the wee guys hit the gym to work through a bouncy basket ball routine with Troy from the West End cast. Twelve year old Harry shone through and managed to slam dunk his way into the semi final.

Last week's sing off survivor, Niamh was up by herself next to show that he still has what it takes to be in the competition. She may have faltered last time with a fairly misguided rendition of The Zutons' Valerie, but she was certainly back to her best this week. A cool and sophisticated version of They Can't Take That Away From Me, Niamh's performance was pretty fantastic and has definitely cemented her position in the Show and Stay^® office as one of our distinct favourites.

It then came down to Jessie and Ashley to close Saturday's show. Youngster Jessie had real difficulty last week with finding her identity when performing the role of Nancy. This week however she blew the judges away with her powerful performance of Judy Garland's The Man that got Away. Strong and thoughtful, the song had judges fighting over whether it was the performance of the show or the performance of the series. Andrew Lloyd Webber even had to say that he thought it was the "best performance he had every seen from a girl as young as Jessie." Praise indeed we think you'll agree. it was then up to underdog Ashley to close the show. Shirley Bassy's Hey Big Spender was the number she chose but, though not a failure, it seemed a little soft after Jessie's show-stopping turn.

That was pretty much it for Saturday's show and the next 24 hours were handed over for the public to vote for their favourite. As per usual the two with the least votes had to go into the final dreaded sing off and this week it was Rachel and Sarah's turn. Despite the Olivers choosing Sarah as the Nancy to perform with them in a one off number, Webber chose to save Rachel when it came to the crunch.

There were no tears or tantrums this week, Webber just said that he felt sad that Sarah had to go. Such a cheery and positive influence on the house, the other Nancys wondered what life was going to be like in the competition without her.

A dignified and impassioned sing off, twinkly Sarah even had a smile and a few gracious words to give to camera after the show was over. What a weekend's entertainment!

Now that we're halfway through the competition, the standard of the performances are really starting to get serious. To catch the last six Nancy's battle it out for the West End role check out the show next Saturday on BBC1 and keep up to date with the latest news and gossip through our website.

April 28th 2008

It was the the halfway stage in the competition this week and things were getting just a little bit tense. 'The Lord' Webber even admitted that, without a clear front runner, he was getting worried about the outcome of this 'Dickensian Dilemma'. He and the panel were focussing on the acting this week and how the Nancys convey the meaning of the songs. Show stopping "Money notes", as Webber expertly called them, were all well and good and everyone's keen to applaud them, "but they're not what this is about, this is an acting role". With this tense prologue to the proceedings, the Nancys and the Olivers were then ushered in to perform the classic You've Got to Pick a Pocket or Two to really kick everything off.

Niamh and Rachel were the first two into the fray and, after both putting in sterling performances last week, there was a perceptible buzz about the studio. Niamh was first and belted out the Zuton's hit Valerie. Much monkeyed with in recent months by the likes of Mark Ronson and the formidable Amy Winehouse, Niamh certainly had her work cut out for her to make something new. The performance was a bit of a mix of all of the previous versions but, though not a failure, was certainly not up to Niamh's high standards. A little hazy and hurried diction were the panel's criticisms and we'd have to agree. Rachel stormed in with the Avril Lavigne number I'm With You and seemed to further cement her reputation as the judges' favourite. Personally I thought the whole thing was a little bit laboured and clunky but maybe that's just little ole' me.

Jessie and Sarah were up next to fight for the role. Jessie had spent the week working on trying to be more elegant and womanly but the panel felt that her performance of Stop (before you break my heart) lacked the 'real' Jessie. Denise even wondered whether this meant that she would struggle taking direction if she made it through to the West End. The almost hopelessly lovely Sarah then launched into the Alanis Morissete hit Ironic which the judges were far more happy with.

Next were the two Nancys that so far had been the closest to elimination; two time sing-off survivor Keisha and last week's escapee Ashley were pitted together in the penultimate performance round. Keisha had been struggling with her voice all week but managed a strong rendition of Anastacia's I'm Outta Love and looked to many like she could cling on through to next week. Ashley's performance was a little cheesy and the judges were quick to unpick her determined approach. Lloyd Webber stepped in to promise that, if they managed to get through this week, he would get down and work with them to try and tease out their inner-Nancys.

The Olivers followed and this week we saw them attend a stage-fighting masterclass to assess their physicality. Thirteen year old Jonny was the lucky youngster to be put through to the semi final this week and got to don the prestigious cloth cap.

The closing pair were Samantha and Jodie and what a show-stopping finale they put on. Samantha went first and pulled out a steamy version of Since You've Been Gone complete with a blue sequinned mini dress and knee-high leather boots. Quite a rousing performance and one that left judge Barry Humphries not just a little hot under the collar.

Jodie closed Saturday's programme with a considerably impassioned performance of Whitney Houston's I Have Nothing which wowed John Barrowman with its emotional intensity. If they were looking for an actress this week, they certainly found it in Jodie. Full of the complexities of the lyric, Jodie's performance was stronger on Saturday than ever before.

Ultimately of course, it was Keisha's turn to bow out of the competition. Attracting the fewest votes over the weekend, Keisha had to face Niamh in the dreaded sing-off and found that her luck with the 'master of musical theatre' had finally come to an end. Furious at the decision he had to make, Webber called the public vote a 'travesty' and stormed off the set as the final credits were rolling. Graham had only to congratulate everyone that made it through and then hint that the Olivers would be sent to the set of High School Musical next week for some more training... oh hell.

April 21st 2008

The Show and Stay^® office are still reeling from the shock eviction of one of our favourites and a strong contender for the Nancy title, Francesca Jackson. Lord Lloyd Webber what were you thinking?! We are not suggesting that Ashley should have gone, or even deserved to be in the bottom two but Francesca was one of the strongest Nancy contenders. Granted her televised appearances have been nowhere near the calibre of her West End performances in Rent - where she stole the show by the way, but in our humble opinion Ms Jackson still deserves to be in the competition. The problem is at this stage in the game, everyone has a favourite. Clearly the judges are rooting for Rachel Tucker and we have to agree she has all the qualities of a leading lady but let's not forget the other wannabes. Ashley alongside Samantha, Niamh, Sarah and Jessie are all viable contenders for the role but are overshadowed each week by the blazing praise bestowed upon Rachel. Perhaps now with one of the professionals out of the way, the other girls will shine a little brighter? Although we're beginning to think the only way to out shine Rachel would involve a 1000kw lamp and the odd flaming torch.

As for the rest of the show, this week was rather...gaudy in places and we're not talking about Graham's suits! The rendition of Viva Las Vegas in honour of Lord Webber's live satellite link from Vegas was shockingly bad, the girls looked uncomfortable in their peacock get-ups and their singing was not much better. Individually their performances were impressive, Rachel, Niamh and Samantha in particular. Keisha and Jodie were disappointing and have quite a bit to work to do in order to prove that they deserve to be in the competition. Let's hope they can do it!

The Olivers stole the show as usual, belting out beautiful harmonies and cheeky chappy grins to the nation. Kwayedza was capped as the latest boy to reach the final and with a voice like an angel it is not hard to see why Mackintosh and Webber chose him this week. We still have no idea how they are going to disappoint some of those boys, can't they all be Oliver? One performance every two weeks, perfect! Here's wishing Saturday comes round quickly because if this week was anything to go by, we could be in with another explosive episode.

April 14th 2008

Well, what can we say? Another spectacular weekend's entertainment from the guys behind I'd Do anything. It's week three now and any illusion that the contest was not seriously hotting up was swiftly shattered in the first few seconds of the show. Before the opening credits we saw clips of Nancy hopefuls resolutely claiming that they were now preparing to fight for their place red in tooth and claw. Even Andrew Lloyd Webber bolstered that he was going to be "a bit serious tonight" and, when Graham Norton strode on in a fabulous turquoise and silver number, everyone must have been certain that this week meant business.

Rachel and Sarah kicked off the performances on Saturday. Rachel had spent the week with the cast of the new West End smash Jersey Boys and so launched into a suitably buoyant performance of Oh What a Night!. Sarah was determined to shake off her bubbly, smiley persona by spending the week learning the blue arts of the burlesque. When she took to the stage with a committed performance of Cabaret's Maybe this Time the judges were split by her performance. Denise and John even embarked on quite a "will you let me finish" tiff and had to be separated by Graham. Denise thought that Sarah, though improved, was not quite free from her cutesy image, John, on the other hand, took her to be quite the femme fatale.

The next two to perform were Keisha and Francesca Jackson who, of course, are the two survivors from the previous final Sing Offs. Both know the pressure of ending up fighting for their place and both were determined to carry on in the competition. Their performances were reasonably well received by the judges and spirits were high as they launched into the Olivers.

This week the young chaps were packed off to Tottenham Hotspurs to teach them teamwork, or something. Needless to say the boys had a whale of a time and wide-eyed Arthur was selected to move through to the semi final. After we heard the ensemble sing a number from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, we were straight back into the Nancys.

Jessie and Niamh gave stunning performances, and despite the judges going crazy for Jessie's boisterous rendition, I thought Niamh's heartfelt and impassioned Moon River was beautiful in a subtle way, a way quite unusual in a lot of musical theatre. Tara and Samantha were next up and here is where things really hotted up. John was very scathing about both of them and amidst a flurry of breathless excuses it looked liked Tara's time might be coming to an end.

So that was well and truly that. We had to wait the usual anxious 24 hours for the results show on Sunday. Ten had to become nine and, after the votes were counted, we found Keisha back in the bottom two, this time with Tara. Before the dreaded show down we were treated to an Aladdin sing-a-long from all the Olivers. The two Nancys then battled it out with a dignified rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow before Andrew was forced to allow Keisha through and declare that Tara's West End dream was at an end. Webber put the decision down to feeling that the eight-shows-a-week schedule would just be too much for her. Tara thanked everyone involved with the show and then signed off with a lilting flourish of Welsh. All that was left was for the cast to embark upon their usual signing off ritual and leave us with the promise that next week the show will be even better.

We're quite clearly hooked on I'd Do Anything at Show and Stay and so will be back next week with all the latest news and gossip. Who will go? Who will stay? Log on next week and keep up to date

March 31st 2008

Another fantastic installment, the weekends are becoming lost in a haze of shiny clothes, big voices and dramatic pauses and that's just Graham Norton! The Show and Stay^® team have been glued to their television screens to witness the very latest from "I'd Do Anything" and what a show it was this week. The girls ranged from show stopping to very disappointing, Keisha struggled with her song choice - we've come to the conclusion that Get The Party Started was a bad choice of song for a girl with so much soul, so take note BBC, let's hope next week she has the chance to shine. Tara although evidently a talented young lady struggled and her voice didn't hold out (she was "absolutely gutted"), at this point in the competition we are debating whether she will last the course. Shockingly Samantha who performed so well in the first show, didn't fair so well with the judges on Saturday but with the Isle of Man behind her managed to make it through to next week. Francesca Jackson performed brilliantly and much to our relief was saved the pain of performing in the sing off. Jessie, Rachel (our new favourite to win) and Niamh proved why they were in the competition, giving West End leading lady performances.

We weren't surprised after the judges comments and her pained performance that Keisha was in the bottom two but Cleo Royer - who in our opinion has all the feisty qualities the character of Nancy requires, was there alongside her. Cleo sang her heart out and despite giving a powerful performance was chosen by Lord Lloyd Webber to leave the competition. We are not suggesting that Keisha should have been voted out but Cleo's departure really was a shock to the system, hopefully next week the bottom two will reflect the weakest singers in the competition rather than the girls without a country worth of friends behind them!

As for the Olivers, they gave a sterling performance and little Chester was announced as the next hopeful to enter the final. The group performance on Sunday of Pie Jesu brought a tear to the eye and has highlighted just how talented these boys are, we really wish that all 12 of them could make it to the West End show.

Here's hoping that Keisha gets a better song choice next week, that Tara improves or she may well be facing the sing off and that Sarah does something to make her stand out from the crowd!

March 30th 2008

Cheerio and be back soon! "I'd Do Anything" the first of the live shows aired on Saturday and it was well worth the excitement. The Show and Stay^® team settled themselves on the sofa, drinks and snacks ready for the first of the eliminations - well Saturday was just the singing, the results aired on Sunday! We got to see the Olivers and Nancys sing I'd Do Anything, heard that little Welsh Gwion is the first of the Olivers to make it through to the final and saw all 12 Nancys sing to keep their place in the show.

We can not mention "I'd Do Anything" without telling you just how funny Barry Humphries proved himself to be, he had us in stitches! His "positive" feedback on the girls included telling Niamh that she had a "spooky" quality and would make a good "Wednesday from the Addams Family" to telling Jessie that she had "a touch of guttersnipe" about her. Barry's comments. although at times a little controversial broke up the monotony of Denise and John being so positive that it got annoying, particularly as some of the performances were a little undesirable.

After seeing the girls perform on Saturday there are some clear front runners, Rachel Tucker is a popular choice with the judges who were gushing over her rendition of the Sugababes track About You Now. The Show and Stay office still think Samantha Barks and Francesca Jackson are in with a chance, although shockingly Francesca was in the bottom two! Keisha Amponsa-Banson was phenomenal on Saturday and has definitely got our attention. We were however, a little disappointed with Tara Bethan's performance which was very jazz hands and we have to agree that Amy (pictured left)- the first of the Nancys to be eliminated, although a powerful singer was just not a Nancy.

"I'd Do Anything" has us hooked, we can't wait for next week to see who makes the grade and which of the adorable Olivers makes it through to the finals. Let's hope Denise and John take a leaf out of Barry's book and start telling it how it really is. As for Lloyd Webber, yes, yes Andrew it is a difficult choice and the girls have all done really well, but there are some clear winners amongst the final 11 so come on put your producer hat on and don't hold back the punches!

March 25th 2008

So the final few have been chosen for Lloyd Webber's latest search for a West End star and what a selection they are! Saturday night's programme was a tear jerker, well for the girls in the Show and Stay^®office...and maybe a few of the boys, although they would never admit it! Despite the rapid pace from the audition stages to Nancy School and then the final eliminations, the drama and tension were all there. We had girls crying when asked to remove their make up, illness threatening to scupper chances and even a self elimination - much to the disgust of Denise Van Outen.

The main focus was upon the developments at Nancy School and the final performance in front of an invited audience, which took place at the Theatre Royal where lyricist Lionel Bart launched his career. We did get glimpses of the ridiculously cute Olivers as they got told they'd made the final 12; the judges really have their work cut out choosing between the boys as they all have oodles of confidence and tonnes of talent. The Nancys didn't disappoint either and in our opinion the standard this year has been much higher than previous years. Barry Humphries is going to be an interesting addition to the judging panel, his brief appearance in the show so far has left the Show and Stay office wondering just how vocal he will be. Let's face it getting a word in between Graham Norton, Denise and John Barrowman is a difficult task and we're thinking that Humphries may fade in to the background if he's not too careful!

We can not wait for the first sing off next week and it'll be interesting to see how the BBC deal with the Olivers and whittling them down to just three. We certainly don't envy them! Our eyes will be on Nancy wannabees Jessie from County Kerry in Ireland, who already has a big online following. Samantha from the Isle of Man, who impressed the judges when asked to sing for a second time (we have our suspicions that Lloyd Webber was commenting on Sam when voicing that one of the girls was "world class") and Francesca, the professional West End actress that starred in Rent with Denise Van Outen. Now, we know she has the experience so is at an advantage but she really would make a very good Nancy! Anyway, here's till next week, so excited!

March 17th 2008

Well all that anticipation was worth it! "I'd Do Anything" was everything we expected it to be and more! The audition elements of the televised reality search are always the best part, although there is a secret part of us that adores the "boot camp/training school" section - mainly and we know this is harsh, because that's where they separate the wheat from the chaff, so emotions run high with plenty of tears and tantrums!

We will be keeping a close eye on Samantha Barks and Francesca Jackson who both seem to have the spark and talent to be the perfect Nancy. 42 girls have been chosen to attend Nancy School and only 12 will make it to the live knock out shows, we can't wait for next week to see if our favourites have made it and just exactly what they'll have to do to stay in the competition.

March 10th 2008

Oh yes it's almost show-time, I'd do Anything has announced it'll be airing on Saturday 15th March at 7.30pm. Put the kettle on and get comfortable on your sofa as this will be one show you wont want to miss. Judging by the popularity of "How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria" and "Any Dream Will Do" we reckon that "Oliver!" is going to set the nation alight as well, expect to feel the buzz next week at school and work .

The BBC have posted a rough synopsis of the series on the BBC I'd Do Anything website as well as a nifty picture of all the judges so you can get acquainted with the faces before the show. The first few programmes will follow the regional auditions for Nancy in which a team of judges went to Belfast, Glasgow, London and Manchester. Viewers will then see the hopeful Nancys whittled down to just over one hundred and the successful auditionees sent to London to perform before the panel. Girls with enough Oom Pah Pah pass to the next stage of the competition - Nancy School.

Meanwhile 50 young boys are selected to work with some musical theatre experts before the final 12 urchin wannabes are chosen to compete in the live shows. Each week the Olivers will be set an individual and group task of which they must perform infront of the judges, the boys will not face a public vote but will have to impress the panel in order to stay on each week. So musical lovers - keep checking Show and Stay^® for programme updates and unmissable Oliver info!

March 7th 2008

The advert is up on the small screen, the BBC aired the trailer for "I'd Do Anything" last night and it's already causing quite a stir on blogs across the web. Show and Stay^® have seen it and we have to say it is possibly the most cheesy of adverts we have ever seen! The cheese however has done nothing but excite us about the show to come, ooh the glitz and glamour of the West End and the awkwardness of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber on TV, we can't wait!! With the advert playing regularly you can be sure that the programme is just around the corner. Keep checking back for the very latest on the musical and "i'd Do Anything".

February 27th 2008

The audition videos are being added left, right and centre on the BBC I'd Do Anything site and have given the Show and Stay^® team lots to talk about! We literally can NOT wait for the live programmes and the chance to see the auditionees put through Nancy and Oliver School. Take a look and let us know what you think?, remember to keep checking back here for the latest updates and our take on all the action!

February 4th 2008

Due to the overwhelming response to the latest auditions for Oliver! the BBC have announced that they may be adding additional dates to the schedule. A notice has gone up on the "I'd Do Anything" BBC page to warn those attending the London auditions this month, that unless they have pre-registered to not turn up. The response has been so huge that producers are not able to audition all of the hopefuls already registered and are warning of long delays and huge waiting times. All we can say is, with such an unprecedented response the televised programmes will be packed with drama and hopefully a few divas!

January 21st 2008

Filming for "I'd Do Anything" has begun, with regional auditions kicking off across the UK at the beginning of January. We can't wait for the inevitable tears and tantrums that coincide with the volatile world of show business (and that's just from Graham Norton!). We guarantee to bring you the latest gossip and show synopsis from "I'd Do Anything" as well as any information about the impending show, so watch this space!