Woodlands Got Talent

Last week I responded to a request from my colleague, Alexandra Gilmartin, to stand in for her at this event as she was unable to attend. So, my companion Pauleen and I travelled the short distance to Wideopen on Saturday evening to see the youth of Woodlands Theatrical Society for their Youth Concert; based on the TV talent show – ‘Britain’s Got Talent’, and boy!, were we pleased Alexandra couldn’t go?.... What a fabulous night’s entertainment !.

Not being aware of this group beforehand and knowing they performed in a Community Hall, we didn’t quite know what to expect. However, any fears we may have had were quickly dispelled, and we found ourselves blown away by the whole experience.

We were met by the head of the creative team, Mal Alderson, who showed us to our seats in the packed hall, which was set out in ‘cabaret’ style. A raised dais to the left of the stage decorated with a beautiful balloon arch looked excellent; this was the judges’ platform. The stage was simply set out with plain flats and a starcloth, adding that little bit of pizazz to the setting.

When the action began, the ‘Ant & Dec’ comperes; Freya Hemsley and Gabrielle Imray were introduced and what absolute stars they were. Providing comedy, wit and poking fun at the judges whenever they could. They were almost never off stage either, as they took part in all of the chorus-style numbers that they were able to.

The three judges – Malcolm Alderson, Luke Elliott and Holly Moffat arrived to great pomp and circumstance and treated us to a parody of ‘Master of the House’ from Les Miserables. Quite superb!. After they took their seats, the ensemble of twenty one children aged between 9 and 16 years old began their quest to be chosen as winner of the show. The judges gave their comments after each individual or group took part… sometimes greeted with boos from us in the audience, but mostly with loud cheering, as the quality and diversity was superb.

We were treated to staged musical numbers from The Muppets, Rent, Mary Poppins, The Lion King, Queen, The Spice Girls, Westlife and many more. With great comedy sketches, a puppet show, and one of the highlights for me; a rhythmical percussive number by about a dozen of the children using just their hands, the stage floor and a plastic cup each. This must have taken a lot of rehearsal – well done!.

The backstage team, headed by Em Alderson made the action slick and uninterrupted, and the lighting, sound, music and choreography were excellent. The ambience was palpable and the invention and presentation by the creatives was tremendous. The ensemble were extremely enthusiastic and were quite obviously enjoying themselves with every minute that passed… it was pacy and thoroughly entertaining.

At the finale, the judges handed the name of the winning act to the comperes, who opened it and… guess what?... a rather unruly NODA Representative stood up and stopped the action. He told the judges and the audience it was wrong, in his view, for any single act or individual to be called the winner, as all of the children who had appeared on that stage were all winners. He then pressed ‘the golden buzzer’ on their behalf. Confetti cannon and great cheers ensued… I’m pleased to say!!!.

Thanks to Mal and the entire team for the invitation and hospitality. Congratulations to you all on a superb night’s entertainment. We look forward to your next production.

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