Link to The Stage, this blog is questioning the fast-tracking of TV talent show competitors.......

Craig fans, read the comments

http://www.thestage.co.uk/shenton/20...ias_dannys.php

But I do think he has a point. All of these guys have been given a very fast high profile although I wouldn't say it was an easy ride and now they have parts which they probably wouldn't have without the tv shows. BUT what they do after will be interesting. I am confident that like the Marias 18 months further down the line they will all be working and not because of the show but because of their passion and talent

Loved the comments!!

Think I feel a few comments coming on myself!

Woo !

I was just about to say that I thought one of these names sounded vaguely familiar

Absolutely right twingle - these boys aren't X-Factorites, walking off the street hoping for a lucky break are they. They'd already worked damn hard and showed huge potential to beat 10,000 others to the final ! I defy anyone to say they had an easy ride to the top. Being judged and taking your fate in front of millions every week is not for the faint hearted that's for sure. I totally respect them all for their constant hard work and what they put themselves through to achieve their goal - and the fact some are excelling now is very well-deserved

I couldn't have put that better myself Trixie, so I won't even try, will just say I agree 100%

Wednesday 10th October.

Well, I really don't know where to start, but the beginning seems like a good place, so here goes.

Myself and my friend who's also a bit obsessed with Mr Mead, arrived at the Adelphi just before 7pm last night. My first impression of the Adelphi Theatre was a good one. I've never been to a West End show before, so didn't really have anything to compare it too, but I was pleased it wasn't a huge place. Everyone is almost guaranteed a good view from where ever they're sitting.

Our seats were just on the edge of the central aisle, row R. We had brilliant view of the entire stage, so I knew we'd be able to see everything!! (Cue one happy Lovelee!!!)

I can feel the tension building inside me. Checking my watch I will the minutes to tick by quicker than they are. I've waited so long and am impatient to see what so many others have seen before me.

Then, the lights dim and the sound of laughter fills the room. Children run alongside the stall aisles and take their places on the stage, the show has begun.

Fiona Reyes is the Narrator for the evening, and I have to say, I think she gave a fabulous performance. Then Lee appears, floating down to the stage with the most beautiful smile adorning his face. I'm gone, the tears are flowing. It's just brilliant to see him, and you can tell he's enjoying every breath he takes on the stage. It sounded like he'd got a sore throat, but he didn't let that hinder his performance, he gave it everything. Though I did quite like the husky sound to his voice, but that's another matter altogether.

The entire cast are fantastic, especially Dean who plays Pharaoh, he's astounding. Had everyone in stitches. Lee and Neal Wright (Judas) at one time get a fit of the giggles, Neal's trying desperately to get his lines out, but can't do it with a straight face and the pair of them keep giggling, which in turn make the audience (myself included) burst out laughing. It was brilliant, and showed that they're definately still having fun doing the show.

Verity Bentham is one lucky lady!! Any time she wants to have a rest from the show, I'm more than willing to cover for her. Yeah, I know, me and a bazillion others!! lol.

Close Every Door, is utterly bewitching to see. Yet again I'm reduced to tears.

And now, all to soon the show is almost over, Lee gliding up to the dress circle is fab, that must be a real kick for those in the front seats up there!! What a view they'll get! lol

The medley is a riot, dancing and singing, and that's just the audience, the guys on stage are still performing their hearts out leaping about all over the place; just where do they get their stamina from!!?

And then it's over, and there isn't a single person left sitting in their seat. A full standing ovation awaits the cast!! And my god do they deserve it! The entire cast are fantastic, but what can I say about Lee?

Well, there are many things I can say about Lee, not least that he's flipping gorgeous! My god a loincloth and eye-liner, it's almost too much for me. But enough of that.

Lee is in every sense of the word a true showman, and without putting it too plainly, he's simply FANCHUFFINGTASTIC!!!

This has been my very first West End show and what a show it was; but it definately will not be my last.

I totally agree the difference with Xfactor and ADWD is that most of the lads from ADWD have been working towards a career in musical theatre since they were young and are passionate most are fantastic all round performers, they didnt go on the programme for 5 mins of fame and a 1 album wonder, their there for the long haul, its a very hard unforgiving industry but from what Iv seen of the lads on tour , they ll be a round for a long time to come.

Hi Shuttermaze So glad you had a fantastic time, what a great review ! But...it's on the wrong Joseph thread. This one's for the Tour

LOL Whoops!! So it is..

I'll add it to the other page. Thanks Trixie. xxx

Another fantastic review - this time from the Derry Journal:
http://www.derryjournal.com/entertai...lar.3372460.jp

Hi Benjamin Bunny,

What a fantastic review, you don't mind if I mention this on the KJ thread do you, they will be delighted, to read it!

Thanks for the tip!

I've a funny feeling it might go down quite well with everyone on the Keith thread

Thanks for pointing us in the right direction Dutchlass. The important paragraph from our point of view was:

A crash of drums and a flash of lights also served up some of the shows other participants including narrator Keith Jack who astounded audiences with a powerful voice and undoubtedly the voice which at points carried the show.

Hurrah for Keith Jack!

Oops sorry guys, wrong thread. How embarrassing.

It's ok, easy done lol

But from my pov, this is the best bit

Before his appearance on BBC’s Any Dream Will Do, 25 year old Chalmers, from Edinburgh, was working as a vocalist and entertainer although it was clear from his Derry performance that he has definitely secured a place for himself in the West End for many years to come.

By far the best bit

Yay !!! Go Craig...You're doing yourself and all your fans proud, my love xxx

I'm so pleased that both he and Chris are getting the recognition they deserve, that they didn't get on ADWD.

Also, I have to say how very proud we all are on Keith's thread. He's getting great reviews too.

What a happy ending for all of us.

I find it amazing that because of a tv-show, i find myself supporting and rooting for 12 random british young men and hoping all the best for them and their MT careers.

GO! GO! GO! J?'s !!!!

Exactly!

Amen to that !!!!!!

Totally agree!!!

Just back from Mobile Jo in Derry.

Big grin on my face, as it was a lovely evening. At first I had to force myself to stop being annoyed that I ended up paying for two tickets... long story involving friend... my backpack enjoyed the good view though.
But quickly got into the moment, and enjoyed every minute of it.

It was the first time I've seen Joseph, so have nothing to compare it to.
They were all much better than you would think from ADWD.
Craig's acting is coming on well, good stagepresence, nice warmth to his voice. He does the light and shade bit quite good, too, and also the comedy. He moved well, and looked good in the loincloth... appreciative whistling in audience
Not so sure about the mask thing in Egypt... it reminded me a bit of a borg
I hadn't realised that Joseph doesn't actually sing that much, I would have liked to hear more.

Keith- remembered his words Really worked on the diction, and I didn't find it too over the top. I thought he had an amazing voice, very powerful or soft just as needed. He was also quite present on stage. At one stage he lost me a bit... I don't know if my attention wandered.. but was back soon. There is one song he sings pretty much alone...like I said, I don't know Joseph so can't say which one it is- he was very impressive though, very powerful voice, and great applause by audience. His dancing- well, when he was on stage with Pharao he was overshadowed, Wayne is a great mover.
Are you not meant to understand him though (pharao that is)-I liked his singing, and then he did it again, which seems to be part of the script... still did not understand it though.

Chris B was Benjamin, great acting and dancing, sadly did not hear him sing.
He was the loveliest afterwards, chatty and friendly, decided will take benevolent motherly interest in his career now

The brothers were great, really funny...

Sorry, that's a bit rambly... but it's late.... and I did not mean to offend any Jo's fans, just my personal impressions...
I didn't notice any dudd notes, and thought all seemed to be well in their vocal range... but I'm not that good at picking up stuff like that.


*thinks others have said similar things before and better*
*doesn't care*

That's a lovely review CA Thanks for posting. If you are not familiar with the story (as I wasn't pre ADWD) you could do a lot worse than buying the Donny Osmond DVD. I know, I am not a fan either, but it is great fun and will help you follow the plot and the words better when you go to see LEE drool drool.