I'd Do Anything - Twelve Compete in First Show to be Nancy in Oliver!

Cameron Mackenzie and Andrew Lloyd Webber's search for a new female lead to play the role of Nancy in Oliver! for London's West End edged nearer in last night's first live show.

18 year old Jessie Buckley opened the contest singing “River Deep, Mountain High.”

She was followed by Blackpudlian Jodie Prenger who has battled with her weight, losing some 8 stones on her way to realise her stage dreams. She delivered a gutsy rendition of “Chasing Pavements”.

Tara Bethan looked uncomfortable singing “Suddenly I See” dressed in what looked like a peach babydoll nightdress.

Ashley Russell struggled with her nerves and a small lapse into giggles as she delivered a detached rendition of “Black Velvet.”

Amy Booth-Steel delivered her song “Respect” with a good performance but as with others, her dress looked at odds with the song, and appearance detracted and marred what was a good attempt.

University student Keisha Amponsa-Barton gave a strong vocal performance of “Mad About the Boy”.

Francesa Jackson’s previous stage experience didn’t best serve her last night. She certainly looked comfortable on the stage but her vocals let her down with a patchy rendition of “Hero” which she really should have been able to nail.

Samantha Barks drew the short straw with the wardrobe department but was compensated with her leather boots. She gave a competent confident performance of “I love Rock n’ Roll”.

Sarah Lark gave an accomplished vocal and convincing gutsy performance of “Get Here” and for me was the best singer on the night.

Cleopatra Royer showed her energy and pulled off a gritty rendition of “Who Knew” which was raw at times but showed her potential.

Rachel Tucker turned into a yellow Sugababe for her performance of “About You Now” and Niamh Perry gave an understated performance of her song "First Cut is the Deepest" which really ensured the show ended with a damp squib.

And the panel….Well they generally gave everyone positive comments. But will they be more brutal later when the results are in?

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