After last week’s auditions and callbacks, this week saw the intensive weekend of workshops dubbed Nancy School, with the surviving actresses going on to perform in a one-off concert.
Because of the dual format this year, we also had to put up with being shown the twelve prospective Olivers acting surprised when being told that they had got through to the studio rounds. Not that the presence of a TV crew would have tipped them off, of course…
But back to the main business of finding a suitable woman to play Nancy. And just as with Maria School and Joseph School before it, I did find that this episode felt rushed. By the end of just one hour’s TV, the intake of 42 had been reduced to the final twelve who will be in the live TV studio next week. There was a lot to get through, and I did feel that some of the prospective Nancies were ill-served by the breakneck pace.
Yes, that’s right. Come on, let’s get this pun out of the way so I never have to use it again. I did feel like asking the BBC schedulers, “Please sir, can I have some more?”
Come to think of it, why is Nancy School only a three-day workshop? Graham Norton’s breathless voiceover may claim that it will “transform [the hopefuls] into West End leading ladies”, but of course that’s overstating it somewhat. It’ll take a lot longer than that — longer even than a three year BA in musical theatre, or one of the numerous postgraduate courses available (more details in this week’s print edition of The Stage, still on sale!)
Talking of overstated opinions, John Barrowman’s assertion that Nancy School is “completely different from what we’ve done before” is patently untrue. Unless “completely different” means “making them all wear red T-shirts that are a couple of sizes too small for them”. It’s essentially identical (albeit with different acting and vocal coaches) — that’s part of the appeal.
The school (actually sited at the Grade I listed conference centre, Mary Ward House in Bloomsbury) starts with an instruction — all make-up must be removed. “I thought that was lunch, but it turned out to be a table of cleansing wipes,” says one hopeful. “So I do not know what to expect for the next couple of days.” Hopefully she’ll find room to fit in an eye test. The stripping away of the mask reduces some to tears. And while I recognise the symbolism, I can’t help but agree with the level-headed girl who asks rhetorically, “If they’re crying when they take their make-up off, whatever are they going to be like when the pressure’s really on?”
The workshops are led by a team of professionals - vocal coach Clare, acting instructor Donna and choreographer Kevin. And they seem to pull no punches. Unfortunately, we don’t get to hear too much of their instruction, as the incessant flashbacks to last week and Norton’s constant narration get in the way of helping us, the audience who will be voting from next week, see who knows their craft and who doesn’t.
Another intrusion are the cutaways to the successful Olivers, the majority of whom seem to come from remarkably similar family backgrounds. If Andrew and Cameron are looking for a different type of Oliver Twist, what are the chances they’ll find it out of these twelve? I’m sure if we ask them, they’ll say 100%. I have my doubts.
Back at Nancy School, and the girls are split into pairs to prepare a song for the first judging of the weekend. The stress is already starting to show with some. Burger King waitress Jennifer needs a pep talk from Denise Van Outen, who talks a lot of sense. “This process [is] heartbreaking, it’s gut-wrenching, and it’s hard work… your emotions are taken to another level. But you’re here for a reason — it’s because you’re good at what you do.” Several other girls sound like they could do with the same talk. Alicia, who promised at the callbacks to work her socks off, is struggling and Denise tries to give the same talk — but it’s not enough. She decides to leave, and the disappointment from Denise is palpable. We’re not shown how Alicia’s departure affected her ‘pair’, though.
One of the more controversial candidates for the role is Francesca — an actress who has just finished a stint in Rent alongside Denise Van Outen. In common with the other professionals who put themselves through the TV casting route, she’s looking for a way to break into that coveted leading lady status. At Nancy School, though, she’s suffering from flu. A trip to the doctors confirms she doesn’t need antibiotics, but she does need rest. When it comes to the performance that John and Denise are judging, she seems to pull it out of the bag. Not everyone manages, though. Charlotte dries during her performance — but the panel put her through anyway (“…but next time, bye-bye”, John warns if she still can’t deliver). Others are not so lucky, including Katie — a great singer, but not right for the role.
The remaining Nancies concentrate on acting, under the watchful eye of Sonia Swaby, the most recent woman to play the role on the West End stage, and Lord Lloyd-Webber himself. “I didn’t know whether to curtsey,” says ‘Blackpool Nancy’ Jodie. Brummie Amy has no such fear, bounding up to ALW with a cheery “Hiya, mate”. As the acting classes get under way, Andrew’s face remains uncharacteristically impassive, an occasional arched eyebrow to camera notwithstanding. “I want it to be so real that people almost can’t watch it,” he says. I hear the cast of Echo Beach are available, Andrew. That was unbearable to watch, too…
Deprived of the rest the doctor said she needed, Francesca’s health has deteriorated and she has to go home to recuperate. She’s not out of the competition yet, though — her previous performances (and, no doubt, Denise’s knowledge of working alongside her) will stand her in good stead. The remaining girls are set the task of performing It’s a Fine Life, Nancy’s showpiece number from Oliver!. Sadly, we only get to hear some of them, others being reduced to a wordless slow-motion replay while Graham witters on.
Of the performances we do see, it looks as though John’s decision to let Charlotte through despite drying was a good one. As with previous years, this round of eliminations is conducted by John tapping unsuccessful girls on the shoulder. Of the previously featured girls, Jennifer and Nancy are sent on their way. At one point we see Charlotte in floods of tears and unable to sing — but she wins through again. As does Francesca, as long as she can get better.
And then it’s off to the East End — the Theatre Royal Stratford East, to be precise, a venue with great connections to Lionel Bart. The final judging place is taken up at last by Barry Humphries, a former Sowerberry and Fagin, while John has been delayed while shooting Torchwood in Cardiff.
Again, we see very little of this performance. Given that this is the point at which the crop of 18 hopefuls will be culled down to the twelve who will be performing in the live shows from next week, I would really have loved to see more of this concert. As it is, we’re reduced to clips that total well under a minute and a half, which is a real shame. “I wouldn’t have missed this for anything,” says Barbara Windsor. We did though, Babs, we did.
Off then to Andrew’s country pile for the final deliberations. It’s good to see Cameron Mackintosh getting involved at this stage, and he will be missed on the panel for the live shows (although he returns for the final two shows). A couple of singing sessions are called to help the judges decide. First off, Cleopatra and Helen — one inexperienced performer, one seasoned actress — and then the four youngest girls, Jessie, Lucy, Samantha and Niamh. Again, we as viewers get very little viewing time with these performances, so it becomes hard to establish both what the judges are looking for from these final performances, and whether the actresses have been able to deliver.
In comparison, the final verdicts seem to take an age. It’s an almost unremittingly tense section of the programme, only occasionally relieved (mostly by Jodie being so disoriented that she bumps into the camera crew. “Stay away from the light”, she sobs to herself, sounding more like someone in a near-death experience rather than a life-changing one).
And then we finally have our full twelve — Francesca is in, Charlotte out. Before next week’s live show, we’ll give a full run-down of the dozen would-be Nancies, including their prior professional training and/or experience. And don’t forget to buy next week’s print edition of The Stage for vocal coach Zoe Tyler’s expert opinion on this week’s show.
Have to say I agree with what you are saying Scott about there not being enough shown of the girls, especially the show they did. I felt bout the show last year though. It is difficult to assess whether people are good or bad on what we saw. Pro or not I thought Francesca seemed very good, deserving of going through, and I also liked Jodie and the turned down for drama school girl. Unlike last year Imight well change my mind when we see more of them as I don't think there is a clear front runner.
Glad we aren't chosing Olivers, they all seem very cute, albeit some a bit posh! It would be like kicking puppies to judge them as I have commented elsewhere.
Still enjoying it all!
I agree as well. I still can't distinguish between the Olivers at all. Are we sure ALW didn't say, 'Go and pick 12 posh boys, better put in a non Caucasian to show we aren't looking for another Mark Lester really.' Again the swapping about was confusing. Only managed to identify a couple of the Nancys due to hair style changes from the auditions confusing me. Hopefully it will all sort out next week.
Having missed this stage the last time round, I've enjoyed the two shows so far, but do agree there is a bit too much chat and not enough of the girls singing/ acting abilities shown.
I know it's dramatics for television, but I also think the way a couple of the girls were told their result was quite cruel, thinking they were going home, and being quite distraught, only to be told 'you could be Nancy'.
I'm not struck on Jodie, no reason for saying that, just gut feeling. I did like Nancy, but sadly not to be.
I agree with Pauline2's comment about kicking puppies. Looking forward to next week.
I'm as big a fan of musical theatre and of both HDYSAPLM and ADWD as the next person, but -- is it me? -- or is this starting to look just a bit too familiar? Let's review:
The professional who's risking it all to make it in the part of her dreams -- check;
The talented wannabe who drops out in school -- check;
The group forced to sing together so The Lord can make up his mind -- check.
Yes there are some new things here this year, but they're not all good.
There's less of a cohesive group of judges working together, arguing and debating over who stays and who goes;
there are cameras in the lucky dozen's homes filming reactions to the happy news "I'm through!" -- Who would have guessed?
More of ALW on his own aiming at the avuncular and getting kissed with nauseating frequency. And then there's the Olivers. View with an insulin syringe at the ready, viewers.
I never thought I'd say this but...
I miss Zoe Tyler.
Geri-Maybe the judges will fill Zoe's gap when they get to next week, we'll have to see. If they go with every other programme like this there has to be a 'nasty'ish one. I sort of guess JB may take this on. He could say 'bit rubbish, bit rubbish, bit rubbish'.
You have all said it so eloquently, Scott dear and ladies, so I won't go on. I just hope that when the live performances start next Saturday, the show will be more structured and let each girl show what she's capable of. As I said elsewhere, I thought the one who'd lost out on drama school twice was very good. Same goes for Jodie, but she needs to calm down. I don't understand why Nancy Nancy was turned down. We didn't really see her doing much, did we?
The Olivers was made out of one mould, but the same goes for them,- let them show what they can do.
Just thought I'd mention it: Wasn't Oliver rather "posh" before he ended up in East End? Maybe a boy who can do posh properly will be right. It's not the Dodger who's being searched for!
I would like to know if they are going to audition for the artful dodger!. My son is pestering me to audition and there are no details at all about it. Somebody HELP!!!!!
@Eva - in the book, Oliver is basically born into the workhouse in a town somewhere outside London. Although it's revealed by the end of the book that his father was 'of gentle birth', there's no real reason why he would talk with a silver spoon in his mouth from the beginning. Such a portrayal on stage, though, does help accentuate the contrasts between Oliver and Fagin's gang that Dickens portrays in the book in other ways.
@Tania - I haven't heard anything about casting for any of the other juvenile characters. They definitely won't be cast through the TV show, and I suspect the casting process is already under way. If there are any open castings, chances are they'll be advertised in The Stage - keep an eye out for our recruitment ads every week. However, they may recruit through other means and not advertise the roles through us.
Scott, anyone would think you had been at dinner with mum, sister and me today when we discussed this, great minds and all that..
I liked a couple of the Olivers, but far too prep school most of them I'm afraid. In fact one or two of the boys from Lancaster School, as seen on BBC2's "The Choir" would have been good imo.
I really can't make much comment on the Nancy's as I don't feel we've seen enough of them yet. I do hope some of them calm down a bit though!
Looking forward to next week to make a more informed opinion.
Geri, I have to agree, I miss Zoe too!
Scott, forgot to say I really enjoyed reading The Stage this week and will certainly be getting it each week now. A lot of very interesting articles in there.
Sorry, that didn't sound quite right! What i meant was there were some good pieces that I hadn't thought about in relation to the acting/dancing/music profession eg tax bills. I just assumed it would be full of ads, reviews etc. I've obviously led a sheltered life??
Ali, I go out of my way (literally) to get The Stage every week. True, I have a theatre-obsessed daughter, but even if that wasn't the case I'd still be bereft without my copy. There are always fascinating articles and my favourite bit, morbidly enough, tends to be the obits. Yes, sad, I know it.
Thanks for referencing the novel, Scott, I'm glad someone has. To hear some people tell it, you'd think the story was created by Lionel Bart. Incidently, Eva, I'm sure you're aware that this is the same Lionel Bart who wrote Living Doll for Cliff.
Scott,
Always enjoying reading your posts about various TV shows of interest.
Wish that the print version of The Stage was more readily available over here in NYC as I would love to read what the tart-tongued Zoe Tyler has to say about this latest tele-casting call.
In the second episode of IDA, when the four youngest girls sang for the Lord, he commented that he thought one was a world class performer.
Which of those that made it through - Jessie, Niamh and Samantha - do you think he meant?
Cheers,
Paul Sheehan
Scott dear,- thank you for the educational bit. I haven't read Oliver Twist since my school days but I should have remembered that Oliver ran away from an orphanage. The immortal words "May I have some more, please Sir"(or something to that effect) was of course from there.
Geri,- you're continuing my education. Of course I didn't know, but I do now. There was quite a bit about Lionel Bart on the program which was interesting. For an ignorant Norwegian there is always something new to learn.
Paul,- I would like to think it was Jessie ALW was referring to.
Since Scott got his bad pun out of the way, I'll eradicate mine from my system: Tim Rice changing some lyrics for Nancy to sing about DVO. The new title is: As Long As She Needs Lee...
Agree with comments above, although I didn't see last week's programme. Certainly the Olivers were virtually all from the same mould (or seemed to be). Like Francescs and Jessie but didn't really see enough of the other girls to be able to make a judgement. Feel the weeding out process where JB taps unsuccessfuls on the shoulder (they did this last year in ADWD too) must be awful for those who haven't made it - but I guess they consider it good tv?
i agree not enough footage is being shown nor is it being fairly distributed! i mean some of the girls in the final 12 have barely been seen before and not due to lack of talent. Niamh proved that she had an outstanding voice when the four young girls were made to sing together but we havnt had an opportunity to see her personality yet! regardless shes still my favourite so far. such an amazing talent and shes only 17... lets just hope we get more than 30 seconds next week.
does anyone else find it scandelous that francesca is through despite her lack of performance in the final cut??! i mean i know the girl was ill but i think had it been a contestant not so closely affiliated with denise van outen the outcome may have been different
Having watched the auditions again on the web site, and sat through a second showing of IDA,(how sad does that make me?) Of the final 12 my money's on Jessie. That probably won't bode well for the girl.
After watching the first week's auditions my money was on Nancy Nancy and when she got the tap on the shoulder I was really disappointed and thought she would be a great loss to the show. However, now having heard that she has got one of the leads in Les Mis you can see why she was the only one not bawling her eyes out to be going, in fact looked positively cheerful. So who am I going to champion now, not sure as, as others have said we haven't seen too much of some of them. I too miss Zoe, she certainly livened up the judges and as for the Olivers, well we could have done without them, I found that they disrupted the emotion of the Nancy selection, maybe they should have put them in a separate programme for those that are interested. Also why do we have to have the Nancys phoning home shades of teh X programme. Sorry if I sound like a grumpy old woman - I do love the show really and will be glued every Saturday night. I though this year might be a letdown after the boys and the emotions attached to watching the gorgeous Lee every week last year but its shaping up OK
Last year I didn't even know Daniel Boys existed until the first live show, as he was hardly shown in the 'Joseph School' parts, so I wonder whether someone who hasn't featured much in these early stages will make an impact next week.
Prior to the live shows I like Jodie and Jessie, and I think Francesca is definitely the 'Lee Mead' of this year - clearly being touted as the 'Professional' even though there are others who have experience.
Maybe I'm getting a bit cynical about it all ... LOL.
It'll be a fix, Frannie will probably win it, just like Lee Mead did. They need someone experienced and reliable, and if she's willing to put herself through the hassle of the live shows etc to get it, good on her. ALW's got a bit smarter after How do you solve...
I agree you need someone with experience to be able to withstand the 8 shows a week but it will be a shame if it is fixed, will spoil it for any future shows. Lee was streets ahead of Keith & Lewis but this may be closer. I hope so - maybe Nancy Nancy did the wisest thing in opting out for the Les Mis role and saving herself the anguish of the next 10 weeks. Jodie has a huge personality but I can see all that screeching and whooping will wear a bit thin over the weeks
I think I agree with most of what's been said. The Olivers on the whole seem from very similar backgrounds. I think I could do without seeing them every week really but I suppose it's another pull to get us to buy tickets for the show. Cynical. Me?
I thought Nancy Nancy would get through but what do I know. I haven't seen enough of the final 12 to make any predictions except Jodie will seriously get on my wick every week if she doesn't calm down.
Louise I agree it was a bit off that Francesca got through even though she couldn't do the audition so assume she will be a favourite with the Judges.
I'm a bit peeved that the results show looks like it is going to be on Sunday like it was with the last series of Strictly. I've sort of lost interst 24 hours on.
Scott looking forward to reading more about the final 12 and their backgrounds.
Lee was hardly shown at this stage last year. Mum & I picked him as our favourite in the first programme & spent the second saying "Where's the curly haired bloke - is he still in ?"
I agree none of the girls really stand out this year - except the lively one who brought her date & that was personality more than anything.
Just to correct the article. John Barrowman was off filming Doctor Who not Torchwood. Which was good to hear because there'd been a rumour but the BBC hadn't confirmed.
I know it's a different subject - but the Doctor Who season trailer shown ast the start - Wow ! Looks like we're in for great Saturday Night TV
I agree with Carly. I really enjoyed all of the young contestants performances and think it really proved something about their ability to perform when Niamhs rendition brought the judges to tears!I hope that either Niamh or another young girl goes on to win as it would be refreshing to see the younger talent getting a chance to shine. After all how are they ever to get to a level such as Francescas if they're never given the opportunity to battle through 8 shows a week!!
Gosh you all did well putting names to faces already. I found this weeks show confusing. Just getting into the Nancies' stories and we were whisked away to a bit about the Olivers. Personally I dont see that having the Olivers involved in IDA makes for better television - quite the contrary!!
Am I enjoying it - you bet. Will I be voting - not sure. Certainly dont know, or care about any of the putative Nancies enough to want them to stay - yet.
And at the back of my mind will be the question - does it matter in any case - given that so many of the Joseph contestants eventually ended up playing Jospeph, Narrator or Brother!!!
Shirley, our round-up of the Nancies and their previous experience may help you.
Oh Scott thank you so much. Off to check it out now.
Two Sues again, confuses me, doesn't take much!
I really hope it's not fixed, does that make me naive?
I didn't realise the results were to be on Sundays, totally spoiled Strictly for me. We tend to watch with friends on Saturday nights, so getting the results on Sunday just isn't the same. Why do the Powers That Be have to mess things up??
I'm dead against Sunday results too - you are all hyped up after watching the show on Saturday and come Sunday interest has waned somewhat, the half hour show 24 hours later isn't long enough to rekindle it. How does it work for the audience at the live shows - presumably they get the results while they are there on the Saturday? And if so what is to stop it being leaked??