So, it’s the pre-penultimate weekend of I’d Do Anything, with just five Nancies remaining, and one more Oliver place available. At this point last year, there was a definite front runner for the role of Joseph, albeit with less experienced performers nipping at his heels. This time round, though, the competition is much harder to call. Each of the remaining girls has her own strengths, and each could take Nancy in a direction that would work, given the right direction and sufficient work.
This week’s opening number, Consider Yourself, was an ebullient performance that really showcased the appeal of Oliver! — a combination of cute kids, and professional singers, to lift the heart. And with the promise of performances from five of last year’s finalists (including two regular West End performers in the shape of Avenue Q’s Daniel Boys and Hairspray’s Ben James-Ellis — don’t they have shows to go to?) it was shaping up to be a good show all round. And this week, the Nancies themselves selected the songs they would sing for their solo performances, although I suspect that the musical director would have had a big influence in guiding them. Still, the choices involved would prove to be quite revealing.
View the BBC’s YouTube videos in our handy player (launches in separate window). Although this week they seem to have truncated the solo performances. Naughty, naughty BBC.
First up, Jodie sang Bonnie Tyler’s Holding Out For a Hero. After Andrew worried last week that he hadn’t seen her cope with choreography in her solo performance, she wisely took the note and selected a song which required her to do more than just stand and emote. It did mean that her vocal was breathier than usual, but she still retained the strength and control that we’ve come to expect from her. Other performers have coped with more active routines better, to be honest, but I think Jodie did enough to show that she would cope with the amount of dancing that the role requires.
Rachel was up next, clearly smarting from Barry’s comment last week that he saw her more as an understudy. Her song choice was the Dolly Parton classic I Will Always Love You. Once it gets into the chorus it’s a great number for demonstrating a voice that can belt with gusto. The opening, though, needs to be strong but quiet. A couple of times, Rachel’s voice dipped in volume a little too much for my tastes. The first time she starts to belt, “I wish you joy”, the “joy” was a horrible squeak rather than a pure note. The rest of the song was faultless vocally, though. Rachel also seemed to be more restrained in her performance, rather than the expansive overblown moments that she’s been guilty of in previous weeks.
I must admit that when rumours surfaced earlier this week that Samantha would be singing Defying Gravity from Wicked, I cringed. It’s far from my favourite MT number anyway, but it’s also one that’s very tricky to do well (I still have nightmares about a panto I reviewed at Christmas, with Peter Pan and Wendy singing it as a duet as they flew to Never Land. If they had agreed on which key to sing it in, it would have been a start). It turned out to be a wise choice, though, not least because as a musical theatre number, it sticks out like a sore thumb from the pop songs selected by the other competitors. Getting coaching in the song from Idina Menzel, who originated the role of Elphaba, clearly worked. While the song proved a stretch for her at times, with the occasional sharp note at the beginning, she should be applauded for choosing a song that gave her a challenge — a challenge she met and, in my view, exceeded.
A quick break for the Olivers, and we learnt that Jonny has secured the eighth and final place in next week’s selection. He’s always had a strong stage presence in the group numbers. The four boys who haven’t made it through will, I’m sure, have learned so much from their time working on the show, and good luck to them whatever they decide to do with it.
Unfortunately, the Olivers’ group number, the S Club 7 number Reach, was not a great swan song. It was a nice touch to give Gareth, Jordan, Joseph and Sam their turn in the spotlight, but ultimately none of the twelve boys excelled themselves. Indeed, it seems that the further the group repertoire gets from musical theatre, the less it works. One can only hope that in the two weeks remaining of live shows, we see more theatre-based performances from the boys.
Back to the main competition, and after last week’s farrago, Jessie went for a better known (and less challenging) song in How Do I Live Without You. And again, she delivered the fine vocal performance we know she can give, but visually her performance could have come from any of the previous weeks. At times with Jessie it feels as if her memory only goes back a week — she’ll act on any notes given in the previous week’s show, even if it’s at the expense of notes given and acted upon in the weeks before. Andrew noted that, after her performance of The Man That Got Away two weeks ago got the judges all afluster, she would have been better to choose a song in the same ballpark. This week’s choice went into her upper range where she’s not comfortable — but As Long As He Needs Me, Nancy’s signature song, is ‘way in her comfort zone’.
The final solo performance of the evening, and Niamh chose No Doubt’s Don’t Speak to perform. In terms of pop songs that enable the singer to act a story, I think it was a really good choice. Whether she managed to do so effectively, I don’t know. There was a great deal of passion in her vocal performance, but it didn’t ring true for me. It felt a little too simple and predictable a reading of the song. In many ways I think the coaching advice she would have had this week should bear some of the blame, but ultimately Niamh herself is the major person responsible for her producing what ended up being the least successful performance of the evening.
The show finished with the five Nancies paired up with the five guest Josephs for a rendition of Dancing in the Street. As with so many shows, the group numbers provide scant opportunity for performers to shine or fail. However, for me the best performers were Daniel and Ben, and Lewis’s vocal was the weakest of all.
What? What do you mean, I was supposed to be looking at the girls?
The results show opened with another rendition of Consider Yourself, this time sans Olivers. That performance showed strength from all five once more — another sign that, song choices and pop performances notwithstanding, all five girls excel when they’re performing a musical theatre number that’s as close as possible to their desired role.
The eight remaining Olivers have just a week until they find out whether they will be one of the three boys who will alternate the role of Oliver come December. Their performance of Abba’s I Have a Dream (closer to being a musical theatre song than Reach, what with it having a story, great lyrics, and being featured in jukebox musical Mamma Mia!) was far better than Saturday’s. I thought I had a favourite three in my head, but I’ve had to revise that to a favourite six or seven, and it wouldn’t be fair to the couple of stragglers to single them out.
This week’s acting task involved the girls visiting the Trafalgar Studios, which is currently hosting Lifecoach starring Phill Jupitus. The task itself, initially at least, was less about acting than it was about stand-up comedy. Not quite sure what necessary skills for an actor were being tested there… The real meat to the task came in performing a scene from Lifecoach with Phill. As we’ve seen before on this sort of task, Rachel’s training showed through, as did Jessie’s inexperience. Jodie and (more unexpectedly) Niamh seemed to work well in the role, with Samantha possibly being the most out of place. I’m not sure how representative this experience is when casting Nancy; maybe if we’d seen more of the task, we’d have a clearer idea, but then that’s been a common problem throughout the three years the BBC has been doing musical theatre casting shows.
The final group number, South Pacific’s I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Out Of My Hair was another great display of five girls being so comfortable with MT songs. I can only hope and pray that the producers acknowledge that for the final two weeks — if there’s anything that can help the show beat Britain’s Got Talent in the ratings, it’ll be performances as strong as this.
All too soon, it was results time, and sing-off veterans Rachel and Niamh found themselves in the spotlight once again. The song, Another Suitcase in Another Hall, is demanding both technically and in terms of acting. As with the last time she was in the sing-off, Rachel managed to pull another emotional, expressive performance that shows what she’s capable of if she lets herself. Trouble is, so did Niamh — I’m not sure that if I were in Andrew’s shoes I’d have been able to decide between the two. He managed it, though — after complimenting both, including saying he’d be interested in casting Niamh in Evita, he elected to save Rachel.
So with just two more shows to go, the prize is still anyone’s to play for. I still doubt whether Rachel has shown the warmth to appeal to the voting audience at home, and I think Jessie’s lack of confidence in her acting has been picked up on by the audience at home. Right now, I think that Jodie and Sam must be front runners — but with two weeks to go, that could all change…
I wonder how much choice in songs the girls really had. I can't beleive that given carte blanche, only one would have opted for a MT song.
Andrew's comment about Rachel never letting the real Rachel shine though was spot on. Though I felt sorry for her when John said she (a 26 year old professional) ought to learn from Sam (a 17 year old amateur) - that must have stung.
Barry came out with the most stupid remark of the evening (nothing new there) - the comment about Niamh's height. But good on you Niamh for your comeback in Sunday's show.
Sorry to see Niamh go but I think Andrew was right in saying she's not quite ready for a lead part yet. Give her a couple of years & she'll be great.
Ha ha - nice comment about the Josephs, Scott. As you say, it was good to see the four boys who haven't been chosen given a chance to show what they can do.
Right choice of Niahm to go this week.
I like Jessie very much but worry that she wouldn't be able to cope with the role. In ADWD there were comments that Lewis (I think) wouldn't be able to deal with bad reviews and I think this is even more applicable to Jessie. There's six months until Oliver opens - is this enough time for Jessie to have the acting training she needs and boost her confidence? She's going to need a lot of direction but it's not impossible.
Rachel sang her song well but I can see her acting and she leaves me cold, I can't warm to her. Sam's performance was OK but didn't thrill me. Jodie demonstrated that while she doesn't dance as well as Sam, she can move. Jodie's been the most consistant for me and I enjoy her performances.
It's going to be interesting to see who's in the bottom two next week and gets voted off - I don't think any of them are safe. Isn't Cameron Macintosh in the studio next week? It'll be interesting to hear what he has to say about the girls.
I think Andrew meant that he'd consider Niamh for the role of the Mistress in Evita, not casting her "as Evita" (he said "that role" and in the stage show it's the Mistress who sings that song) - she'd be far better suited to that than the role of Evita.
Agree with most of what you say Scott, including looking at the guys! Niamh was the weakest in her main performance and while I think she has got great potential I think she needs to develop it before being given such a high profile role.
I know Rachel is a good performer , but as Diana says she just leaves me cold. Interesting that Denise said almost the same thing this week. At last they seem to of picked up on why she isn't getting the full support of the public. Even if she gets through to the final I would be surprised if she won when it is down to the public vote.
Sam actually gave a performance I really enjoyed this week, I finally saw why the panel think she is such a talent.
Jessie was ok but didn't give a fantastic performance. As you say Scott I think it is obvious her acting isn't up to it at the moment, but as Diana says they do have 6 months, so if she wins they will have to make full use of that time with her.
Jodie is I think my favourite at the moment. I can really see her in the role, and she loooks as if she could handle the acting side of it.
All a bit woolly I know but I really don't have a stand out favourite. It will be interesting to see who is in the bottom two next week as at least one will be there for the first time. At the moment I think it will be Jessie and Rachel and Jessie will go, but who knows!
I think Niamh was the right choice to go home, and agree that she has talent, but needs to mature and understand how to use what she has got.
I think Rachel is fantastic. I think the problem re: people being left cold by her performances may have to do with the fact that her performance is very precise. I get the impression that it is a performance that wouldn't change from night to night as she has it so very tightly under control, at present she doesn't add an individuality to her work, no repsonse to the audience, atmosphere, energy etc in the room. But I think this is something that she can work on. Also I prefer her work to that of an inexperienced performer who mistakes excessive gurning, arm flailing and/or watery over-eager eyes (to name a few tactics) as warmth and emoting. You need focus and a destination and I can always see that when Rachel performs.
Rachel has the technique and the goods to bring Nancy to life, and if they want more warmth from her, that is a tiny fraction of work needed compared to the huge amount needed input to Jessie and Samantha. I think Jodie is a real contender too, but again, compared to the technique and tools that Rachel has her disposal we may get a more shallow interpretation of Nancy.
There is no denying there is talent aplenty in this final four but Jessie and Samantha could do with a lot of training! Be that MT courses or through the ranks of the chorus.
So for me, it is Rachel all the way, with Jodie nipping at her heels.
Right 2 in the sing-off this week and the right one went. Interesting to see who is in the bottom 2 next week. Rachel doesn't do a thing for me and I'll be disappointed if she wins - I'm booked to see the show but I dont want her to be there- although I dont think she will as the public don't seem to be taking to her. Jessie is still may favourite even though she might need lots of work, she is fresh and edgy, has the vulnerability and they have got time to work on her. Jodie is probably my second favourite but a long way behind as I think she looks too old for Nancy and she doesn't have the fragility needed - I'm not sure that can be worked on as I think its related to her size and jokey nature - I still expect her to clout Bill Sykes when he get physical with her. Sam doesn't really appeal to me either, I dont know why. I dont feel we know the Nancies as well as we did the Marias and Joes due to programme time being taken up with the Olivers. Cameron M will obviously have his views on who he wants for Nancy but he/ALW will only be able to manipulate this once more. So if its Rachel in the bottom 2 it will be very interesting to see who is saved (I'm sure they will have worked out the permuations beforehand!). If its Rachel & Jessie then I would think that ALW would want to save Jessie as he clearly likes her unless he has another part for her in mind! I wish we could see the girls made up as Nancy - dirty/matted hair/ragged clothes - and see them act a scene or two from Oliver to give us a better idea.
Agree with everyone else that Naimh was the right choice to go, though there wasn't much in it. Jessie could have gone from her performances the last couple of weeks. Glad Sam got such a positive response to her song. Not as worried as I was a couple of weeks ago when we had JB and DVO opining (on ready Steady Cook) that they expected the three finalists to be Jessie, Jodie and Rachel. None of the three have excelled in the last two weeks.
My prediction is that Rachel or Jessie will be the choice faced by ALW to save. Unhappy that the finalists are having to turn on each other. Naively I'm happier thinking they are all great supportive friends after their intensive time together. All striving for the same goal, but not being asked to denigrate the others in the race. Hard to imagine it happening in many other races...
Yes Ben and Daniel had West End Shows to go to- having been to see Hairspray on Saturday afternoon I was at least pleased to find out why Ben had been absent! His understudy was excellent, tho, so no complaints here.
As to the Nancy contenders- I think Jodie is my favourite to win. Jessie is at the bottom of my list- she has such a limited range of facial expressions and her body is always stiff, and somebody really needs to alert her to the fact that her reaction each week to being saved looks embarassingly fake- the girl cannot act.
I missed the main show on Saturday, but caught the results show. Jodie is still my favourite for the role of Nancy. Jessie is really not consistant, though when she is good it's very good. It was right for Niamh to go. I thought she did really well in the sing off.
As I'd missed the Lewis, Keith, Ben and Rob bit on Saturday I found it on YouTube. Ben and Daniel were the best. Poor Lewis was doing his spider dance again. Keith has obviously been working on his pronunciation, still not right. Rob, was Rob. Sorry, were there women on stage too? Must have missed them. (It's the Bredan Cole thing all over again.)
Good feedback Scott,
I think it was time for Niamh to go, she just wasnt Nancy, she looked more like the Olivers sister. Glad Jonny got through, think he has IT.
Jessie, needs alot of work on too many basic area's to make her movement graceful and natural. In a few years she will do fine and Im sure like Naimh ALW will keep an eye on them.
Sam, Think the panel have not given this girl truthful feedback, we all have ears and eyes She cant get better if she is not told the truth. Her lower register always breaks into speaking. I see no emotional connection behind her eyes when singing, she can belt and relies on that alot.
Rachel, I have never taken to her performance I always and still do find her emotionanly unconnected to the song. As the professional her performance is too inconsistant for me. For the price of the £60 tickets I would expect more.
Jodie, Her chorography was not brilliant but she has proved she knows a beat and can dance, as much as Nancy needs too. I think she has given the most consistant performance and shown all sides of Nancy, and will do vulnerability easy. She connects with the public as seen by her constant high score on the DS polls and the fact she is never in the sing off.
Jodie is Nancy for me.
I also do not like this pretend fighting by the girls to promote the show and to provide entertainment. If there is a problem between Sam and Rachel as been stated in other sites, Leave them to it.
Josephts, brilliant to see Daniel back on TV screens again. Scott, the girls were on too..really lol
I also think ALW personal comments are not acceptable.
Well for me Sam was clearly the best. Unlike the other girls she chose a song that would showcase her talent, as well as challenge the others to up their game.
Casper may have doubts about Sam's lower range, but what about Jodie and Jessies higher range? It seems to me that songs have to be altered, as they are unable to reach the top notes.
I was really sorry to see Niamh go, but I'm sure she will be a star in the future.
Sam for Nancy!! x
Agreed with Mark about Jessie. I really don't enjoy her as a performer. Same with Sam. However, they have done fantastically for their age and I just hope they go and train and fulfil their potential.
I can, to a certain extent see what people are saying about Rachel, but I think part of it is that she is a bit stagey for a TV show. But from the snippets of acting we have seen I think she shows a real warmth and emotional connectivity which the others dont have. Jodie is also very watchable and reliable as a performer, she hasnt had a really bad week in my opinion.
I love how open the race still is, my hope is Jessie and Sam in the bottom two next week but I fear that shall never happen in a month of Sundays!
x
Annie - whether Jodie or Jessie have a good higher range is somewhat irrelevant for the part of Nancy, which rarely goes above a B (to anyone who isn't sure what that means, it's very low in comparison to virtually all other leading female roles on the west end). Sam would really struggle with all the low notes Nancy has to sing; although she has a fantastic voice, it's just not suited to the role.
I really liked Jessie when the live shows started but now I find her pretty much unwatchable. She has an okay voice and if I close my eyes I quite enjoy her performances, but when I watch her I get so irritated and wound up. She seems capable of singing only out of one side of her mouth (and I wish that someone would bring it up in her notes because ignoring it is really doing her no favours). She is poor at dancing, moving rather like a mannequin (especially in her dancing/singing part with the Josephs), and her acting (as Barrowman rightly pointed out) mostly just involves touching her hair. I also don't think ALW and Humphries are doing her any favours for trying to excuse her Irish accent (given a few weeks ago she was receiving coaching to help her with a cockney accent - perhaps she couldn't master it?) She clearly needs more training before she will be ready for a role like Nancy.
I absolutely would not see her in the West End. Given I'd have to keep my eyes shut all the time it would be a waste of the ticket money.
This week a Nancy was born in the shape of Sam!
She just has something about her that makes me sit up and watch (no not because she's gorgeous) she's got a real stage presence, that I don't see in any of the other girls or at least not as strong. Her vocals can be wobbly but i'd expect they'd be able to sort that out before the show.
Not taking away from they're all very good, just Sam has that spark for me.
Sam might have had the spark, but are people not sligthly worried by the fact that her tuning was really quite poor in places, particular at the start of the song.
She has defintiely come on massively during the series, and I have a sneaky suspicion that she'll win the show, but I'm far more worried about her vocal consistency than I ever was with Lee Mead or Connie Fisher
I was shocked and disappointed to see Rachael go tonight. The public gave Sam least votes and I think rightly as she is the only contestant left who has never held my attention for a whole song as she doesn't seem completely sincere. I already have my tickets and hope that Jodie is there in the West End, the depth and sincerity of her emotions, her warmth and humour make her a great choice.