Talent crowds wowed by songs and laughs (From Swindon Advertiser)

Talent crowds wowed by songs and laughs

9:00pm Monday 4th July 2011 in Local By Stephanie Tye

A VERY appreciative audience supported the fifth heat of Swindon Talent 2011 at Wootton Bassett Comprehensive School on Friday, at what was claimed to be the most diverse mix of performances so far.

The evening, which was in association with the Wootton Bassett Arts Festival, unveiled much new talent; many of the artists making their debut on a public stage or performing self-penned tracks.

The contestants ranged from a singing cinema worker to youngsters who individually performed light-hearted classic performance pieces.

The three acts who impressed the judges most and go forward to the finals at the Wyvern Theatre on August 6 were diverse, too.

The adult winners were Ovation, an eight-girl dance group, aged between 20 and 30-years-old, who’ve been together since last September.

The performed a lively and well-co-ordinated number dressed in sailors costumes.

The under 16s category was won by singer Lynette Mutuota.

The 15 year-old sang her way into the final with her version of Otis Reading’s Try A Little Tenderness.

She had never sung in public before and said she is self-taught by singing to her family.

And a very cheeky pirate of eight years old stole the audiences hearts and brought a lot of laughter with his comedic performance.

Tomi Fry, who was the wildcard winner, said he aims to be a professional comedian and take over from Harry Hill.

Compere for the evening Shirley Ludford, of 105.5 Community Radio, said: “The finals at the Wyvern Theatre on August 6 look like being very interesting and will make a great version of Sunday Night At the London Palladium, at this rate.

“Do get your tickets early, as they are selling fast.”

This is the fifth year that the contest has been running and keeps going from strength to strength.

Other contestants who have already made it through to the final include singer Jo Farrell, beatboxer Shaun Perrell, duo Ali Ward and Jack Stuckey, singer Holly Feeney and bellringers The Purton Pear Tree Peelers.

The next, and final, Swindon Talent 11 heat takes place on Saturday at the Big Arts Day, in Lydiard Park. The heat kicks off the events on the main stage at noon.

Tickets for the final cost £9.50 (£7.50 for concessions) and are available by calling the Wyvern box office on 01793 524481 or by logging on to www.wyverntheatre.org.uk.

The curtain goes up at 7pm.