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Young stars shine at talent contest

31/01/2012

L-R:The Prediction, Henry Crew, Phoebe Barrow, Shannon Dodds, James Wynne, Charlie Day

A string of talented young stars, from ballet dancers to puppet masters, took to the stage at the final of East Hampshire’s newest talent show competition.
 
Ignition – Ignite Your Talent, run by East Hampshire Youth Council (EHYC), showcased some of the best acts in the district as they fought for the right to be crowned its first champion.
 
In the end it was two dancers who stole the show with contemporary ballet dancer Charlie Day, of Bordon, winning the 14-18 age group and gymnastic dancer Phoebe Barrow, of Alton, scooping top spot in the eight-13 age group.
 
In all 19 varied acts, including solo singers, bands, actors, dancers and even a puppeteer, thrilled the packed house at The Studio, The Petersfield School, on Saturday night.
 
The judges presiding over the acts, with the tough task of picking the best performances, had no shortage of talent themselves and included in their number X-Factor finalist and NuVibe band member Stefan Romer.
 
Along side Stefan were Tom Kates, of The Petersfield School, Helen Harlow, head of music at Newton Primary School, Gosport, and Joe Boon, a former winner of Show Off, a previous talent contest for the area.
 
East Hampshire District Council helped the youth council stage the event and Cllr Glynis Watts, Portfolio Holder for Community, said she was impressed with the quality of the performances.
 
"It was obvious that the performers and the audience really had a good time and enjoyed themselves throughout the night,” she said.
 
"It was fantastic to see the breadth of talent East Hampshire can produce and the two winners, Charlie Day and Phoebe Barrow, really were spectacular.
 
"This is the first time the Ignition competition has been run but it was excellently put together by the youth council members and their helpers from EHDC, who not only produced a great night but raised a lot of money for charity too.”
 
Tickets sales raised nearly £600 for the event’s twin charities Naomi House and jacksplace, hospices for children and young adults.
 
East Hampshire Youth Council chose the charities to benefit as well as getting involved with the auditions, backstage work and hosting, with EHYC’s Edward Ashdown controlling the evening alongside co-compere Joe Spong, of The Petersfield School.
 
The results of the competition were:
 
14-18 age group
 
1)      Charlie Day, Bordon, contemporary ballet
2)      Shannon Dodds, Horndean, solo singer
3)      Henry Crew, Petersfield, acoustic guitar and singer
 
Eight-13 age group
 
1)      Phoebe Barrow, gymnastic dancer
2)      James Wynne, singer, Headley Down
3)      The Prediction: Lloyd Smallwood, Ollie Williams, Daniel Tudor-Price, from the Alton area.