This article has been written by Maureen, a member of the Unreality contributors team. Thanks Maureen!

OH WHAT A NIGHT…WHAT A FINAL THAT WAS…

However did we reach it, the end. The winner was Connie Fisher who after a weekend of celebrating must now knuckle down to her new musical theatre career. Good luck to her. I won’t say ‘break a leg’ as this can sometimes be an ill omen as this could delay a budding career.

So reality TV talent shows can give quality to viewers watching and can make or break very real and promising careers, there have been many tears and tantrums from the competitors and no doubt some from the viewers voicing their thoughts to the square box in the corner of the room.

This show was one of the best, proving that the BBC really has got what it takes to give you the viewers quality TV. In the ratings war this show like many who have gone before Fame Academy, Star for a night, plus those concentrating on ice dancing, and come dancing have been broadcast for the more discerning viewer. On a vocal front none of the competitors for the singing competitions could be labelled as karoake artists, cabaret singers, cruise line or red coats. Not that there should be any disrespect for those whose livelihoods are dependent on this for their income of 10, 15 20 years standing, but they are a far cry from having there name in lights.

By comparison ticket sales for “The sound of Music” 50% have been sold now, so the initial investment of 4 million has been recovered in addition to the ongoing costs of the show for the next 6 months. Album sales of the original Julie Andrews recording have also suddenly risen and that strange phenonema of the singalonga disc sales are also looking healthy, all as a direct result of the programme. The value is yet to be calculated of all this, but the least that can be said is that the programme has had a positive feed back for the music industry and this is set to continue for at least a few more months. Very distant cousins however being ITV’s X factor is set this year to go out with a bang or on a high. Proving that whilst they may well have won in the ratings war it does not correlate into record sales.

Sir Trevor Nunns worries and those of other professionals have all been in vain, even though I do know he spoke the truth when saying that the show was so unlike real theatre’s way of auditioning and selection. Having been part of theatre all my life, I’d say the show was kinder.

So there we have it, The composer of the age of the Modern musical, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, the man responsible for placing Michael Crawford in a mask, and Elaine Paige in a Cat suit with the help of his three wise monkeys:- Co producer, and no stranger to ‘partnerships and music industry contracts’ as the Chairman of Global productions,- *’David Ian’… famed for his direction of Grease’, and Saturday night Fever’ and accustomed to taking chances – **’John Barryman’… soon to be highlighted in a Dr Who’ spin off “Torchwood” leaving temporarily behind his musical theatre roles in ‘Anything goes’ & ‘Miss Saigon’ and others too numerous to list, and finally – ***’Zoe Tyler’… whose quick tongue must have cut down to size many a budding artist, who I personally felt was a bit to close to Jayne Macdonald, but still she too has made a vocal journey to the London stage in Fame’, Les Miserable’, Jesus Christ Superstar’ and has many experiences of being a backing vocalist on stage and in the recording studio. These people are a true authority and these four with the help of viewers have now given us Connie Fisher. Runner up Helena Blackman 23 and a waitress. 3rd Siobhan Dillon 21 a fashion student.

How did Connie get there. Persistence, Stamina, personal conviction and confidence in addition to musical gift and an ability to really sing.Connie hasn’t just sang for her supper, she has sang for her life. It is these things which have brought her through and given her deservedly and without reservation the coveted role of Maria.

6.000 six thousand auditions, five cities, down to 20 at Sydmonton and the first excercise in singing to a distinguished crowd. Six months and a bit later…

Are you ready to get into a habit?

Are you going to wear your wimple with pride? Go on.

Let’s start at the very beginning……………MAUREEN.