Gest, who judged on the ITV show Grease Is The Word, from where the two lead actors for the stage show were picked, commented:

“I had to film The Friday Night Project so I gave Grease a miss,” Gest told the Daily Star Sunday. “Although filming didn’t start until 7pm the next night, I had to get up early to rehearse and have my hair and make-up done.”

He confessed: “Compared to some of the other singing contests, Grease Is the Word wasn’t the best. But I got great reviews for my role in the show!”

View the original post David Gest Avoided Grease Premiere on Unreality TV

View the original post Watch Clips Of Grease Stage Show LIVE! on Unreality TV

Sarah Crompton, writing in the Daily Telegraph, said Bayne “made Travolta look like Olivier”.

“Whatever qualities made people vote for them shrivel and fade in the spotlight’s harsh glare,” she added.

The Guardian’s critic, Michael Billington, said McFadden “sings prettily, but has a painfully limited range of physical expression”.

The show was also branded “disappointingly short on dazzle” by Sam Marlowe in The Times.

“At no point do we care one iota what becomes of any of them or their teen romances,” he said.

View the original post Criics SLAM Grease Stage Show on Unreality TV

Fame, fortune, and international stardom await the chosen ones, but first they are going to have to earn it. Our hopefuls must survive the most punishing auditioning process ever seen on television. Each must excel in three challenging disciplines, singing, acting and dancing.

Thousands of people initially auditioned in front of our panel of judges – renowned theatre producer David Ian, American showbiz impresario and producer, David Gest; choreographer to Britney Spears and a host of other American stars, Brian Friedman; and The X Factor mentor, 80s’ pop icon, and West End star, Sinitta.

Just seventy made it through this stage of the process, winning a coveted place at Bootcamp.

There the judges put the remaining hopefuls through their paces, testing all of their performance skills and tension rose as all began to feel closer to the prized West End stage.

After tough auditions and three days of concentrated performance, the judges selected their final sixteen and dropped a further bombshell on the contestants. Up to this point, they have auditioned individually but now they must up their game and work together to reprise the sizzling chemistry between Sandy and Danny that will ultimately win them their dream role.

For the first live studio show, the theme for the contestants is disco, featuring some of the biggest floorfillers from the disco era. With only a week to rehearse their song and dance for the first live performance, the contestants are pleased to be working in couples and to have someone else to support them. But all are nervous that if they don’t work hard enough they risk letting down their partner, and as a result could become the first couple to be eliminated.

ITV1 Network Saturday 28 April 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM

View the original post Grease Is The Word: Disco Week on Unreality TV

“This will be the first time at doing anything like this, and probably the last. If I can’t make it after getting this far I probably never will.”

The Story So Far…

* Wayne got big thumbs-up from all of the Judges. Sinitta said that he had a ‘nice body, good look and sang well’. David Gest said that he preferred the singing to the dancing and David Ian said ‘as usual David Gest is wrong, Sinitta and Brian are right’.

* On the final day of Bootcamp, all of the judges were really impressed with him. David Ian said ‘I like him more and more, he looked really good’. Sinitta said ‘he did the job, he’s very exciting’.

History

* Wayne was born in Plymouth and raised in Somerset. He now lives with his two best friends and two cats in Preston in a house he owns.

* Wayne is a cabaret show singer and has been for the past five years. He works mostly in holiday parks like Haven and Centre Parcs. He performs everything from Disco 70s to all the recent hits.

* Four years ago Wayne got a part as Danny in a show called ‘Grease Mania’ but the show got pulled. He hadn’t been to another an audition until Grease Is The Word came along as he said it really knocked his confidence.

* He says that he ALWAYS wears odd socks; and says that he is very superstitious about it.

* The hardest thing Wayne has ever had to go through was losing his best friend when he was 15. He says: “He wanted to be famous; he was an inspiration to me then and is now.”

How does it feel to have got this far?

“Amazing and very unreal! I am astonished at my progress through the rounds so far. I have reached the goal that I and all my family wanted and so anything past this is a bonus. To be put in the same class as some of these guys who have been trained in some of the best theatre schools in the country is an honour. They truly are amazing performers.”

Has it been a difficult journey for you to get to this stage?

“I have found it difficult being away from my friends and family for Bootcamp and being on my own means I have to push very hard to stay focused ‘cause they aren’t there to push me. But I seem to have coped so far.”

What makes you think you can be the next Danny?

“I’m not sure really. I just hope that I can do it myself. I have proven to myself that I didn’t know my own capabilities as I never thought I would get this far. So who knows whether I will do it? I do know that up until now and beyond I will give it everything I have. That’s all you can do.

“As you get further in these things you naturally want it more every round. I take it round by round. It would totally change my life and be a massive breakthrough for my career. That would be the greatest achievement of my life so far.”

Is this the closest that you have come to making it?

“This will be the first time at doing anything like this, and probably the last. If I can’t make it after getting this far I probably never will.”

How do you think you would handle fame?

“I’m a very grounded person and I would like to think I would stay that way. I pretty much have everything I want at the moment except for the dream job. So, aside from the new wardrobe for the whole family, I don’t really know what else I would do if I got famous.”

What’s your ultimate ambition?

“My ultimate ambition is to sing in the USA. I love America and recently went to LA on holiday. I want a piece of that.”

Who are your idols?

“My idol is probably my partner and parents. They are what mould me. As far as musical influence, I idolise Michael Bolton for his superb vocal talent. Also, I hold a lot of respect for Shane Richie. He has a similar background to me but proved that he could break into the showbiz world.”

What do you think of the judges?

“David Ian is a legend in his own right and the most important to have on your side. However, the others are very skilled in their areas too. David Gest did not like me at the first stage and I don’t know if I have changed his mind.
“They have told me I need to make a transition into the role of Danny. That’s my next challenge.”

View the original post Grease Is The Word: Wayne Smith on Unreality TV

The Story So Far…

* The feedback he got from the judges was very positive, with Sinitta telling him that she ‘couldn’t take her eyes off him’. Brian commented that he has a ‘soothing’ voice, while David Gest called him an ‘inspiration’.

* Danny arrived at Bootcamp and performed well in the dance class, with the choreographer picking him out as having real potential.

* After David Gest had heard him sing ‘Your Song’ he thought he was fantastic.

* Danny was put through to the next day with David Ian saying he was ‘great’. He was, however, a little concerned by Danny’s physical condition adding that he needed to get into shape.

* Sinitta thought he was a ‘lovely sweet Danny’ while David Ian believed he gave a ‘truthful performance, was a gentleman but the pairing didn’t work’.

* On the final day of Bootcamp Lauren and Danny performed ‘Against All Odds’, which the judges thought they executed well. David Ian said that Danny started really strong, with a great tone.

* All the panelists agreed that the two looked really good together, and decided Danny and Lauren should be a couple for the live shows

History

* Danny was born in Scarborough in 1984.

* He currently lives with three friends from college in a rented flat.

* He is engaged to be married to Hayley, his girlfriend of three years, and they plan to marry on a beach in Cuba.

* Danny has suffered with a stammer for most of his life but when he sings and acts it seems to go.

* As well as appearing in local theatre productions he also sings in local bars and clubs.

* Danny is currently in America where he is undergoing a specialist operation to try and reduce the stammer. When he comes to London for the live shows, Danny hopes that this will have helped to improve his stammer.

View the original post Grease Is The Word: Danny Rhodes on Unreality TV

“I think David Gest is funny. I’d love to go out and get drunk with him.

The Story So Far…

* All the panellists sent Michael to Bootcamp and they were really impressed.

* During Michael’s singing lesson on his first day vocal coach John said to Michael: “You have a rich voice. The breathing is a problem and you sound strained.” David Ian also said: “It’s a bad Elvis impression.”

* At Bootcamp. David Ian commented: “He’s arrogant – he needs to make me like him.” David Gest thought that he couldn’t make people believe he was Danny.

* During the deliberation David Ian commented: “I’ve got to get to like him.”

History

* Michael was born in Aldershot. He now owns his own house in Lewisham which he shares with his girlfriend Charlene.

* Charlene, 22, has been Michael’s partner for two years. They attended college together and then worked on a job where they fell in love!

* Michael has been singing for 14 years. He has worked on numerous shows including a tour of Joseph where he played the pharaoh, Jailhouse Rock (at the Piccadilly Theatre) and Beauty and The Beast.

* Michael attended college where he studied Musical Theatre. He has always wanted to work in the West End and Grease would be ‘a dream’.

What’s your worst job been?

“I’ve just finished a few weeks of telesales. That has to be my worst job ever!”

What made you apply for Grease?

“I’ve always enjoyed musical theatre and I’m a massive John Travolta fan. I must have all his films on DVD. I think he’s amazing and I’ve seen the musical at least eight times.

“I didn’t know what I thought about the whole reality TV thing at first because it was really hard at Bootcamp, but I enjoyed it and it was an experience and I always think ‘live the dream’, so I’m living the dream.

“My girlfriend Charlene is supporting me, my family – and I have a lot of family in Scotland and I‘m a big Celtic fan so hopefully I’ll have the Scots behind me.”

Have you had any theatrical training?

“I started having drama classes when I was 11. I saw a panto when I was 11 and told my dad I would love to do that!

“I won a singing competition when I was 16 and I got to record some tracks in a recording studio where I met this guy and auditioned for ‘The Mask’. I went away to Butlins for a year to do this musical. I met a lady on the opening night called Betty Lane and ended up going to her college to train for three years in Epsom Surrey.

“I graduated from college and went on a cruise ship for seven months where I was a singer. I then went into ‘Joseph’ on UK Bill Kenwright. I played The Pharoh (nearly four years ago). I went into a show in the West End called ‘Jailhouse Rock’. I was the alternate lead (Elvis). I went to Vegas with it as well. Then I went into the UK tour of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ where I met my girlfriend. I played Gaston for two years. I did Panto then auditioned for Grease Is The Word.”

Is there anything that you are worried about in the next stage?

“I’m worried about what the judges will say on the show!

“David Gest told me to lose some weight and tone up. I don’t think I look overweight. Shane Ritchie and Craig McLachlan played Danny and they look like proper men.

“Every time I was in front of them I was trying to be like Danny Zuko not like Michael Quinn. I never thought I’d cry on TV but I did.

How do you think you would handle fame?

“I think really well. I wouldn’t change, I would still be with my girlfriend, take her on holiday and throw a massive party for all my friends and family. I would adopt an orang-utan and probably call it Elvis.”

Who are your idols? Anyone you respect on the stage?

“Billy Joel without a doubt. Sammy Davis Junior; Jack Black and Will Ferrell. My dad is one of my idols – he’s been the main person the whole way through who has always been one step ahead. He was a captain in the Blues and Royals Regiment of the Household Cavalry. The same regiment as the Princes are in now. He’s Mr Ultimate Reality TV – he gives the answers before Simon Cowell does!”

What do you think of the judges?

“I think David Gest is funny. I love his big diamond crosses. They are very glam. I think he thinks he’s a lovely man but he seems wicked. I’d love to go out and get drunk with him.

“I really respect David Ian him because he was once a performer himself and he knows what he’s talking about. I like him and I think he’ll get the person he wants. On my very first audition David Ian said my audition was the most professional audition so far.

View the original post Grease Is The Word: Michael Quinn on Unreality TV

“If I were to get the part of Danny it would be all my dreams come true: a better quality of life for my family, which means so much to me. I’m going to do what it takes to get this part.”

The Story So Far…

* After Richard performed David Ian said: “You need to get into shape. Lose 10lbs before Bootcamp and pack in the cigarettes.” David Gest said: “You need so much work, it’s like tuning up an old car.”

* At Bootcamp Brian and David said that Richard had ‘excellent tone’. David Ian also said: “You have so much to learn, but you reacted well to advice, which is great.”

* The judges commented that Richard needed to work harder and also pointed out the fact that Richard has never been trained.

* On the last day of Bootcamp his performance went well and David Ian commented: “All I want to do is listen to him singing.” Sinitta thought that they had ‘amazing chemistry’. David Guest was equally impressed and commented: “He had great tone. I want to hear more of him.”

* When Richard was told he was through, he broke down crying.

History

* Richard was born and raised in Rotherham. His mum and dad are divorced and he has one sister.

* Richard has been with fiancée Emma for two years. They have a one year old daughter called Ellen who is Richard’s ‘pride and joy’.

* Richard spent four years at Gillian Banks Theatre School.

* Richard has been singing for eight years and performs in working men’s clubs. He has also performed at Sadler’s Wells and The Royal Albert Hall.

* Richard’s proudest moment was holding his baby girl Ellen in his arms for the first time.

What made you apply for Grease?

“I have always dreamed of being in the West End. When I do the clubs it frustrates me when people choose to talk while you are singing. Whereas, on the stage, people pay to watch you perform and the feeling I get inside is amazing! My mum has supported me since I was five and she would have given her last penny to help me achieve my dream.”

Is there anything that you are worried about?

“I’m worried that my voice may give in. I sometimes struggle with tonsillitis.

I’m just praying that it doesn’t happen during the show. To have got this far I can’t even express what it feels like; I’m still in a whirl. It’s so fantastic I cannot wait for the live shows. I just hope I get the chance to show the public what I can do and not buckle under the nerves.”

What would it mean to you to get the part of Danny?

“If I were to get the part of Danny it would be like all my dreams have come

True; a better quality of life for my family. I’m going to do what it takes to get this part. I have never got this close to making it before though. This is my ultimate ambition. If I were not committed to doing this I would just keep trying until I made a break-through.”

Who do you admire in the business?

“My biggest idol is Robbie Williams, I love to sing his songs. I also love

Lionel Richie and Stevie Wonder. My favourite musical is ‘Blood Brothers’; I have seen it so many times it’s quality. I played Micky when my theatre school did it.”

How have the judges reacted to you?

“The judges so far have been surprisingly nice to me. The worst is probably

yet to come! On my first audition David Ian told me I had to pack in the

fags and lose 10lbs! I’ve lost some weight already and have cut down on the fags!”

View the original post Grease Is The Word: Richard Morgan on Unreality TV

“It’s not been easy trying to get going again since I’ve been back in the UK. It’s giving me a chance to get back out there and show what I can do.”

The Story So Far…

* At Anthony’s first audition, David Gest thought he had charm, while Brian agreed he had talent but was concerned about his physical condition.

* During Anthony’s singing class at Bootcamp David Gest was full of praise telling Anthony he had a great voice. He also commented on his attitude saying: “Once a star always a star.”

* The judges decided to put Anthony through to the live shows, but commented that he would have to sort out his fitness.

History

* Anthony was born and raised in Manchester.

* He’s been singing for as long as he can remember although he’s never had any training. Anthony has previously a record deal with Virgin Records.

* Following on from a number of Top 20 hits including ‘I Can Make You Feel Good’ and ‘MFEO’ Anthony scooped the 1997 Smash Hits Best British Solo Male Award.

* His second Album ‘Instinct’ didn’t do as well as the record companies had hoped and he decided to leave England and move to LA.

* While he was in the States Anthony penned tracks for other artists including BB Mak and Gareth Gates.

What’s your job? What’s your best and worst job been?

“Well, after the whole pop thing I moved out to LA – I was knocking on doors and always getting down to the last few but never quite making it. When I ran out of money completely I worked in a candle shop packing candles in the back of the shop in Melrose, LA.

“I also worked in McDonalds when I left school. I got fired though because there was a clean bin (where unsold food is left), you’re not allowed to touch it, but greedy guts here got caught eating it. I had a fillet O’ Fish in my gob and got fired. I didn’t even get one star.”

What made you apply for Grease?

“Somebody told me about it and said I’d be perfect for the role. I watched the film and I think I’m a bit goofy sometimes. I had just come back from LA and the auditions were happening. All my family, mates, and my gang in America will be supporting me. I’m great friends with Suranne Jones and Lulu so I hope they’ll come to the show and support me.”

What makes you think you can be the next Sandy/Danny?

“If you’re looking for a bit of a goofball who can entertain on the night I think I can fit that bill. You might not know what’s coming next with me – I don’t even know!”

What does it mean to you to play Danny?

“It would mean a lot because it means the public can see I can pull it off which is a huge compliment. It’s not been easy trying to get going again since I’ve been back in the UK. It’s giving me a chance to get back out there and show what I can do.

How do you think you would handle fame?

“It’s definitely a Catch 22 because people could say it’s not fair he’s doing it because he’s had it before. But I think in this day and age everyone can be on TV for anything, plus it could actually be harder the second time round and the fame I had back then could be a hindrance.”

What’s your ultimate ambition?

“This has fast-tracked me to getting used to performing again and it’s got me fired up again so if, I don’t win this, I definitely won’t be going back to being a songwriter, I’ll be going back to being a performer.”

What do you think of the judges?

“I think David Gest is on another planet, but he’s fantastic and he really helped me. I think he saw me get nervous and said ‘I feel for you’. He said: “Before I did the jungle people had a perception of me, I went on the show and I changed people’s perception, you’ve got to lose that nervousness”. It spurred me on when he said that. Also when Brian said I was sloppy it spurred me on, so on the last day, I pulled it together and Brian said ‘You look like you’ve lost 8lbs in your sleep’, and I said I had, because of stress!”

View the original post Grease Is The Word: Anthony Kavanagh on Unreality TV

“I used to work as an usher handing out ice-creams in a West End theatre. My life has come full circle with the chance to be back there on stage!”

The Story So Far…

* At his first audition, David Ian said he was a good ‘all rounder’

* During Bradley’s singing class at Bootcamp David Gest said: “You’re what were looking for” and told him that “he had something special; he has a voice there. He just needs a bit of help with training.”

* Brian was really impressed with Bradley’s dance routine at Bootcamp. David Ian thought that when he performed in a couple, he was brilliant. David Gest became concerned that Bradley risked being “easily forgotten.” Brian added that if Bradley doesn’t step up his game then he could be out.

History

* 25 year old Bradley was born and raised in Knebworth, Hertfordshire, where he lives with his parents and sister Lydia. Both his parents have been in the music industry, his Dad has always been in a band (doing 50’s + 60’s rock and roll) His mum was a backing singer.

* Single, he is currently studying musical theatre at Mountview.

* His ultimate dream is to be Prime Minister and change the world!

What made you audition for Grease?

“When I was in panto in Grantham the director mentioned that I would make a good ‘Danny’. My mum urged me to do it and stood over me while I made the phone call to make sure I did! What’s funny is that I almost missed my audition because the letter sat in our house unopened for two weeks inviting me to audition! We only opened it on the day I was meant to come! I used to work as an usher handing out ice-creams in one of the West End theatres. My life has come full circle with the chance to be back but on stage!”

What experience have you got in the business?

“I used to be rocked to sleep as a baby to Status Quo! My father is an excellent guitarist and used to get me on stage with his band. My speciality aged six was ‘Livin’ Doll’ by Cliff Richard. I used to sing at old peoples homes and WI meetings, school plays, local stage school.”

How does it feel to have got this far?

“I feel so privileged and it has been such an experience. I have to say that my London audition was one of the best days of my life. Everything went so smoothly it was almost magical! My friends and family have been with me every step of the way, both encouraging me and grounding me. I know my dad would have always liked to become a professional musician, but he sacrificed that ambition to settle down and have children and support us.”

What makes you think you can be the next Danny?

“I would make a good Danny because I have worked on finding the truth behind the facade. It’s really important to sing and dance and be ‘too cool for school’ – but there is that sensitive side to the kid too, the bit that Sandy falls in love with and that is conveyed in a couple of his numbers. Apparently I have that ‘Danny’ sound to my voice too – fingers crossed.”

What does this mean to you?

“I have loved Grease since I was a kid and my sister Lydia and I can even now recite most of the film script. Lydia once decided to pierce my ears – it was almost a re-run of Sandy and Frenchie. I didn’t even want them done and she got the ear piercing gun stuck actually in my ear. I had to wait an hour with this thing dangling off my ear bleeding until my mum arrived home!”

“Grease is accessible to all – to be part it, with the opportunity to entertain millions singing songs from the UK’s favourite musical – it’s the biggest break I am going to get!”

What is your ultimate ambition?

“I did want to be an MP one day, change the world and all that. Give Tony Blair a kicking and sort this country out – it’s in a fine mess!”

What do you think of the judges?

“David Gest said I should go away and get a bit more strength in my voice but that I had the perfect look and presence! When I performed with Michelle there was proper chemistry there and we have not been split up by the judges. Hopefully that will stand us in good stead for the finals. My showbiz friends Rula Lenska and Sheila Ferguson have both offered me great advice and have told me just to be myself and enjoy everything!”

Who is your idol?

“My Grandad Bill Clarkson died when I was only seven in May 1989. He is my hero. I always think of him whenever I am nervous and I am sure he is with me in everything I do.

View the original post Grease Is The Word: Bradley Clarkson on Unreality TV