Marcus Smith and Laura Hocking with Mayor cllr Kate Bielby
SIXTEEN talented people from Frome took the stage at the Memorial Theatre last month for the much anticipated talent contest, Frome’s Got Talent.
Singers, musicians and even a beatboxer entertained a large crowd who came to support. The audience was also treated to performances from Woodlanders and Danceworks, as well as a special performance from the Frome Musical Theatre Company of their upcoming show ‘Sister Act.’
The competition was split into two categories; the over 14s and the under 14s. 22-year-old Laura Hocking was announced as the winner of the over 14 category and 9-year-old Marcus Smith won the under 14 category.
Laura, who has been singing for three years and has previously auditioned for TV’s ‘X Factor’ and ‘Britain’s Got Talent’, sang the classic ‘Summertime.’ She said, “I didn’t think that I would win, I just did it because singing is something I really love, and any chance I can perform what I practise in my bedroom means a lot to me! I was slightly shocked if I’m honest, there was some really good acts there that day.”
Marcus performed Iron Maiden’s ‘Wasted Years’ on his electric guitar. Marcus is a pupil at Oakfield Academy and has already appeared in their talent show. He has been playing for four years and has recently formed his own band. He practises at home and says that the neighbours love him!
Marcus said, “I wasn’t nervous because so many of my family and some of the dinner ladies from my school were in the audience. I would really like to audition for ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ at some time in the future. I still cannot believe I was the winner.”
Norman Elmer of the Frome Musical Theatre Company which organised the event along with the Rotary Club, said, “The day went really well and despite a few minor technical hiccups which are to be expected, it was a great success.
“I have heard from those who came along to watch, that they thought it was very entertaining and they really enjoyed the afternoon.
“It showcased the talent that Frome has to offer; I think a lot of those who entered don’t realise how good they are.
“When Katy Blu started singing, I had a Simon Cowell moment and my eyebrows were instantly raised. She performed O Mio Bambino Caro and sang it beautifully. She didn’t win, but has been invited to perform at Frome Rotary’s ‘For One Night Only’.
“The judges were great. It’s a difficult job to do but they did it very well. The interval entertainment by the cast of ‘Sister Act’ was superb, as were the Woodlanders. Danceworks finished the day off perfectly with a fantastic performance.”
The other contestants were; Ian Jones, Zena Harper, Sabrina Roberts, Daisy Whitty, Joanne Ella Barker, Solo Ray Candy, Holly May Pullen, Ross Pettenden, Katy Blu, Imogen Draper and Maddie Mann, Daisy May Wardel and Anna Louise Vowles.
Norman continued, “I’m sure we will do Frome’s Got Talent again, but probably not until 2018 as we now look forward to the Rotary Club’s variety show, ‘For One Night Only’ in March next year and the winners and a few other contestants from Frome’s Got Talent have been invited to perform. Last year we sold all the tickets well in advanced and we would love to do that again.”
The whole afternoon was recorded and is available to buy on DVD from Ernie Mckenna. Call Ernie on 01373 832 763.
