So, it would seem that the latest musical theatre reality-casting show has finally hit our Saturday night BBC TV screens!

I’d Do Anything reunites Andrew Lloyd Webber and the creative team behind Any Dream Will Do and How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? in the nationwide search for a Nancy and 3 Olivers to play on the West End stage in a new production of Oliver! (which sees Andrew Lloyd Webber and Cameron Mackintosh reunite for the first time in 21 years). For anyone interested, the theatre is strongly rumoured to be the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane as Lord Of The Rings has just posted early closure having only played there for a year.

The format remains the same, though we only get to choose the Nancy; Lloyd-Webber and Mackintosh are choosing the Olivers directly (the auditions did look somewhat like they were grooming them though to be honest!!). In twelve weeks time, we will hopefully have a new West End starlet and no doubt the crowds will flock to see them in this show – both The Sound of Music and Joseph have enjoyed phenomenal success thus far, which the producers will no doubt be hoping to replicate once again. 

I was slightly disappointed by the first episode, which covered the auditions, as it all seemed rather hurried and of a slightly tired format. I have been looking forward to this show for months now, as I am an avid musical theatre geek, and Andrew Lloyd Webber is pretty much like God to me hehe. I am hoping that the live shows help me to engage with the contestants a little more and pull me into the show.

I saw the below logo today, which I thought made the whole show look sordid and seedy hehe…

… would you?! Yikes! (though in fairness, John Barrowman is rather hot for an older man!)

I am also missing the chance to perv on the hot boys, such as the ones that we had in Any Dream Will Do last year, and so I felt the urge to post this lovely picture of former contestant Ben James-Ellis, who is currently doing very well for himself in Hairsprayat the Shaftesbury Theatre.

But seriously…. PHWOAR!!!:oP

Next year it’ll be the turn of the lads again – my money’s on them casting for Jesus Christ Superstar (with the show title of either “Jesus Christ Superstar?” or just “Superstar?”). Time will tell as to whether or not I’ve guessed right – though if they pick this show next year, it means we’ll get to see some more muscles! Woo! :oP

Returning back to I’d Do Anything, I think that I’ve seen potential in one or two of the contestants, though I don’t think I’ll be able to pick who I want to win until we get to the live shows, simply as the editing on the auditions is far too fast. No doubt I will review each show and so feel free to subscribe for updates via RSS or email (links on the right).

Thanks for reading xx