Posted: 23/10/15
College welcomes Britain’s Got Talent
From beat-boxing to Elvis impersonators to magicians and dancers, students at West Nottinghamshire College let their talents known as ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent (BGT) came to town this week (21 October).
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Many unusual talents were seen at West Notts
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BGT's casting researchers Jenny Garton and Stephen Ridgard
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Some students performed and flexed their dancing skills
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James Bee was preparing to wow the team with card tricks and mentalism
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Music student Josh Redding is beat boxer by day
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Josh is the one and only Elvis by night
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Last minute rehearsals
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Josh rehearsing before his audition
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Joe Gallagher decided on the day to audition
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Stephen Collinge (front) with his fellow students for support
The television production team auditioned almost 40 people in the college’s Create building on Derby Road. This was just one of a number of open mic auditions to take place across the country.
The BGT production team visit smaller towns and venues to ensure that the UK’s hidden stars, who may not be able to get to some of the bigger city auditions, get their chance in the limelight.
It was a hive of activity, excitement and nerves as students rehearsed self-penned songs, acoustic covers and creative acts before meeting the casting researchers for the first stage auditions.
An ex-runner up from a previous BGT, Josh Redding, 17, took his vocal skills with a twist to his audition. The level 2 music student, who says music is “in his blood” was preparing to take two very different talents to his audition.
Josh said: “I’ve been able to beat-box since I was in Year 7 at school. I got into it because I couldn’t afford a drum kit. Today I’ll be showing the team my skills in this as well as singing in the style of Elvis.
“I also sing Elvis songs in my spare time in pubs and clubs. I’ve auditioned before for BGT with my singing.
“I used to study construction but music is much more me – so I transferred my course. I’d never really had the courage to study music before but I’m so glad I am doing now.”
Those who auditioned will go through a judging and shortlisting process and will know by February if they’ve made it through to the next round.
Curriculum manager for music and media, Steve Gathercole, said: “It’s been an amazing opportunity for us to have BGT see what hidden talents we have here at the college. There’s been a real buzz and such enthusiasm from people – some of whom decided on a whim to audition on the day.”
