The cream of local performing artists were showcased at the quarter finals of this year’s St Albans’ Got Talent competition.
The event, at Harpenden Public Halls, saw 27 acts battle for a place in the semi-finals, which take place at Sandringham School’s Sandpit Theatre on Saturday.
Performances ranged from rock guitar to West End vocals, with street dance and commercial pop thrown in for good measure.
The judging panel included Sara West from Redbourn, star of West End musicals including Mamma Mia, Cats, Les Miserables, Whistle Down the Wind, Grease, Antigone and Martin Guerre.
She is also Meryl Streep’s choreographic and vocal stand-in on the movie version of Mamma Mia, and appears in the film.
She said: “I am delighted with the the standard of contestants in the competition and I am very much looking forward to performing myself at the grand final at the Alban Arena on Halloween.”
Event director Sue Camastra said: “We have held over 22 regional rounds all over the district as we were convinced St Albans must have plenty of talented singers, dancers and entertainers. I am overwhelmed with the acts we have seen and I would like to wish them all the best of luck.”
All proceeds from St Albans Got Talent will be going towards the city’s fundraising appeal to transform the former Town Hall in Market Place into a new city museum and art gallery.
Museum campaign spokesperson Cllr Annie Brewster added: “The standard of performances I witnessed in the quarter finals was incredible, with many contestants easily talented enough to appear on the West End stage.
“It is going to be a real challenge for the judges to select the final 10 for the grand final. I am so grateful for the organisers, Sue Camastra and Chiswell Sudios for volunteering their time to bring such an amazing event to St Albans.”
The grand final takes place at 7pm on October 31 at the Alban Arena, and tickets are on sale at the box office for £10 or from the website. Ten acts will perform on the night with an additional wild card public vote contestant. Voting opens on Sunday October 2 on the St Albans Got Talent Facebook Page. For more details and to view the performances from all the semi finalists, click here.
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