Organisers of ‘Wexford Has Talent’ have reported a strong showing at the auditions. The auditions took place at Clayton Whites Hotel over the weekend, where over 120 acts performed across a variety of arts.
Performers as young as 6 took to the stage, showcasing skills ranging from gymnastics and dance to singer-songwriter performances, full bands, recitation, and free running.
Organiser Kilian Duignan said: “This is our second year to host this competition and last year we thought the standard couldn’t get any higher but this weekend of auditions has proved otherwise. We would like to thank everyone who took part and wish all of the qualifiers the very best of luck for their semi final performances.”
Following two days of back-to-back auditions, the judges announced 36 successful acts, all of whom have secured a place to perform in one of two semi-finals at Clayton Whites Hotel on Saturday 16 January and Saturday 23 January. Tickets are now on sale at the hotel. Between 12 and 16 of these acts will gain a performance spot at the grand final on Saturday 30 January at the same venue, where the winner will receive a cash prize of €2,000.
The semi-finalists for Semi-Final 1 on 16 January are: INTRO, Irina Karpenko, Aoife Goodison, Saoirse Bates, Aurora, Luke Spelacy, The Galivants, Cormac Cooper, Aaren McStein, Gerry Doyle, INNUENDO, Rachel Grace, Emily McDonald, Roisin Minnock, Niamh Bridges, Charlene Murphy, Emily Downey, and Jamie Benson.
The semi-finalists for Semi-Final 2 on 23 January are: 7 FRET, Tara Doyle Robinson, Eabha Carty, Emma O’Leary, Next Level, Chris Berry, Fergal & Diarmuid, Jirat O’Neill, Bobby Sludds, VYRE, Caroline Fleming, Esther Nwosudocha, Hayley Crosbie, Lauren Doyle, Megan Kate Doolan, Helene Dunne, Rob Donnelly, and Nicole Mannix.
The judges and MCs for ‘Wexford Has Talent’ include well-known personalities from around the county. Tony Carty is an All-Ireland-winning singer and actor with Wexford Light Opera Society and Oyster Lane Theatre Group. George Lawlor is a councillor who has played lead roles in Wexford Light Opera Society musicals. David “Stoney” Burke is a former Wexford and Kilkenny hurler and star performer with St. Michael’s Theatre Musical Society and New Ross Pantomime Society. Other judges and MCs are Pat Lawlor, Carmel Corish-Wallace, Sue Furlong, Ian Grey, Biddy Walsh, David O’Brien, Vicky Clancy, and Anita Murphy.
Walsh commented on the weekend’s auditions: “The talent demonstrated at auditions over the weekend has been unbelievable from very young performers to the not so young. Right across the board we were blown away with both the variety of talents showcased but also the incredible professionalism shown by all of the performers. The judges had a very tough job in deciding on the list of semi finalists and we would like to congratulate everyone who took part as all of the performances were of a very high standard and we look forward to seeing the artists perform at the semi final events.”
During the 2016 semi-finals and final, the judges’ vote will determine all placements, with no audience voting.
Tickets priced at €10 for the semi-finals are now on sale at Clayton Whites Hotel or from any member of the organising committee. For further details and news, see wexfordhastalent.com. The Wexford People kindly sponsors ‘Wexford Has Talent’ 2016.