Crossroads YFC do it again
FOR the second consecutive year, Crossroads YFC batted their way to be crowned winners of this year’s West Regional Talent Spot, in front of a packed crowd in the SEC’s Armadillo venue in Glasgow.
The 10-minute showcase performance titled, ‘Sold as Seen, Stormy SW19’, racked up 89 2/3 points out of a maximum of 100 points.
This tennis-focused act was produced by
David Smith and Fiona Cuthbertson, with Fiona also undertaking the choreography for the club.
The annual competition saw eight teams from all four districts in the
West compete for the top spot, where creativity is encouraged. Marks are awarded in areas such as entertainment value, costumes, choreography and variety, and points can be deducted for time penalties.
The Talent Spot was once again sponsored by Scotmin Nutrition, which is a strong supporter of the event.
The judging panel consisted of Leigh-Ann Plenderleith, Karen Allison and Sandy Wilkie.
Voicing the judges’ opinions, Sandy commented: “You all know what is expected of you when you come to a talent spot and what you are expected to do and put on the stage – and we saw most of that happening.
“Throughout the performance it is good to tell a story, keep it simple, and make it as clear as possible to the audience.
“Contrast throughout the show is important. Whether that is through lighting, height, colour, or in sound, it continues to change the setting.
“Just like changing scenery throughout the act is important but again
keeping that running smoothly. It is great to have originality and we saw plenty of that throughout the evening.
“If you have talent in your club, make sure and capitalise on it. Try also to be original and do something different with it, do things in a contemporary manner.
“If you can have live music then you will score well for that too, although no clubs would be marked down for this.
“Overall it was a fantastic evening’s entertainment, and a huge well done must go to all clubs for their performances,” added
Sandy.
Runners-up on the night with 85 2/3 points was Lesmahagow YFC with their cooking performance, ‘It’s RAW (Talent)’. Produced by Laura Smith and Amy Sloan, Laura also choreographed the production.
Salver for the best act was also awarded to
Lesmahagow YFC member, Neve Crooks, for her outstanding performance singing.
It was a prison scene from SSS YFC named ‘Suit Yer-Cel’ that claimed the third spot with 84 1/3 points. Produced by Linda Lupton, this presentation was choreographed by Iona Nicolson.
Reserve best act went to Louise Veitch for her baton-twirling performance, which was an audience favourite.
Other big prizes on the night included the front of curtain act voted for by the audience, which saw Annie Bryson, Jane Fleming, Holly Lees, Kirsty Rae, Iona Watson and Sarah Whitelaw from Avondale YFC perform Highland Heritage to take the top ticket.
The opening and closing acts for the evening came from Loudoun Musical Society, Bute JAC, SSS YFC 80th anniversary concert cast. Lesmahagow YFC were last to take to the stage with their performance of ‘Leave a Light On’.
West Region chair Colin McKinnon commented on the event: “Talent Spot is the greatest spectacle in the West calendar and the Westies once again pulled out all the stops. Saturday was a great showcase of all our members (on stage and backstage) of their hard work and talent.
With an audience of over 1000 and a sold, out dance, the members and all four districts really did themselves proud.
“West Talent Spot 2024 really has been the highlight to finish my year as regional chair.”