FOLLOWING their success at the first ever Redditch Has Talent Show, The Standard caught up with competition winners Olivia Sarah and Emily Shackles ahead of a special performance back on the Palace’s stage on Friday (July 17).
The competition saw 13 youngsters divided into three age groups and treat a packed Palace Theatre to an evening of stunning vocals and performances.
Both girls are riding high on their success with Olivia Sarah, winner of the 13 to 16-year-old group, set to attend the prestigious Birmingham Ormiston Academy (BOA) in September and Emily, the 16 to 18-year-old group winner, holding court at Cafe Mambo last weekend.
Olivia Sarah said: “I’m going to take things step by step.
“I’m really excited to start at BOA which has Brit School support and there’s the prospect of travelling to Asia, plus they’ve had students perform at V Festival and on Broadway in New York.”
Emily, who will be studing performing arts at the Heart of Worcestershire College in September, is looking forward to future performances at the Palace.
“Playing the guitar is a hobby but I’m looking forward to doing more acting and theatre work.”
The team at the Palace was delighted to welcome both girls back and look forward to hosting a second Redditch Has Talent on June 30 next year.
“We want to give local young people an opportunity as they are the future of our entertainment,” said theatre manager Tim Mackrill.
You watch the girls perform live at the Palace here:
Olivia Sarah
‘Hero’ in Spanish and in English
‘Hallelujah’
Emily Shackles
‘Lay Me Down’
A self-written song
