Once again, a magnificent cast of courageous individuals and ensembles took to the stage to entertain their peers, parents and staff. An eclectic fun-filled festival of song, dance and entertainment, the show was also testament to the dedication of our staff who helped put it all together. This year, we were also thrilled to also have some special guests in attendance; with the High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, Pippa Kirkbride and Local Buckinghamshire County Councillor Lesley Clarke, OBE, in the audience.
Yee-haw!
To get us all in the mood, the Active Lifestyles Dance Group sported sparkly cowboy hats for an exuberant Texas Hold ‘Em. Brilliantly choreographed by Sandra, there wasn’t a foot in the house that wasn’t a-tapping.
Then a bit of poignant nostalgia, as Michael H took us all the way to Blueberry Hill. Next, Daryl delivered a professional performance of She Drives Me Crazy, undeterred by a few technical problems with the mic.
No Talkback show would be complete without Tranelle’s boundless energy, with a triumphant Upside-Down dance routine. We got our breath back, as Michael L slowed the pace a little. His rendition of Leaving on a Jet Plane put us all in the mood for our holidays. Time to sway along with Oliver, as he danced expressively to Imagine Dragons’ Enemy. Becky followed, with a tender reading of Nickelback’s Faraway. Then Ash entertained us all with some impressive Bollywood moves.
As if Rag’n’Bone Man, himself were in the house, James got the audience clapping along to I Am Giant; before Dean’s moving rendition of Find Yourself, a beautiful song from the Cars movie.
With a voice honed on the terraces of Wycombe Wanderers, Steven sang Stop Right Now, ably accompanied by Helen. Then Sophie treated us to a dance with Ed Sheeran. Could Karen follow up last year’s moving performance? Absolutely. A magnificently magical performance of the Wizard Song from Wicked.
The morning concluded with a fashion show from the Include Everyone Group, our members sporting stylish t-shirts of their own design.
Time for lunch!
It’s wonderful when our members and staff, old and new, can come together over pizza to celebrate how far they’ve come on their journey with Talkback.
The anticipant audience re-took their seats. Could the afternoon continue the high standard of the morning? Of course it could.
Rohan couldn’t be there in person, so he recorded an incredible rap video for us. Whatever happened to that quiet, unassuming young man from Amersham College?
The Drama Group got us moving again to a bit of Taylor Swift. Only one way to deal with all that pizza – Shake it Off. Then Jade kept the Fireworks fizzing, with an exciting dance routine to Katy Perry. Don’t Stop Moving, said Laura – the foot-stomping continued apace, as she sang along to S-Club 7.
Reggae rhythms filled the hall, as Michael M indulged in a glass or two of Red Red Wine; before Tranelle returned to the stage for a reprise of Don’t Stop Moving, along with his dance partner, Georgina.
Shaddap You Face
A comedy interlude with Niall’s deadpan interpretation of the Joe Dolce classic. Dawn kept the show well and truly on track with the Locomotion, prompting a spontaneous train of folk to steam through the auditorium.
Gareth seemed to combine all the dance moves known to man, as he prowled the stage to Tragedy. Plenty of audience participation to accompany the harmonies of Jennifer and Elizabeth, as they performed Rick Astley’s Never Gonna Give You Up. No-one felt Blue – as the crowd continued to sway along to Victoria’s dance to All Rise Up.
A little nostalgia for those of us of a certain age. Nigel and Timothy reminded us how we used to spend our Saturday mornings, with the theme to Tiswas! Then Richard got us all Falling in Love Again, in the full bling stylee of Usher.
DJ Hazza, in the house!
All the way from Milton Keynes, came Harry (DJ Hazza). In a moving interview, he revealed that he is realising his dream by going into the studio to record his album of self-penned material, Smiling Spirit. Harry told of his inspirations and how he wants to celebrate good times and empower people. The album will be released in August, so keep an eye out.
The show concluded in style with staff and members from the Include Everyone Group, returning for a spot of line dancing – no-one left with an Achy Breaky Heart. On the contrary, our hearts were full of the incredible abilities on show today. Talkback truly has got Talent!
Special presentations from local dignitaries
Events like this demonstrate once again the amazing heights our members can reach, given the right support and a generous dose of self-confidence.
To celebrate their talent, medals were presented to each participant – by Wycombe councillor, Lesley Clarke, OBE; and Pippa Kirkbride, the High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire in full regalia. We’d like to thank them both for taking the time to attend and enjoy our show.
All compered by our besuited CEO. Surely a career as a compere on one of those swanky cruise liners beckons!!
Fortunately, this writer was sat near the walking, talking music encyclopaedia, DJ Hazza, during the show. Thanks to Harry for advice on many of the songs and artists in this article. With thanks to Tisha, who produced and co-ordinated the show; sound-tech courtesy of Alfie and Dave; and to all the staff and volunteers who made it happen and supported on the day. Apologies if anyone’s been missed, there was just so much going on.
Tony Flower
