Talent Spotting In Soho

I nearly went to the Archer Street Cocktail Bar a couple of years ago, when Andrew Keates had organised his Black & White birthday party there. Unfortunately on the day, the relatively new venue had had a complete power cut and I never got to see inside. So when I was asked to sit on the panel of judges for the Archer Street's Got Talent contest, I couldn't wait to get a good look at the place. Whisking my friend Anna away from filming in Chelsea, we slipped into the trendy cocktail bar for the opening night of the competition to check out the format, the judges and naturally the first round of contestants.

Currently decked out in a selection of fur throws, there are elements of the ski lodge about this subterranean bar but according to owner Siobhan Magill, this is a remnant of the winter season. The space is apparently decorated to suit different themes throughout the year. It's not just the décor however that sets this bar apart, as one of the biggest attractions are the staff - a young, lively bunch who burst into song at will. It may be a gimmick but it's one that pays off and apparently auditions for bar-staff are hotly contested. Lets face it, with the clientèle this popular venue is likely to attract, what better way for a hopeful to be talent spotted?

The talent on show this evening came from all over the UK to take part in a competition, which hopes to find the 'Voice Of Soho' - although it's not simply a title on offer, but a weighty check for £5000 for the winner. This first heat - there are nine in total - threw up a mix of uber-talented vocalists and musicians but it was Rozzy Turner, singing her own individual arrangement of LMFAO's Sexy And I Know It who got the judges vote. I couldn't help but agree with them as Rozzy's sense of confidence, quirky style and vocal technique were particularly strong.  

The judges on this first evening were the star of We Will Rock You Brenda Edwards, Senior Executive Radio Producer/Editor Mike Hanson, Award Winning International and West End Theatre Director whose recent work includes Olivier nominated Loserville, Steven Dexter and lastly, 23 year old Media mogul, Founder and CEO of SBTV music Broadcasting Company, Jamal Edwards. There are eight weeks of heats - Tuesday nights - and the grand finale is due to take place on April 15

I am sitting on the judging panel on March 11 and I have to say that I find it quite exciting. Aside from the fact that this is a great new bar to hang out in - a mix of theatre peeps and meeja types - it is also a place I used to spend far too much time in many years ago. In a previous incarnation, the Archer Street Cocktail Bar was Barcode Soho - happy memories of some very late nights.