10:08AM, Monday 10 October 2011
The Theatre Royal came alive like I have never seen it before when the first ever Windsor's Got Talent took place on Sunday.
A pulsating atmosphere of anxiety, nerves and elation was in the air as excited audience members took to their seats, many of whom were friends and family of the contestants.
Eventual audience winner swing singer John Dewhurst set the bar high as the first performer, as his deep voice bellowed out from the stage with a classic hit from the swing era.
The sheer array of diverse talent on display was a joy to behold as a magician followed.
And then came nine-year-old theatre singer Hayley Canham, who is set to be a star of the future.
The crowd was gripped as each participant showed off their different talents, which included 84-year-old saw player Douglas Bean.
Host Kevin Cruise, a finalist of Britain's Got Talent (BGT) in 2010 was witty, adept at engaging the crowd, while 2009 X-Factor finalist Danyl Johnson capped off the night by performing.
The finale to the evening, when the winners were announced, you could cut the tension with a knife - just like the final of Simon Cowell's BGT.
John Dewhurst and band members from Mercia beamed with joy as they took their first step on what they no doubt hope will be just the start.
As Kevin and Danyl said, the area has some serious talent and hopefully it will be a permanent event in the Theatre Royal's calendar.
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