Voice of Tomorrow

There seems to be a glut of talent shows around at the moment. We've had X-Factor, American Idol has just finished and Britain's Got Talent is currently on our screens and in our papers - you can't fail to miss it.

Last night I went to the Bloomsbury Theatre to see The Voice of Tomorrow. ttp://www.thebloomsbury.com/event/run/1260

Brainchild of Artisic Director Russell Scott, this is a similar X-Factor style evening of entertainment where the audience even get to vote via keypads.

Three judges including Claire Sweeney gave their thoughts after each group of three contestants and at the end of the evening the audience voted. The promised sing-off didn't happen; no doubt there have been some behind-the-scenes shenanigans which have meant a change in format but I feel we really missed out on that aspect and we were left feeling a little cheated on that score.

The same show will be on tonight and the final on Saturday.

I have to say the contestants were all very good and most have already had some sort of musical training but the outstanding star of the night goes by the name of Cerys Hine who is already a very polished, mature and utterly watchable performer.

This is a show designed to find our west-end stars of the future rather than a pop extravaganza and the prizes include a sign-up with a top west-end agency, a scholarship place for the Music Theatre course at the Royal Academy of Music and a recording opportunity.

Whoever wins, as in the TV programmes, it gives the contestants an opportunity to showcase their talents in front of movers and shakers in the industry and there were some wonderful performances to give some current west-end performers cause for concern.

Hopefully the technical issues and pregnant pauses between tracks will be ironed out by tonight and the show itself will present as more professional to match that of the artists.

For anyone reading who fancies there chances, should it happen again, go to http://www.voiceoftomorrow.com/ for more information

The Lipstick Effect

Well, it appears that the Lipstick Effect is in full swing!

I found this article in the Huffington Post and thought I would share it with you since I couldn't have put it better myself!

History and research has shown that when the economy goes into a recession or a depression, the sale of lipstick increases. "The Lipstick Effect"... A term coined after the Great Depression, which saw sales of cosmetics rise in the four years from 1929 to 1933.
As the theory goes, glum consumers continue to spend money on small luxuries during times of economic or emotional stress to buy their spirits, a point underscored in the months after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States, which saw lipstick sales double.
It seems difficult for women to justify spending their hard earned money on the latest Louis Vuitton handbag or those Christian Louboutin pair of heels. At least they can still splurge on themselves with a small item like cosmetics or lipstick...to look good and hopefully feel better about themselves...
Humm...using the luxury of cosmetics to lift our spirits and feel pretty...well, that might have been the case in the Great Depression.... Ladies, times have changed...the current depression puts higher demands on everything...including our cosmetics.
Faced with news of increasing layoffs, straining economic pressure and the fact that competition out there is much greater than ever before...in all facets of life...we need to step it up. Let's face it; no one really knows when the next ball will drop. Everyone seems to be competing to get that client, keep that job or end up being one of the hundreds trying to get that one available new job. How do you get noticed, being one from so many...how can the fact that you have years of experience, knowledge and the ability to get the job done, not be overshadowed by the dark under eye circles you have from not sleeping. How can all the years you've put into your field be recognized as an asset when your self conscious about your uneven skin, rosacea or that nasty breakout? It does sound a bit silly, but is it? First impressions DO matter. Your appearance is a good investment even when times are very tough. People, who take care of themselves daily, seem to be able to get ahead of those who don't. Think about the time you spend getting your resume coiffed. The time you spend in finding the appropriate suit, all the hours spent hunting on search engines looking for jobs...
Time can give you the professional knowledge. But time can also take away the youthful sparkle of your appearance if you let it. When you look good, you feel confident. That gives you a Competitive Edge and something your colleagues and clients will certainly recognize, appreciate and come to expect.
The Lipstick Effect of 2009...cosmetics to help us feel pretty is not enough. Find multi function products that will treat your skin; to make you look good, feel good and that are good for you. Learn how to apply it properly for your field of business...and walk into a room confident that you have done everything to best represent yourself...with a Visual Competitive Edge!

So there you have it ladies and gentlemen. Don't hesitate to contact me at http://www.imageplusconsultandsee.co.uk/ if you would like my help!