This is Jodie Prenger, Nancy in the West End's current production of Oliver!, belting out "As Long As He Needs Me", before rushing off to sing it again, and a whole lot more, at The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. She was one of four acts singing on a stage in Regent Street as part of this year's "Turning on the Christmas lights" beano. This year was different however, because performing at the same time as the Regent Street artistes were other singers at Oxford Street and on the steps of St Pauls Cathedral. It all tied in with the publicity for the new Disney Film "A Christmas Carol", which was opening in Leicester Square later in the evening. The Christmas light buttons in the three venues were to be pressed by three stars of the film, Jim Carrey (at Oxford St), Bob Hoskins (St Pauls) and Colin Firth here at Regent Street. The musical fare, which was commendably diverse, included Spandau Ballet, Scouting For Girls, Faryl Smith, Peter Andre, Little Boots and cast from Hairspray and Sister Act. At Regent Street, as well as Ms Prenger, we were entertained by The London Community Gospel Choir, Daniel Merriweather and The Noisettes. It was the latter act that persuaded me to pick Regent Street, 'cos I like 'em.
It turned out that a lot of people hadn't necessarily turned up to see live music, but had come to watch the Christmas lights being turned on. So when I left after The Noisettes, who were billed first but played last, I found it a bit of a struggle to make my way through the crowd. No-one else, it seemed, had stood there for an hour and a half and then left five minutes before Colin Firth turned on the lights.
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