Any Dream Will Do Recap # 4

Well, it had to happen; the surprise exit that takes place on every reality show from American Idol to Big Brother occurred on Saturday. This leaves the path to the West End clear for an obvious winner. But will the public vote for Andrew's choice, or will we end up with a 'surprise' final? Glenn Meads takes a look at the runners and riders. 

With 6 Josephs left, we are closer than ever to finding out who will grace the Adelphi Theatre with their coat of many colours. But as always happens in these shows many of the contestants seem to have hit 'burn out' mode, whilst the underdogs step it up a gear. So how did they do? 

Well, the producers went for a love angle with Keith this week, as we saw his girlfriend who he met on a checkout. This gives his 'character' a working class appeal, but it's blindingly obvious that he works at a supermarket part time, as a student. But this would not suit the narrative, if he is victorious- it will be a 'from Tesco to the West End' story similar to Connie – 'von-trapped' in a call centre.Keith's song, Van Morrison's Brown Eyed Girl was a bit twee and uninspiring. He seemed nervous and this was not helped in any way by Graham Norton who bought up the fact that the other boys thought he looked like Liza Minnelli! But, overall Keith was not just as good as he has been; his performance lacked soul. Let's hope this is a minor blip. 

Often accused of not giving it his all, Lewis improved this week. He sang Bette Midler's The Rose and looked really determined and had a winning streak in his eyes. Clearly the 'cute' angle was being 'milked' literally as the V.T showed mini Lewis as a tap dancing milkman in a school production. But you feel this young man is not quite giving it his all, something is holding him back. Like many of the would-be Josephs, he still looks nervous.  

From nervy to 'look at me' – Ben gave an energetic and lively rendition of Blue Suede Shoes. He upped the likeability factor and had the audience begging for more. This lad has got nine lives and really could take the part if he continues to perform as well as this. John Barrowman agreed and said "You are my Joseph." The only problem was he looked like he was on the wrong show, as his outfit and Elvis-esque  facial ticks would have suited Grease Is The Word over on ITV!  

These three had to perform That's Life to prove that they could cut it as a team. Keith seemed to hold back again, Lewis was quite wooden, leaving Ben to chew up the scenery and beat them both, hands down. Zoë concurred stating that Ben had "complete star quality."  

Eager to please, like a puppy, Craig sang Michael Jackson's Black Or White. The result was a dated, clumsy turn which was fairly insipid too. But the makers of the show are going for the 'underdog' angle with this Scot club singer. I am convinced that Bill Kenwright is going to give him the part of Joseph on tour. He supports him constantly, whatever the other judges say. But, sympathy vote aside,  he is being out sung in this competition and really should be sent home.  

  'Boring' is the way that Daniel is being portrayed. He does not help in that he makes a serious song seem cheesy by smiling like an old time performer. But showing a clip of him going back to his builder's merchants to finish the filing was a bad move, or was it a ploy? This is not exactly a vote winner, is it? His performance of Will Young's Evergreen was convincingly delivered and he did his best with it. But who chose the song? Even Young, himself refuses to sing this live on stage! There is not much you could have done with it really. Conspiracy theories aside, the filing angle and the awful song did not do this 'pro' any favours.  

Serious and keen to win was the message behind the new Lee footage. His song choice was excellent – The Rolling Stones' classic, Paint It Black and he rose to the challenge. He looked like a clear winner from the minute he stepped onto the stage. With equal shades of black and white, he took the show to a new level, with a storming performance. But you couldn't help thinking he had the best song choice tonight.  

These three had to team up to sing the Barbra Streisand classic, Don't Rain On My Parade. To be honest, they were all above average. Only Craig looked like a supporting performer though, as the other two led the song to a stirring finish.  

Remember the kiss off with John in the show How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? Well, this time the lads had to woo Denise Van Outen via some spoken song lyrics. Only Lewis delivered with Crazy For You, the others were fairly ropey and unconvincing.  

The phone votes provided shock number one; Craig was through! From here on, you knew a favourite would be singing for his supper. The final two were Lewis and Daniel. They both sang an excellent version of Bring Him Home from Les Miserables. Andrew, realising that the audience had lost faith in Daniel, sent him home. Lewis sobbed as Daniel gave up his coat, as did Denise.  

It looks clear now who Andrew Lloyd Webber wants to win, it is Lee. But will the public agree? I think that both Ben and Keith have still got a look in. It would be good for a non professional to walk onto the stage, after all.  

But as far as this week goes, I agree with the Lord himself, Lee was Joseph! So the pro is left standing tall. What a surprise!  

ONE TO WATCH: LEE 

 

ANY DREAM WILL DO  

NEXT SHOW, SATURDAY, 26th MAY, 8.05pm 

Visit www.andrewlloydwebber.com to view Webber's latest video blog and his thoughts on the "Any Dream Will Do" contestants. 

www.bbc.co.uk/joseph