"You're The Voice" by Zak Scott & Friends.
Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton.

I can remember four years ago at the end of the first Zak Scott & Friends, Zak saying "never again". Four years later this is the fourth fundraiser Zak has done, and the shows get better every time.

Over the years I have seen Zak grow and mature and every year I seem to notice something extra in his shows and performances. This year his voice has again matured and he has injected a mature emotion into his performances. I can tell that because you could not only hear the difference in the way he sings but you can see the emotional connection he has with certain songs.

"Electricity" was the song that got him noticed when he was just nine years old at school and watching him sing this, you can see him reliving the last decade through the song.

"Bring Him Home" is HIS song and as soon as he opened his mouth the hairs on my arms went up. He is note perfect and I still think that he does the ultimate local theatre version of this song, such emotion.

Just watching and hearing him sing "Proud Of Your Boy" and also "Not My Father's Son" show how emotionally involved Zak gets with his songs. His parents, Sarah and Roydon, who I know have invested so much of their time (and money) in backing Zak all the way, are extremely proud of this talented and unassuming young man. Rightly so as well.

It was also nice to see him do something not quite as serious in "Baptise Me" (Book Of Mormon), a song with a slightly naughty double meaning.

One slight criticism though. You had a big sign at the back of the stage saying "Zak Scott & Friends", so why was this not lit up? Your name should be up in lights! Just a thought for the next one.

Now in that sign there was the "& Friends" section and what a talented bunch of friends he had on that stage.

Erin Hill, Emily Horner, Ellie Simmonds all have wonderful voices and presented such an array of musical styles, and not just from the musical theatre genre. The Supremes and George Michael both received tributes from Emily.

Providing backing vocals were Millen Scrivener, Molly Parkinson and Jake Truman.

Cara Verney choreographed the dance sections and with sister Rosie Verney and Courtney, Androulla, Anthasia, Malachi, Izzy, Beth, Jessica and Anita, entertained with some hypnotic contemporary dance.

And of course I can't leave out Zak's compere for the evening, Mr David Allen, who's jokes get worse every year, but that is what we love about David's sections of this show. A bit of something for everyone.

The brilliant lighting for the show was by Tom Olding and the sound was managed perfectly by Sean Renshaw.

The evening was for a very good cause; Project Defib. This is a project that saves lives and it's Zak's aim to supply the local community in Long Eaton with Public Access Defibrilators that can be used when someone is in cardiac arrest.

These things save lives and you don't have to be a First Aider to use them, as explained by Zak last night, as well as demonstrating the correct way to perform CPR. Time is of the essence when saving lives and these things will provide that bridge between cardiac arrest and an ambulance getting to them. I know you'll agree that this project is so important.

Last night was not only very entertaining but also educational as Annie also made a special appearance on stage. First Aiders will know who i mean.