IT TAKES TWO part one

Tamson and Karen, Two fantastic mums on Norfolk had an idea to raise money for local charities based on the television show It takes two.

Locals were nominated whether they wanted to be or not and their names were published on a list in the local paper and on a sign in the local supermarket, that's where I found out that Brandt's and my name were both on the list, by someone pointing it out to me in the supermarket aisle.

I was flattered and thought that it would be nice to be on stage and have a night out!

Brandt removed his name from the list as he didn't think it was fair to be a novice as he sings as an entertainer at the R.S.L, but when the final list was drawn over the radio, I wasn't in it either(slight relief as I am pretty busy).

2 weeks before the 1st show and I got a call to replace someone who had dropped out and was partnered with Ruebz who is a local radio DJ, his first words of wisdom to me as my mentor were "being with me is like the kiss of death as no one likes me" Great start!

Anyway, we chose the song '500 miles' from a minimal song list, as it is a good, silly party song and rehearsed it every day for about a week.

At the group rehearsal at the R.S.L, Brandt arrived to pick up the kids after his own rehearsal for a play he is doing at the ferny lane theatre and was commandeered as a mentor to Leanne, after her mentor had to pull out only 2 days before the performance night.

Brandt, not impressed to be roped in.But happy to help out Leanne.

Tamson and Karen organized and compered the whole evening of the Inaugural It Takes Two(IT2) with amazing skill.

So Many locals turned up to this big community event, that the cars were lined up and down the street and the R.S.L club was buzzing.

The contestants were all kept downstairs in the'green room' and were well fed and watered throughout the night and kept up with the performances via big TV and Video link.

Our Judges for the competition were chosen for their personalities, Kim'Frenzy'Friend for his nasty judge attitude, Tanya for her sweet and positive kindergarten teacher comments and Brent Adams, a local radio personality for his fair and impartial view.

Leanne and Brandt were the first cab off the rank with Billy Joel's 'You may be right' and started the whole party feeling with their enthusiasm, after their performance, they headed to the green room to give a post song interview and to listen to the judges scores and comments via the video link.

Ruebz and I were the last of all 8 couples to perform, and even though we had practised all week and performed perfectly at the dress rehearsal, Somehow, Ruebz forgot the first line and the whole thing was like a game of catch up that never catches up and was probably only saved by the comedy element and daggy dancing, and the fact that everyone was very merry at the end of the night, We received the top scores of the night.

It was announced at the end, that the community had to vote for their favourite couple to keep them in the competition, the money tins were placed outside the local supermarket and each couple were designated a mystery Norfolk charity that would be announced with the amount raised at the grand final.

The whole show was replayed on local Norfolk Island television on the following 2 monday nights for the rest of the community to see.

It was great to be part of something the whole island was talking about and raising money for local community organizations was also a big plus.

Watch this space for the results of the next semi final in 2 weeks.