Welcome to the Isle of Sam
Sam Barks has captured the Island's imagination with a series of mesmerising performances in the BBC's I'd do anything.
The show is searching for a new unknown lead to play Nancy and three young performers who will take it turns to play Oliver in a West End revival of the British Musical Oliver!
Producers of the hit BBC television show ‘Id Do Anything’ will be visiting the Isle of Man this week to film the home town of Sam Barks, the local girl who has been wowing audiences with her performances. The film crew will be taking a trip to Laxey and will conduct interviews with islanders showing their support.
Sam is proving to be a favourite with the judges and has won rave reviews from ‘the Lord’ Andrew Lloyd-Webber, who seems to be keen to see her go further in the competition. At just 17, Sam has now reached the final seven and is in with a real chance of winning the coveted role of Nancy in the West End musical ‘Oliver!’
In recognition of this achievement, tourism bosses will rename the Isle of Man in Sam’s honour. Visitor signs at the Sea Terminal in Douglas and Ronaldsway Airport in Ballasalla will be changed to read ‘Welcome to the Isle of Sam’ and the famous three legs will don their dancing shoes.
The re-naming ceremony will take place on Wednesday 30 April when Minister for Tourism and Leisure, Adrian Earnshaw MHK will cut the ribbon outside the island’s parliament buildings and officially re-name the island. Mr Earnshaw said
‘The people of the Isle of Man enjoy celebrating the success of our own, and we will be supporting Sam all the way. I hope everyone on the Isle of Man continues to vote for Sam, to keep her in the competition as we would love nothing more than for her to win and become our Nancy’.
The footage will be aired on the show this Saturday 3 May. Fans should tune in to BBC 1 at 7.05pm and remember to vote for Sam to win.
Show your support for Sam by displaying an Isle of Man Newspapers poster
If you are attending a live show to support Sam and would like to take any banners or Manx Flags please contact Rachele Quayle on 01624 686806 or by email rachele.quayle@gov.im