Cut above! Top talent and an upbeat message on NHS at Unique Talent Show

Published: 29 October, 2010
by PETER GRUNER

FORGET X Factor – when it comes to talent there was no beating Islington’s home-grown variety on Tuesday afternoon.

The Unique Talent Show at Studio LaDanza in Holloway Road included many amateur and semi-professionals who brought fun and entertainment to a wet afternoon.

Among the stars were Dave Elvis, already well known locally for his impersonations of the King. Another performer was David Martin, who wooed the audience with renditions of John Denver hits.

The event was organised by the mental health charity Islington Borough User Group (IBUG).

Among the guests at the event was Richard Arthur, chairman of the Islington and Camden NHS trust. He had a “thoroughly enjoyable” afternoon but was asked the inevitable question: how safe are our mental health services in the current cuts? “We’re doing our best to keep them in place,” he said. “There are no plans to make any cuts at the moment.”

Mr Arthur also praised the work of IBUG, adding that they do some excellent work providing services and the talent show was particularly popular and well attended.