Theatre News

Channel 4 prep new musical theatre documentary

Channel 4 is reportedly producing a new documentary series going behind the scenes of West End musicals

Channel 4 are producing a new documentary on musical theatre, with West End, regional and touring productions all expected to feature.

TV producer James Kane (Come Dine With Me and Location, Location, Location) tweeted back in April: “Channel 4 documentary on West End musicals looking for real characters within the industry”.

A month later a new Twitter account, @AJ_Casting, was set up looking for “huge West End superfans” to feature in the programme. Producers also put an advert for contributors on the WhatsOnStage forum.

According to The Stage, the show, with working title The Musicals, is expected to include The Bodyguard, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Top Hat and Barnum.

The producers of the show, Jamie Oliver’s production company FreshOne Media, are reported to have filmed open auditions for the tour of Happy Days, produced by Amy Anzel.

Anzel told The Stage: “I think it’s important that the public sees what goes on behind the scenes as reality talent shows make it seem a bit glamorous and shiny, and that is the complete opposite of what this business is like. Musical theatre performers are the hardest working people in the business. You have to be extremely disciplined and hard-working, and it’s rare that someone just comes out of the woodwork. There’s usually years of hard work and training behind them and lots of disappointment, which usually continues to drive them.”

She added: “My journey getting Happy Days up and running over the past four years has been full of blood, sweat and tears and I thought it would be amazing to share that with the public.”

– Louise Miles