Showbiz

1989 , Norwich (Norfolk)

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Anglia Television late evening audience discussion show, featuring local and national celebrities and live music.

Following the programme's theme and graphical title sequence, presenters Malcolm Allsop and Nina Myskow introduce the show. This week's theme is 'showbiz'. As well as participation with the studio audience, Myskow invites interaction with the viewership via telephone vote. The topic up for debate is Myskow's contention that pushy parents forcing their "revolting little show offs" into show business is abhorrent. Derek Smith aka 'The Amazing Mr Smith' performs his unique take on the themes of '2001: A Space Odyssey', 'Chariots of Fire', 'The Dambusters'; as well as the Shadows' 'Apache'. Allsop quizzes Mr Smith regarding why a successful bio chemist would choose to dabble in variety theatre. Following on, Malcolm analyses the life of the comedian/performer with various celebrities including Ernie Wise, Tony Maiden, Sadie Nine and Paul Trevellion. In the Norwich Theatre Royal, young drama students rehearse a production. Myskow contends that stardom can wreck a child's life. At a dance studio a class of young ballerinas learn their steps. Myskow asks who is happier, the dancers or the eagle-eyed parents watching on? After the break, Tony Maiden tells how being a child star made him a spoiled brat. Sadie Nine recounts her time at stage school with tragic child-star Lena Zavaroni. Allsop interviews eleven-year-old child star Toni Warne. Warne sings an ad-hoc rendition of Michael Jackson's 'Ben'. Bill Zorn and John Benns perform 'The Story of Bigsby the Busker'. Allsop debates with the studio audience the argument that "show business ain't what it used to be." Reg Presley of The Troggs performs 'Wild Thing'. The audience discuss whether the standard of music these days is as good as it used to be. Zorn and Benns reveal the result of the telephone poll - the result polarises the room. The show concludes with a jovial singalong of Frank Sinatra's 'My Way'.

Featured Buildings

Norwich Theatre Royal

Keywords

showbiz; music; theatre; variety; celebrity

Background Information

From the age of 13, Lena [Zavaroni] had anorexia nervosa. While she was at stage school, her weight dropped to 4 stone (25 kg, 56 lbs). Lena blamed this on the pressure placed upon her to fit into costumes while at the same time "developing as a woman." She continued to have anorexia throughout the 1980s. Wikipedia

Manifestations

Showbiz

  • Sequence Details:
    • Group 1:
      • Part Number: 1
      • Parts Unit: Episode

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