Over the rainbow - I want it to be better

I have just finished watching the BBC series final of ‘Over the Rainbow’ to cast a West End production of The Wizard of Oz. I can see the challenging work the contestants get to do, including entertain prime time viewers. This show is built on promise and hope and heaven knows people do seem to like a good competition BUT I want more. Bless Shelia Hancock and Charlotte Church who kept talking about truth and honesty and skill, things often forgotten in the ‘reality’ TV context.

This week I got to meet an Exec at Freemantle Media as I am trotting round town trying to fly ideas for a different kind of theatre-on-TV experience. I was struck by his honesty especially in advising me to forget the content. TV is about form and formula and that’s how the money is made – selling these on to other countries in the world. Of course we are starting to see a backlash – especially on BBC 3, sending WAGS to the slums in Africa for the World Cup – for example.

The trouble is I am convinced their denouncement of content is precisely the problem with TV. AS I would like to say to lots of folk out there in big business – Care a little less about making money and more on what ideas you are selling. Stop being so obvious, start being more subtle. Don’t put mindless headlines on repeat and start adding depth, texture, flavour and complexity. I love being entertained but also want some learning, some meaty ideas – not intellectual but intelligent. THIS is entertaining if done right. Over the rainbow buys into a collective understanding of theatre that is over 50 years old, its good fun but outdated and a little stuffy. Please, please let entertainment on TV talk of new ideas and contemporary issues in fun and beguiling ways. What is everyone so afraid of? Nuff said!