A new reality TV show about West End performers – which currently has the working title Life’s A Stage – is being developed for a pilot filming session during August. The show has been commissioned by a major broadcaster: if the pilot is well-received, it is expected to be commissioned for a full series.
Production company Znak and Jones is now casting for the pilot episode, which will not be broadcast, and is seeking performers of any experience, aged 18 to 35. Znak and Jones was set up by former ITV head of factual Natalka Znak and Simon Jones, former chief operating officer of Syco Television USA.
The inspiration for the show was the West End casts performing at the Royal Variety Performance, the annual fundraising gala. Casts change so rapidly for West End shows, as well as the life expectancies of the shows themselves. Life’s A Stage will therefore centre around a cast of West End performers living together in one house, with the juxtaposition of the glamour of the stage and the reality of living. As well as documenting both the work lives and social lives of actors, musicians and dancers, the show will also include planned performances of songs from West End shows.
The show is not set to be a documentary about actors, but it also will not be as scripted as shows such as Made In Chelsea and The Only Way Is Essex, which are heavily constructed. Scenes will not be set up for the real-life actors to interact with each other, but will be a real reflection of life and their real actions and reactions will remain. A simple storyline will be added using the talents of those involved, making for an entertaining insight into the world of showbiz.