Programme aims

To raise awareness:

• that a natural talent also needs to be developed
• that nothing risked is nothing gained in life
• that most overnight successes take about ten years
• that there will be many obstacles to overcome in pursuit of a dream

Curriculum Relevance

This programme can be used and discussed in conjunction with courses in performing arts, sociology, psychology and education.

Programme outline

The programme portrays Russell from his early days as a disinterested student to his first job out of school, working in a local factory in Manchester. After many years of not taking life very seriously he enters and wins a karaoke contest. This unexpected change in direction creates a much less stable financial existence but gives him the chance to explore a hidden talent he never knew he had. After years as a hired pub singer he is given an opportunity to show off his ability on the world stage during a Manchester United football match. Refusing to give up, he lands a contract with a big record label and is launched as an international singing sensation. After years at the top he is still amazed at all he has seen and experienced as a respected singer in the world of opera.

Credits

Produced by Juniper Communications for Channel 4

Researcher Lucy Cuthbertson
Executive Producer Samir Shah
Produced and Directed by James Bluemel