Camp as Christmas
This new UK musical series owes less to Fame and more to SClub7.
- Published by David Knox
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- Filed under Programming
Britannia High premieres tomorrow night on Seven, and if the first episode is anything to go by, it’s Britain’s own attempt at a High School Musical.
Sadly, it doesn’t have any of the edge of Fame, the hit 1980s movie, which spawned a successful television movie. That tale is also set to have a remake with Kelsey Grammer, Bebe Neuwirth and, in a return appearance, Debbie Allen.
Brittania High from ITV, owes more to SClub7 than it does to American musicals. It’s high on cheesy songs, many written by Take That’s Gary Barlow, and hitmaker Guy Chambers. It features a youthful, exuberant case (including Skins’ Mitch Hewer with a hairdo to rival Craig MacLachlan) miming their way through vapid scenes and songs, often in the centre of London.
Aussie Adam Garcia also has a dreadfully-executed role as a dance teacher.
In the UK the series hasn’t fired, although ITV claims it’s #1 in its demo.
Britannia High premieres 6:30pm Saturday on Seven, followed by the even more dire Dance Machine.
Check brains at the door.
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- Tagged with Britannia High, Dance Machine, Fame, High School Musical, Skins
10 Responses
I don’t think Adam Garcia was as horrible as you suggest. I loved the show and will be following it each week. I’m glad that there’s something worthwhile for me to watch on Saturday nights. Mitch Hewer does play a good part and the opening song ‘Start of Something’ is quite catchy.
It seemed like a sort of homage to High School Musical’s first opening number ‘Start of Something New’, only the name I mean not the actual song.
Can’t wait for the next ep.
what numbers did it do cannot see it in the top ten,
But there ain’t no party like an S-Club Party!
watched the first 10 minutes. what a shocker!!! axe it now
I knew it was Adam Garcia. OMG! I love that guy.
This isnt a bad show. Reminds me a bit of Raise Your Voice (the movie) but yeah. I like it. I’ll def be watching it every week (if it is a weekly thing) 🙂
In the 80’s they could get away with stuff like this and in tacky Ammerica they can too. But the UK attmepting it is just embaersing.
haha, Hewer couldn’t have made a bigger step down!
This does look terrible and identical to I, Dream that was aired on ABC. Unthreatening female leads and sexually confused males miming to forgettable Europop trash and tired dance routines.
The key word is indeed camp. This will be enjoyable for young girls but torture for everyone else and as you put Dance Machine (give it a week) will be awful.
is it wrong that after reading this review, i kinda cant wait to see it now…camp camp camp camp
I’ll be there!
Jack!