15 February 1995 (1995-02-15) – 16 January 1997 (1997-01-16)
The Biz is a BBC children's television drama series about a group of teenagers at a fictional stage school.[1] The series was written by Chris Ellis, Jeremy Front, Matthew Graham and Sarah-Louise Hawkins. The directors were David Andrews (series one), Nigel Douglas (series two) and John Smith (series three). Wayne Fowkes was the choreographer and original music was composed by Michael Omer.[2] It ran for three series (24 episodes) from 1994 to 1996.
Plot
Set at Markov's School of Dance and Drama in Richmond, it was a portmanteau show in which different students took centre stage from week to week. It showed training, auditions and performances.
Sakinah Fraser as Becky Squire (school auditionee)
Shanie Hanley as Daisy
Ian Driver as Dan Naylor (BBC light entertainment producer)
Production
Casting
Paul Nicholls, in one of his early roles, played up-and-coming star Tim Marshall. The role reflected his own later life as Tim had to deal with attention from the press and the public.
Songs
The Biz contained several original songs from composer Michael Omer.
Series One
Main Title: "The Biz!" – cast
"Glamorous" (E3) – Tim and Sasha
"You Have To Find Your Own Way Through" (E5 and 6) – Luke, Jules and cast
"Tonight" (E6) – Pippa
"One To One" (E6) – Tim
Series Two
Main Title: "The Biz!" – cast
"If You Want Me To Stay" (E1 and 2) – Luke, Jules and the band
"You Set Me on Fire" (E4-6) – Luke, Nicky and the band
"Waiting For Tomorrow" (E6) – Pippa and cast
Series Three
Main Title: "The Biz!" – cast
"Just Do It!" (E12) - Jules, Vince, Francesca, Terry, Luke and band
Goofs
Series Two, Episode 6: Pippa opens an unaddressed envelope and reads a blank piece of paper to find out she's got the part in the new musical!
