October 24, 2007 – 2:29 pm
Royal Marine cook Jeremy Hooper (33) and his wife Jane (29), a trainee teacher from Devon, have won BBC Two’s The Restaurant.
The couple seen winning in tonight’s programme will join forces with Raymond Blanc to open a new restaurant in Thame close to Raymond’s renowned Le Manoir Aux Quat’ Saisons.
Says Jane: “We have won the opportunity of a lifetime. It’s what we’ve always dreamed of doing but we never imagined our dreams would become reality so soon, or with such an amazing mentor.
“We couldn’t wish for a more well-respected, knowledgeable, and experienced mentor than Raymond. We know that we still have a lot to learn and that it’s going to be very hard work, but we know we’ve got a great teacher and we are ready for our next challenge!” Continue reading ‘Jeremy and Jane win BBC Two’s The Restaurant‘ »
October 22, 2007 – 10:01 pm
Brighton-based designer Sarah Lu entered the Dragons’ Den tonight armed with a set of small canvas dolls, each with the glaring face of a Dragon, hoping to secure £35k investment in return for 25% for her mini-me, replica doll business.
I was lucky enough to get my hands on a Youdoodoll at the weekend and it is such a novel and fun product, I was sure that the Dragons would jump at the chance to back Sarah’s company.
I was right, and tonight Sarah managed to ignite a bidding war between Dragons, Deborah Meaden and James Caan. James offered Sarah the full amount of money for 40% of her business, Deborah offered the same money, but wanted a 45% stake. Continue reading ‘Dragons’ Den: Youdoodoll Gets £35,000‘ »
October 22, 2007 – 3:06 pm
Famed for their business prowess rather than their childish sense of humour, will the Dragons see the funny side of Sarah Lu’s creation the ‘Youdoodoll’, or will the small canvas dolls each customised with a photo of a Dragon’s face, fail to amuse and incur the wrath of the Dragons?
At 9pm on Monday 22 October on BBC Two’s Dragons’ Den, Youdoodoll will be seen on UK television for the very first time as Brighton-based designer Sarah Lu climbs the stairs armed with a set of small canvas dolls, each with the glaring face of a Dragon, hoping to secure £35k investment in return for 25% for her mini-me, replica doll business.
I don’t know yet whether or not the product attracts the backing of the Den, but after being sent one of the dolls to have a play with last week, I can tell you that it should.
On first examination,. the doll looks like any other, except for the fact that it lacks a face. But what makes this doll different is that in the box is an iron on transfer sheet, onto which you can print a photograph of your child, your loved one, or your favourite Hollywood hunk. Just imagine, going to bed with a mini Brad Pitt…..see the possibilities? Continue reading ‘Will Youdoodoll Succeed In Dragons Den‘ »
October 17, 2007 – 11:05 am
The final nine classical musicians have been selected to attend the Classical Star Music Academy, it was revealed last night (Tuesday 16 October) at the end of the first episode of BBC Two’s exciting new series Classical Star.
For one exceptional young musician, the opportunity of a lifetime is one step nearer, as the judges: Charles Hazlewood, Chi-chi Nwanoku; Steve Abbott and Jason Lai revealed the nine contestants selected to attend the Music Academy under the watchful eye of Classical Star Music Director Matthew Barley.
They are:
* Danielle Audley-Wiltshier
* Sophie Cashell
* Karen Geoghegan
* Victoria Goldsmith
* Emily Hooker
* Ben MacDougall
* Tyler Rix
* Jeanine Thorpe
* Ian Watt
One of these talented youngsters will win a top record deal with Universal Classics and Jazz, and the chance to launch their dream career. Continue reading ‘Final Nine Classical Stars Named For Academy‘ »
September 29, 2007 – 12:11 pm
The hunt for Britain’s next classical music superstar is on and, for one exceptional young musician, the opportunity of a lifetime is within reach. The winner of BBC Two’s Classical Star will win a top record deal and the chance to launch their dream career.
Acclaimed musician and Classical Star Musical Director, Matthew Barley, is searching for a top-class performer who has the ability to broaden the appeal of classical music. Aged between 12 and 19, and already at least grade 8 in their chosen instrument, the winner must have that extra-special something to impress the prestigious judging panel.
Through nationwide auditions, 18 candidates have been shortlisted but only the best nine candidates will be selected to attend the Music Academy, where Barley has developed a rigorous and demanding three-week schedule. Continue reading ‘Classical Star Coming To BBC Two‘ »
September 27, 2007 – 12:11 pm
Academy Music Director – Matthew Barley
Cellist Matthew Barley trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the Moscow Conservatoire, and his activities in performance, improvisation, cross-disciplinary projects, composition and pioneering community programmes soon developed to form a unique international career.
Matthew’s musical world has virtually no geographical, social or stylistic boundaries and he lives and breathes music education, making him the ideal choice as Music Director for the academy. Continue reading ‘Classical Star Judge: Matthew Barley‘ »
September 26, 2007 – 12:17 pm
Thirty-three-year-old conductor Jason Lai won the BBC’s Young Conductors Workshop in February 2002 and has conducted some of the world’s top orchestras including the BBC Philharmonic, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, English Touring Opera, London Sinfonietta and the BBC Singers.
Jason started his musical studies at the age of 12 when he took cello, piano and composition lessons, which continued with the help of a scholarship at Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester. Continue reading ‘Classical Star Judge: Jason Lai‘ »
September 26, 2007 – 12:14 pm
At the age of seven, Chi-chi Nwanoku discovered music on a neighbour’s piano and was so inspired by its sounds and possibilities that she began her education as a classical musician. She played piano and took up double bass at 18, after an injury ruled out her other passion – athletics.
Chi-chi studied at the Royal Academy of Music, in London, and has become one of England’s most sought-after double bassists – developing a worldwide reputation as one of the finest exponents on her instrument today. Continue reading ‘Classical Star Judge: Chi-chi Nwanoku‘ »
September 25, 2007 – 12:14 pm
One of the most prolific and dynamic musicians of his generation, Charles Hazlewood is Principal Guest Conductor of the BBC Concert Orchestra and conducts many of the great orchestras in the UK and around the world.
He has authored and conducted the music in several groundbreaking films including Vivaldi Unmasked (BBC One), The Genius Of Mozart (BBC Two and BBC Four), Beethoven (BBC Two and BBC Four) and Tchaikovsky (BBC Two and BBC Four). Charles also presents a weekly show on BBC Radio 3, Charles Hazlewood Discovering Music. Continue reading ‘Classical Star Judge: Charles Hazelwood‘ »
September 24, 2007 – 12:16 pm
Steve is MD of Bedlam Artist Management, originally formed in 1988 to represent artists’ recording, performing and business careers and then reformed in 2003.
He manages young New Zealand soprano Hayley Westenra, violinist Nicola Benedetti and pianist Lang Lang and produces top-selling albums – recent successes of note include The Choirboys (320,000 UK sales) and All Angels (250,000 UK sales).
Steve began his career as a singer in a punk band with which he toured the world, released two albums, five singles and achieved three No. 1 records in the UK and two in the US. He then changed track to classical guitar and made a name for himself composing music for theatre and television. Continue reading ‘Classical Star Judge: Steve Abbott‘ »
