Any Dream Will Do
Reuniting television's most unlikely double act...
Graham Norton – the genial host
Ìý
Graham Norton is one of the best known and most popular presenters on British television.
Ìý
Since moving to the ´óÏó´«Ã½ in 2004, he has fronted shows including How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?, Strictly Dance Fever and The Bigger Picture and is currently entertaining the nation with his new chat show, The Graham Norton Show.
Ìý
He began his career playing one-man shows at the Edinburgh Festival (1992-97), most of which played residencies in London and toured throughout the UK. His 1997 show was nominated for a Perrier Award, hugely boosting his profile.
Ìý
Making his move from stage to TV, he went on to host three series of Bring Me The Head Of Light Entertainment, was a regular guest presenter on Channel 5's Jack Docherty Show and made several appearances as the character Father Noel on Channel 4's much-loved sitcom Father Ted.
Ìý
On his flagship Channel 4 shows So Graham Norton and V Graham Norton, he teased his guests with the most outrageous and personal questions imaginable, picking up four BAFTA's in the process.
Ìý
In 2004 he successfully transferred the idea to American audiences when he hosted The Graham Norton Effect for Comedy Central.
Ìý
Graham's numerous awards include: Best Entertainment Performance, BAFTA, 2000-2002; Best Talk Show, National Television Awards, 2002; Best Light Entertainment Programme, Broadcast Award, 2002; Best Entertainment Comedy Programme, British Comedy Awards, 2001 and 2002; and Best TV Comedy Personality, British Comedy Awards, 2000 and 2002.
Ìý
Andrew Lloyd Webber – composer, producer, talent scout...
Ìý
As a legendary composer and theatre producer, Andrew's status as one of the leading names in international theatre needs no explanation.
Ìý
As composer, his musical productions have included Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Cats, Starlight Express, The Phantom Of The Opera, Aspects Of Love, The Beautiful Game, Sunset Boulevard and The Woman In White.
Ìý
His songs have enchanted and entertained people across generations. He has produced his own work and other award- winning plays in the West End and on Broadway and, in 2002, presented the groundbreaking A R Rahman musical, Bombay Dreams.
Ìý
His work has extended into film where he has composed the scores for such classic movies as The Odessa File and, more recently, in 2004, he produced a film version of The Phantom Of The Opera directed by Joel Schumacher.
Ìý
In addition to the opening of The Sound Of Music at the London Palladium, last year Andrew also oversaw a new production of Evita in London and a unique version of Phantom Of The Opera in Las Vegas, showing that his passion for musical theatre is still shared by many across the world.
Ìý
He also owns several London theatres including the Palace and the London Palladium and his awards include seven Tonys, three Grammys, six Oliviers, a Golden Globe, an Oscar and an International Emmy.
Ìý
Andrew was knighted in 1992, created an honorary life peer in 1997 and in December 2006 received a Kennedy Center Honor, one of the highest awards for achievement in arts in the United States.
Ìý
However, it is Andrew's search for new undiscovered talent that has remained a constant throughout his distinguished 40-year career.
Ìý
He has always viewed the finding and nurturing of new talent as an important factor in the ever evolving and much loved world of musical theatre and this has been shown in many of his West End productions.
Ìý
His casting has proved at times surprising and risk-taking but always successful whether it be discovering an unknown Sarah Brightman, casting an entire company of unknown performers for the groundbreaking Bombay Dreams, plucking Shonagh Daly from obscurity after spotting her at an open audition for The Beautiful Game in Cork or more recently, in his latest revival of his own classic Evita, bringing the mesmerising Elena Roger as Eva Peron to the UK audience.
Ìý
His continuing search for new talent has given the West End and the world some memorable and brilliant performances.
Ìý
None more so than the huge success of award-winning Connie Fisher in The Sound Of Music, the stakes are high as Andrew puts his reputation on the line again in the search to find the new Joseph.
Printable version