ITV unwraps 'Britannia High'

Universal Music's Globe co-produces

By STEVE CLARKE

LONDON — U.K. terrestrial web ITV hopes to push the envelope of the reality talent show with a new high concept initiative based on a fictional performing arts school, mixing documentary, drama and music revue.

“Britannia High,” a co-production between ITV and Globe Productions, an offshoot of Universal Music, is created by West End impresario David Ian and choreographer Arlene Phillips, a judge on BBC1’s flagship entertainment show “Strictly Come Dancing.”

The music for the ambitious venture is being written by a team of songwriters led by Brit boy band Take That singer-songwriter Gary Barlow.

Auds will watch the progress of a group of young wannabe performers from the first casting process, filmed for two 60-minute docus, through to an eight-part scripted drama series set in the fictional stage school, Britannia High, which will conclude with a live show.

ITV entertainment topper, Paul Jackson, who commissioned the show, said: “This is an exciting new format, not quite like anything else on British television and we're confident audiences are going to love it.

“We hope to captivate viewers with the real and scripted stories of these talented young people going through the time of their lives, as they struggle to realize their dreams.”