I wrote music for iconic BBC show – I was inspired by Spice Girls classic
SPICE OF LIFE I wrote music for iconic BBC show – I was inspired by Spice Girls classic
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
THE composer behind Horrible Histories hilarious songs has revealed how he was influenced by the Spice Girls hit 2 Become 1 for a scene where an Egyptian mummy is stitched back together.
Matthew Scott has been tasked with putting together the music for the successful stage spin-offs of the popular CBBC series which brings history to life for children through our gory past.
Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter
Sign up
4
The Spice Girls at the height of their fame in the 90s.
4
The Awful Egyptians stage show comes to Glasgow in July.
4
Kids love the gore of Horrible Histories including in The Awful Egyptians.
And for The Awful Egyptians, which comes to Glasgow's Theatre Royal this month, he admits he did a parody of The Spice Girls 1996 Christmas chart topper.
Matthew, 68, from Slough, Berks, says: 'There's a scene where you've a woman trying to assemble a pharaoh from body parts, which is a particularly ghoulish thing.
'That's when I remembered The Spice Girls had a song called 2 Become 1 - so it's a parody on that.
'But the whole idea is you're trying to make the music as fun and attractive as you can for the irony to work.'
Author Terry Deary began the series with The Terrible Tudors - which also comes to Glasgow in July - followed by The Awful Egyptians in 1993.
His titles continued to describe British history throughout the centuries along with worldwide cultures including the Vikings and Romans.
They were adapted for the Beeb's children's channel CBBC in 2009 and featured actors including Simon Farnaby, Jim Howick and Martha Howe-Douglas who went on to star in the hit BBC sitcom Ghosts.
But Matthew reckons the best bit of his job is hearing children's recitals of his show stoppers.
He says: 'The biggest buzz I have to tell you, is hearing a group of kids singing any of the songs.
'I was on the bus after a show once while a group of kids were singing, 'Henry VIII was a Big Fat Man' at the back.
'I was desperate to introduce myself, but thought better of it so just sat at the back and enjoyed this wonderful moment.'
He adds: 'Ideally you are trying to create something that's memorable. It's a lot of fun but quite hard work too because you've got to get quite a lot of information across in each one of these songs.
'But yes I do enjoy doing parodies of pop songs because composing can be a serious business.'
*Horrible Histories: The Terrible Tudors and The Awful Egyptians will be at Glasgow's Theatre Royal from July 10 - 12. For more information visit: ents24.com/uk/tour-dates/horrible-histories
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Evening Standard
3 minutes ago
- Evening Standard
BBC launches investigation into Strictly stars' ‘cocaine use'
According to reports, the allegations were made in a legal submission by law firm Russells in March on behalf of former contestant Wynne Evans, who was dropped by the BBC after apologising for using 'inappropriate language' during the launch of the Strictly tour.
Daily Mail
3 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Strictly Come Dancing faces fresh crisis as 'BBC launch probe into cocaine use by two show stars amid claims their drug use was well-known'
Strictly Come Dancing is facing a fresh crisis as it's been reported that the BBC have launched an investigation into cocaine use by two stars of the show. According to The Sun, the broadcaster hired a law firm to probe allegations of drug taking by two individuals, whose drug use is said to be 'well-known' on the show. The claims were reportedly made in a legal submission to the BBC by law firm Russells back in March, on behalf of former contestant Wynne Evans. The publication also understands other people have also reported the allegations of drug taking on the dance show to the BBC. Amid the independent inquiry, it is said 'former contestants, dancers and crew' alike will have the opportunity to speak with law firm Pinsent Masons to express concerns. A source told The Sun: 'These claims are extremely serious and should be taken as such, given only last year that the BBC's Director-General promised to clean up Strictly, it seems particularly shocking. 'The idea of the show's stars discussing drug-taking is deeply disturbing, the BBC have known about these allegations for some time, and acknowledged receiving them. 'Now they are taking firm action, they've been told that it's well-known that two stars took drugs, including cocaine, which was talked about widely among the cast.' The insider said the BBC understands that one star described another as 'off their face' on drugs, with that person telling one celebrity: 'Have you seen their pupils... they're off their face.' Another celebrity is also said to have told how it was 'well-known' that two of the stars took cocaine, adding that it was 'talked about widely' among the cast. The individuals at the centre of the drug allegations have not been named. Daily Mail contacted BBC representatives for comment, with a spokesperson stating: 'We have clear protocols and policies in place for dealing with any serious complaint raised with us. 'We would always encourage people to speak to us if they have concerns. It would not be appropriate for us to comment further.' Daily Mail understands that it is not unusual for the BBC to engage an external individual to provide additional expert resource to help deliver a BBC led investigation. In these cases, they would report into an established BBC team. The shock allegations come just amid a long period of controversy for the BBC and Strictly over the past year or so. In July last year, more than six months after quitting the show citing 'personal reasons', actress Amanda Abbington accused pro dancer Giovanni Pernice of 'unnecessary, cruel and mean behaviour' during their time dancing together on Strictly. Giovanni rejected the claims immediately, and a BBC investigation ruled in September that her claims of physical aggression and threatening behaviour were not upheld. When BBC bosses published their report into Giovanni's behaviour, it cleared him of the most serious allegations of physical aggression, but upheld verbal bullying and harassment. Complaints of verbal bullying and harassment meant the BBC issued an apology to Amanda, but Giovanni said he was 'pleased the report has not found any evidence of threatening or abusive behaviour'. Elsewhere, the show was plunged into crisis after Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans made a controversial joke during his time preparing for the Strictly tour in January. He used a vile sexual innuendo and was also caught up in a 'wandering hand' incident with dance partner Katya Jones, who seemed to remove his arm from her lower waist on the show. After the BBC launched an investigation into his conduct, bosses decided not to renew his radio contract for his show. The TV star confirmed in May that they will not be renewing his one-year rolling contract following a four-month investigation after the inappropriate comments made during his time on Strictly. Elsewhere, in further scandals for the BBC, Gregg Wallace was recently dismissed from MasterChef after more than 40 complaints against him were upheld following a BBC investigation. While his co-star John Torode [left] was also sacked after two decades over allegations that he used the N-word, which he claims to have 'absolutely no recollection' of While his co-star John Torode was also sacked after two decades over allegations that he used the N-word, which he claims to have 'absolutely no recollection' of. In further controversy, it's recently been reported that Naga Munchetty could face an investigation from BBC bosses after she was accused of bullying a junior colleague. The BBC Breakfast host, 50, has been placed 'under review' while bosses consider escalating complaints to a formal investigation, The Sun reports. A source said higher-ups had heard from several colleagues and logged concerns over her 'hard' and 'bullying' behaviour on the breakfast show, as well as her Radio 5 Live show.
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
BBC launches probe into Strictly cocaine use after claims stars took drug and it was widely discussed on show
BBC has now had to launch four separate inquiries over the past year into claims of misconduct STRICTLY COKE SCANDAL BBC launches probe into Strictly cocaine use after claims stars took drug and it was widely discussed on show THE BBC has hired a law firm to probe damning allegations of cocaine abuse on Strictly Come Dancing by two stars. It is said their drug use was 'well known' on the show. Advertisement 3 BBC's Strictly is facing a fresh crisis after shocking drugs allegations were made Credit: Getty 3 A law firm has been hired to probe damning allegations of cocaine abuse on Strictly Come Dancing Credit: Alamy 3 Worried Strictly chiefs are determined to deliver a trouble-free new show Credit: PA Former contestants, dancers and crew will be able to speak to law firm Pinsent Masons to share any concerns. The show is facing a fresh crisis after the shocking drugs allegations were made in a legal submission to the BBC in March by law firm Russells on behalf of celebrity contestant Wynne Evans. It is understood others have also reported to the BBC allegations of drug taking on Strictly Come Dancing. A BBC spokesman told The Sun on Sunday yesterday: 'We have clear protocols and policies in place for dealing with any serious complaint raised with us. Advertisement 'We would always encourage people to speak to us if they have concerns. 'Off their face' 'It would not be appropriate for us to comment further.' The latest stunning claims include one of Strictly Come Dancing's stars allegedly saying to a celebrity about another person on the show: 'Have you seen their pupils . . . they're off their face'. A celebrity is also said to have revealed it was 'well known on the show that two stars took cocaine . . . it was talked about widely among the cast'. Advertisement A source said yesterday: 'These claims are extremely serious and should be taken as such. "Given only last year that the BBC's Director-General promised to clean up Strictly, it seems particularly shocking. Furious Wynne Evans reveals he's no longer speaking to Strictly's Katya Jones as he hits out at BBC 'The idea of the show's stars discussing drug-taking is deeply disturbing. 'The BBC have known about these allegations for some time, and acknowledged receiving them. Advertisement 'Now they are taking firm action. They've been told that it's well-known that two stars took drugs, including cocaine, which was talked about widely among the cast. 'Also, the BBC has been told that one star described another as being 'off their face' on drugs. 'It was alleged the star said to another celebrity about a third person on the show: 'Have you seen their pupils . . . they're off their face'.' We are not naming the stars who are accused of drug-taking. Advertisement The Corporation is under enormous pressure to take these on-record allegations seriously Source News of the inquiry comes 14 months after a probe was launched into claims of misconduct by professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, who was later forced to step down amid bullying allegations. It means the BBC has now had to launch four separate inquiries over the past year into claims of misconduct. Others have been drawn into allegations of bullying on the BBC Breakfast show and dozens of claims of misconduct by Gregg Wallace, who has since been sacked as host of MasterChef. The source went on: 'The BBC pledged to clean up its act and bolster its duty-of-care measures. Advertisement 'The Corporation is under enormous pressure to take these on-record allegations seriously in order to continually improve and monitor its welfare protocol ahead of the new series. 'No one wants to see the show's image damaged, but it's imperative that people are treated fairly and complaints of bad behaviour taken seriously. 'These allegations are extremely serious and the BBC will not brush them under the carpet. 'Lies and cover-ups' 'They need to protect the image of the show and make sure contestants feel safe and protected at all times. It is, after all, supposed to be a family show.' Advertisement Worried Strictly chiefs are determined to deliver a trouble-free new show — as preparations have already started for the production of the upcoming 23rd series. In January opera singer Evans — famous for his role in the Go Compare TV ads — was axed from the Strictly live tour after he was recorded making an inappropriate sexual comment to co-star Jamie Borthwick using the term 'spit-roast'. In May, in an emotional Instagram message, Evans revealed he had been told by the BBC they were not renewing his one-year contract — which included him working with Gavin & Stacey actress Joanna Page on travel show All at Sea. It came despite both public and private support from Janette Manrara —who was said to be the subject of the spit-roast comment — as well as her husband Aljaz Skorjanec and Wynne's Strictly pro dance partner Katya Jones. Advertisement Last week angry Evans blasted the BBC for 'lies and cover-ups' — claiming that the Corporation had been 'fundamentally flawed in its duty of care to him'. These allegations are extremely serious and the BBC will not brush them under the carpet Source He also accused bosses of 'only caring about protecting themselves and their jobs and ratings'. In April The Sun on Sunday revealed EastEnders actor Borthwick had filmed a video of himself messing around with a sex toy in a Strictly Come Dancing live tour dressing room. He was later suspended by the Beeb over a slur against disabled people which was made on the Strictly set. Advertisement Last year the BBC was beset with numerous crises on Strictly. Sherlock and Mr Selfridge actress Amanda Abbington revealed she had been diagnosed with PTSD after being paired with Pernice. Despite repeated claims against the Italian dancer from former partners including Laura Whitmore, the BBC did not take action until Amanda employed lawyers and issued a formal complaint. The Corporation found in her favour on a number of claims concerning verbal bullying and harassment by Pernice. Advertisement Claims also emerged of fellow Italian Graziano Di Prima kicking his celebrity partner Zara McDermott, forcing Beeb bosses to fire him on the spot. As a result of the investigation — first revealed by The Sun — the Corporation's Director-General Tim Davie made an unprecedented apology to anyone who had suffered abusive behaviour during their time on the hit Saturday night programme.
