The Piano
The Piano is a new talent show that will profile the best amateur pianists in the UK, performing on pianos at four stations around the country. Unbeknownst to the contestants, it's not just a documentary: it's also a competition. The contestants are secretly being judged, and the four best of them - one from each station - will perform at the Royal Festival Hall to an audience of thousands in the final episode.
Episodes
Their first stop is Birmingham New Street station, where American classical pianist Tiffany Poon joins Mika in the observation room as performers including the youngest and oldest pianists ever to appear on the show, and a composer inspired by the Grand Canyon, take their turns at the keyboard.
Claudia Winkleman and Mika are joined by jazz superstar Jamie Cullum. A last-minute change of location means several of Scotland's amateur pianists travel south from Glasgow to London Liverpool Street. Among those taking part are a pianist who refused to give up after a brain tumour left him unable to use his right hand, a Mexican mother rediscovering her passion for playing, and a gifted teenager inspired by the Isle of Lewis.
Claudia Winkleman and Mika arrive at York Station, where they're joined by internationally acclaimed jazz pianist Hiromi. Among those taking to the public piano are Britain's oldest pub landlord, who gets the whole station singing, a gifted songwriter with deeply personal original number, and a remarkable 12-year-old who transforms the sounds of the station into music.
Claudia Winkleman and Mika are joined at Liverpool Street station by Jools Holland. A 10-year-old takes to the keys and gets the whole station singing, an 84-year-old proves that music keeps you young with a spirited rendition of Roll Out the Barrel, a satellite engineer reveals a romantic side with the music of Charles Aznavour, and a gifted 15-year-old composer performs an original piece.
Claudia Winkleman and Mika are joined by internationally acclaimed pianist Alice Sara Ott as the search for Britain's most remarkable amateur pianists continues in Manchester. Among those taking to the public piano are a fearless young composer who creates a brand-new piece from just two notes; a seven-year-old who charms the entire station; and a remarkable pianist whose triumphant return to music leaves everyone in tears.
With one wildcard place for the Birmingham Symphony Hall show still up for grabs, Mika chooses his sixth and final pianist. Jon Batiste returns as the finalists begin preparing for the biggest concert of their lives - but as they quickly discover, getting ready for the concert is about far more than learning the notes. Will the players be ready in time for their big show?
The search for Britain's most remarkable amateur pianists concludes as Claudia Winkleman and Mika head for Birmingham and the final concert. Six amateur pianists take to the stage at a sold-out Birmingham Symphony Hall, where Mika is joined by Alice Sara Ott to choose the performance of the night.
