The Biz

The Biz was a BBC children's television drama series about a group of teenagers at a fictional stage school. The series was written by Chris Ellis and Sarah-Louise Hawkins. The directors were David Andrews and Nigel Douglas. It ran for three series, from 1994 to 1996. Set at Markov's School of Dance and Drama, it was a portmanteau show in which different students took centre stage from week to week. It showed training, auditions and performances. Paul Nicholls, in one of his early roles, played up-and-coming star Tim Marshall. The role reflected his own later life as Tim had to deal with attention from the press and the public. The series has also been airing on ABC in Australia.

Directed by —, The Biz leans on a strong ensemble — Sasha Pitimson, Max Wrottesley, Paul Nicholls — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The series landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1995.