The history of Stairway to the Stars

History

Stairway to the Stars was Formed in 1989 and ran every year until 2000 where unfortunately The Riviera Centre's summer shows closed which meant it brought SWTTS to an end.

Chris Chambers, original producer and host of Stairway to the Stars founded the competition which saw nationwide coverage. Held every Sunday night for nine weeks the finals were always held on the August Bank Holiday.

The heats were attended by approx 600-700 people

The finals were attended by a minimum of 1200 people

Hundreds of people applied & auditioned each year with a chance to win a cash prize, they got to perform on the summer shows which gave them a real career progression as new artists to the scene.

Famous judges included

Nina Myskow- TV personality & journalist for The Sun & News of the World. AKA 'The Bitch on the Box'

Larry Grayson- Comedian & TV presenter for Saturday night, peak time game show
'The Generation Game'

Peter Hepple- Editor of Television Today newspaper
who dubbed the annual Grand final show as being

'One of the important nights in the British Showbiz Calendar'

Kevin Bishop- Executive Producer of The Royal Variety Performance

Dora Bryan- Actress

Buster Merryfield- Actor (Uncle Albert in Only Fools & Horses)

Judi Spiers- Radio & TV presenter

SONIA - Pop singer

Fast forward to 2025!

It is time to bring back Stairway to the Stars bigger and better than before with the original producer Chris and Michelle Upton from Bass Beatz Productions