BBC Television officials have contacted TVM who in return commissioned Showtime, the Saturday night talent/variety show aired on TVM, to find the best variety acts from Malta. The winners will have a chance of competing in a major show on BBC.

This show will transmit over four Saturday evening’s beginning 3 February 2007 on BBC 1. There has not been a platform for variety in the UK for some years so this show will, hopefully, bring variety back to the forefront of the audience’s mind. The deadlines are very tight so a swift response is crucial. The winning prize is no less than £50,000.

Chosen applicants will perform on Showtime’s January programmes where all will participate after an audition for the first phase. The search is for acts at the top of their game – compelling, distinctive, original and unforgettable – but need a break to make them household names. Showtime hopes to include and showcase a wide variety of talent – singers, dancers, musicians, magicians, illusionists, ventriloquists, contortionists, unicyclists, fire-eaters and more. Basically, any talent deserving the platform to perform. Artists can be individuals, duos or groups but their act needs to be of a high quality, must be able to be performed live in a studio and must work for a duration of two minutes. All artists must also be over 18 years of age.

Not only is this show a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for skilled artists and groups to exhibit their talents to an international viewership, catapulting their performing careers into the spotlight, but the winning act (judged by the Great British public and Professional Judging Panel) will also win the fabulous cash prize.

There will be an appearance fee but should the Maltese winners be chosen by BBC to perform in the UK, all costs of travel and accommodation will be seen to. Showtime needs to send show reels of finalists to the BBC board as soon as possible for the final phase, so if you think that you can be a performer, contact Lita on 2149 2617 or Steve on 9942 8466 now.

Follow Showtime for more information. As from January, Showtime will transmit on Saturday from 8.40pm – 11pm and also every Sunday at 3pm and 5.20pm.