What could be more festive than gathering around the old joanna for a good cry? The Channel 4 gem The Piano was one of the sweetest TV treats this year – a talent show in the truest sense, full of uplifting human stories. Now the ivory-tinkling, heart-tugging show is granted its first Christmas special and what a celebratory, generous-spirited joy it is.
Claudia Winkleman swaps her Strictly sparkles for a military greatcoat and fingerless gloves – transitioning nicely to her Traitors wardrobe in time for its return next week – to host from King’s Cross station. When it first aired, the delightful series capitalised on the “street piano” phenomenon by inviting gifted amateurs to play at train stations across the country. Little did they suspect they were secretly being watched by the pop star Mika and the classical maestro Lang Lang – not so much judges as passionate cheerleaders for their instrument – who picked their favourites to play at a gala concert.
That element of surprise is missing here. With The Piano back for another series next year, it remains to be seen how the format will adjust to its spoilered plot twist. In the meantime, this one-off edition catches up with pianists from the debut run – oh, and while you’re here, you might as well plonk yourself on this stool and play us a Christmas tune.
Shy teenager Daniel, who only took up piano during lockdown, played Iris by Goo Goo Dolls first time around. He has since been invited to play on stage with the band and has grown markedly in confidence and power. “He’s maturing with his instrument,” says Mika, clearly speaking from experience. Student Angelina gives us a classical take on Last Christmas that’s spine-tingling, having first appeared on the show alongside her boyfriend – only for them to have since split up, lending resonance to George Michael’s bittersweet breakup song.
The seasonal theme strains at times, hardly helped by the fact that this was blatantly filmed two months ago – a TV trick that I call “the Hootenanny paradox”. When Winkleman wishes a passing police officer a Merry Christmas, he replies: “It’s a bit early.” “Ssh, we’re pretending it’s December,” she stage-whispers.
With her swift wit and easy warmth, Winkleman is a key part of The Piano’s appeal. She makes the busy concourse her own, trading quips with bystanders and going gooey over passing babies. Her giddy enthusiasm is infectious. Day-trippers and harried commuters stop to listen; they kiss and cuddle, smile and sway. Lucky punters are treated to an impromptu gig by the world’s most celebrated pianist as Lang Lang plays Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite.
There is a surprise visit from the comics Jo Brand and Tom Allen – who happen to present The Piano’s Love Productions stablemate The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice. What are the chances? The pair belt out a rackety version of Fairytale of New York. Shane MacGowan would surely have approved of its pub singalong vibe. Brand nimbly avoids causing offence by tweaking the lyrics to: “You scumbag, you maggot, you look just like Taggart.” There’s been a mur-durr – of a song.
Retired teacher Sue and truck mechanic Jared team up for a boogie-woogie reboot of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. We catch up with teenager Melissa, who was inspired by anime and game soundtracks to teach herself via YouTube videos. She has since enrolled at Trinity Laban Conservatoire in London and plays her own wintry composition, which has soul flowing through its fingers.
Then comes the emotive kicker. Nonagenarian jazzman Harry had been happily married for 49 years when we first met him. Now we learn that his wife, Pat, died last Christmas. “I’m just about coping with the grief,” says Harry. “Music is a great healer.” His trot through Mel Tormé’s The Christmas Song is twinkling, timeless and ends up with him shedding a tear. If viewers aren’t moved, they might need a medical professional to rouse them.
The breakout star of the first series was blind, neurodivergent 13-year-old prodigy Lucy, whose virtuoso playing and ability to communicate via music was astonishing. She went on to perform at the Royal Albert Hall and the King’s Coronation Concert. Here she is accompanied by the Grammy-winning, velvet-voiced crooner Gregory Porter for a moving version of Silent Night, in the lead-up to a stirring finale. “Mika, please get into position,” says Winkleman. She gives a sidelong look to camera and adds: “I’ve said that before.” Mika and Lang Lang join forces for All You Need Is Love, with a choir and brass section swelling their sound. Crowds line every balcony, clapping along. Travellers are lured out of Costa and Upper Crust. It’s music worth missing your train or your sandwich for – and TV to warm your Christmas cockles.
The Piano at Christmas is on Channel 4
