Leading comedy actress Adele Dixon sang the first song ever to have been written or recorded about the small screen – she sang “conjured up in sound and sight, by the magic rays of light, that brings television to you” – and with that momentous recording the first ever theme tune was launched.

Since that memorable day we have heard many, weird, wonderful and whacky tunes, all designed to stay in your head like an ear worm. Leading composer Tony Hatch feels that they are a call sign, an appointment to view, as soon as you hear the opening bars, you’re rushing for the best seat in the house – and he should know as he wrote three of the most memorable – Crossroads, Emmerdale and, of course, Neighbours, amongst many others. Over the next hour, he will treat listeners to a smattering of those familiar and unfamiliar notes. They will learn why hearing the opening theme to Newsnight always brings a smile to the face of composer George Fenton; why Paul McCartney was furious with Cilla Black when she performed the signature tune to Cilla live; and how Morse Code has been used in more themes than just Morse. Tony will also be quizzing listeners on their sporting theme knowledge.

Presenter: Tony Hatch
Producer: Julie Newman for the BBC

View this statement on the BBC media centre website

Tony is currently working on a new instrumental album, an autobiography and a new musical called “Downtown – The Musical” which will feature his hit songs.

Tony has been associated with Variety The Children’s Charity, since 1982 and was Chief Barker (President) of the Variety Club of Australia from 1987 – 1990. He has also served as International President of Variety and as Chief Barker of Tent 36, Variety Great Britain.

Tony has lived and worked in the UK, Eire & Australia and now, when not travelling the world, lives in Menorca (Spain) with his wonderful wife, Maggie. Between them they have six children; Sharon, Amanda, Darren, Michelle, Alex and Charlie: 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Tony Hatch will be in the spotlight at the London Royal Festival Hall on Saturday July the 5th 2014, where he will be featured in a ‘Life in Song’ with his 40 piece concert orchestra that will include an incredible cast of guest singers.

From pop music to the stage and TV to film, Tony Hatch is a songwriting legend.

Not only did he help to define popular culture throughout the 1960s, penning some of the world’s most loved songs, but he’s also written the music to songs that have become timeless.

His theme tunes for television include Crossroads, Emmerdale and Neighbours.

For the stage he wrote the music for The Card and Rock Nativity and for the world of pop he created the songs Downtown, Call Me, I know a place, Joanna, I couldn’t live without your love, Colour My World and many, many more.

Take the chance to step into the life and mind of a great songwriter as he performs on stage with a 40-piece orchestra and guest singers, and chats with Michael Grade about his life, his career and the stories behind the songs.

The show will feature special guests Rumer and Marti Webb with others to be confirmed. Book Tickets Now!!! …..Select your preferred date and time below. If a performance is no longer available it will not be clickable.

Tony Hatch is very proud of his recent induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Tony is one of the worlds icons in the Songwriting business having penned his for many artists and winning numerous awards along the way. Best know for composing TV theme songs; most notably for the successful Australian soap, ‘Neighbours’ and the UK soap ‘Emmerdale,’ now in its 40th year of international television triumph.

In more recent times, Tony Hatch has worked with Dionne Warwick and Friends in Concert for ‘The Hunger Project,’ which showcased in May 2012 at The Royal Albert Hall. The legendary voice worked closely with Hatch to support ‘World Hunger Day,’ a small charity made up of 3 employees that campaign for funds to end world hunger.

Tony Hatch has extraordinary amounts of talent, with a list of accomplishments that will continue to touch fans and the industry for generations to come. Remember to check back to the official Tony Hatch site for all the latest news.