Showbiz

The fab four

On song: former Israeli army lieutenant Hadar Manor has been spotted by record companies
Lech Mintowt-Czyz|Evening Standard
11 April 2012

After 26 years of presenting its viewers with a diet of the most highbrow artists from around the world, the South Bank Show has decided to lighten up a bit - the ITV programme's producers have turned to London's buskers. Here's the fab four...

From Israel to Kilburn


She was determined to make her way in the music world and took to singing in the West End. She earned just enough to pay her basic bills but was happy to be able to perform and was eventually spotted singing one of her own songs at Westminster Tube. Later the same week she was approached by a second record company while playing at Tottenham Court Road.

Harpist with no strings

That was 15 years ago and the 47-year-old is now a licensed regular at Green Park station, playing a Celtic harp. Living in Maidstone in a shared rented house he commutes with his 3ft harp five days a week. Being single, he has been able to follow the dream he had as a teenager to be a musician. He has his own website and last year released his first CD.

  • History mum with a voiceAs a mother of two daughters and a full-time history degree student Jordene Thomas has her hands full. But, despite no formal training, she helps pay her bills with her clear and powerful soprano voice at the Covent Garden Piazza. Ms Thomas, who is in her mid-30s and lives in Walthamstow, has no agent and struggles at auditions because she cannot fluently read music. Programme producer Archie Powell said: "We heard a lot of sopranos but she really is special."
  • Hard graft by the ThamesNow in his 40s, busking is Derek Charles's only source of income. He decided six years ago to earn a living as a busking reggae musician after years drifting and claiming benefits. With a backing track of bass, drums and keyboard, he holds court on the South Bank near the London Eye five times a week playing his guitar and singing. On a good day he returns to his Kidbrooke council flat with £50 in his pocket.

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