imagine… Pet Shop Boys: Then and Now, 16 April 2024, BBC One

In this episode of imagine…, viewers are invited to explore the world of Pet Shop Boys, one of the most successful duos in UK music history. With over 50 million records sold and a string of hit singles, Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe continue to wow audiences with their unique brand of synth-pop.

The episode, “Then and Now,” airing on BBC One on Tuesday 16 April, offers a comprehensive look at the duo’s four-decade-long career, from their early days in the 1980s to their latest album, “Nonetheless.” It begins with a sneak preview of the album, as Tennant and Lowe discuss its creation and their evolution over the years.

For the first time on television, Pet Shop Boys share their original demo tapes from the 1980s, including the initial recording of their iconic song “West End Girls.” This provides a fascinating insight into the duo’s creative process and the evolution of their sound.

The episode also follows Tennant and Lowe on their global Dreamworld tour, granting viewers backstage access to rehearsals in London and Helsinki. It captures the duo’s collaboration with innovative theatre personnel, creating original and thrilling performances that have become synonymous with Pet Shop Boys.

Contributors to the episode include fellow musicians Brandon Flowers, Jake Shears, Olly Alexander, and Marc Almond, as well as music journalist Miranda Sawyer. Creative collaborators, such as Stuart Price, James Ford, Es Devlin, and Mark Farrow, also offer their insights into the duo’s creative process.

“imagine… Pet Shop Boys: Then and Now” provides an intimate look at the world of Pet Shop Boys, shedding light on their enduring success and the stories behind their memorable synth-pop anthems.

imagine… Pet Shop Boys: Then and Now airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 10:40 PM on Tuesday, 16 April 2024.