
Acting
Neil Tennant
Born 1954-07-10 · North Shields, Northumberland, England, UK
Neil Francis Tennant (born 10 July 1954) is an English singer, songwriter and music journalist, and co-founder of the synth-pop duo the Pet Shop Boys, which he formed with Chris Lowe in 1981. He was a journalist for Smash Hits, and assistant editor for the magazine in the mid-1980s. Tennant coined the phrase imperial phase to describe the period in which a musical artist is regarded to be at their commercial and creative peak simultaneously. This observation was initially self-referential, made as the Pet Shop Boys had achieved commercial success with four British number one hits ("West End Girls", "It's a Sin", "Heart", and "Always on My Mind"), had received critical praise for their first three albums and had expanded their creative horizons through innovative collaborations in the visual and performing arts. Neil Francis Tennant was born in the town of North Shields, approximately 8 miles east of Newcastle upon Tyne, to William W. Tennant (1923–2009), a sales representative, and Sheila M. (Watson) Tennant (1923–2008). He has an older sister, Susan, and two younger brothers, Simon and Philip. The family moved to Greenfield Road (opposite the corner of South Bend), Brunton Park, Gosforth shortly after Neil was born. Tennant attended St Cuthbert's Grammar School, an all-boys' Catholic school in Newcastle upon Tyne. His songs "This Must Be the Place I Waited Years to Leave" and "It's a Sin" refer to his early life in Catholic school and the strict upbringing there. As a child, Tennant taught himself to play guitar and piano and started writing songs. He also played cello in school. During his teenage years, he played in a folk music group named Dust, who were heavily influenced by The Incredible String Band. Tennant wrote several of their songs including "Can You Hear the Dawn Break?", which he regards as his first 'proper' song. He was also a member of the youth theatre at the People's Theatre, Newcastle upon Tyne. In 1975, having completed a degree in history at North London Polytechnic (now part of London Metropolitan University), Tennant worked for two years as the production editor for Marvel UK, the UK branch of Marvel Comics. He was responsible for anglicising the dialogue of Marvel's catalogue to suit British readers and for indicating where women needed to be redrawn for the British editions. He also wrote occasional features for the comics, including interviews with pop stars Marc Bolan and Alex Harvey. In 1977, he moved to Macdonald Educational Publishing, where he edited The Dairy Book of Home Management (1980) and various illustrated books about cookery, playing the guitar and other home interests. Then he moved to ITV Books, where he edited TV tie-in books. After having commissioned Steve Bush, then the designer of Smash Hits and The Face, to design a book about the group Madness, he was offered a job at Smash Hits as news editor of the British teen pop magazine in 1982. The following year, he became assistant editor. He also edited The Smash Hits Yearbook from 1982 to 1985. ... Source: Article "Neil Tennant" from Wikipedia in English, licensed under CC-BY-SA.
Acting credits
8.0A career retrospective celebrating the timeless music of one of the world's greatest singer–Dusty Springfield. For the first time, Dusty contributes to her own intriguing story with plenty of outrageous assistance from hosts Jennifer Sanders and Dawn French.
Dusty
1994
7.4On 2 July 2005 an estimated 3 billion people came together in the fight against extreme poverty. LIVE 8 - 10 concerts featuring over 1000 musicians from across the globe - asked people not for their money, but for their voice.
Live 8
2005
NRTake one look at award-winning songwriter / artist Allee Willis and you see someone unafraid to be themselves. Dressed in a cacophony of prints and colors, her signature asymmetrical haircut and famed parties at her real-life Pee-Wee’s Playhouse, Allee didn’t waste any opportunity to tell you what she was about. But privately, Allee struggled with not fitting established gender and sexual norms. She buried herself in her work, until true love manifested her ultimate masterpiece - self-acceptance.
The World According to Allee Willis
2024
7.9Documentary following a generation of post-punk musicians who took the synthesiser from the experimental fringes to the centre of the pop stage.
Synth Britannia
2009
10.0A concert of the songs of Noël Coward performed by modern British artists including Sting, the Pet Shop Boys and the Divine Comedy.
Twentieth Century Blues: The Songs of Noël Coward
1998
6.9The closing ceremony of the games of the XXXth Olympiad.
London 2012 Olympic Closing Ceremony: A Symphony of British Music
2012
5.8Pet Shop Boys Chris Lowe and Neil Tennant embark upon a journey across England - but which England? Is it the half-remembered England of their childhoods, or the brutal reality of Mrs Thatcher's late-eighties England? Along the way they come across many familiar (and sinister) faces. The movie also features some of the Pet Shop Boys' most popular records.
It Couldn't Happen Here
1988
9.0A celebration of some of the biggest names in music, offering an epic compilation of 60 songs performed over the past 60 years to celebrate BBC Two's diamond anniversary. All the performances featured originated on BBC Two and have formed an important part of the channel's output over its 60-year history. Featuring such musicians as Joni Mitchell, Elton John, the Rolling Stones, Dolly Parton, Stormzy, Sam Smith, Kylie Minogue, Bob Marley, Blondie and Queen.
60 Songs: BBC Two at 60
2024
6.6The story of how George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley's Wham! turned one song into a cultural phenomenon. As well as new interviews with Wham! fans and friends, figures such as Mary J Blige, Sir Bob Geldof, Neil Tennant and Sam Smith give their views on the song's themes of unrequited love and loss.
Wham!: Last Christmas Unwrapped
2024
8.3Featuring exclusive access to their recent tour and their new album, this documentary reveals the fascinating world of Pet Shop Boys, Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe.
Imagine… Pet Shop Boys: Then and Now
2024
9.0Following the release of All of Us Strangers, acclaimed British filmmaker Andrew Haigh shoots Tracey Emin and Russell Tovey alongside the Pet Shop Boys in the music video for new single A New Bohemia, taken from their latest album Nonetheless – released on Parlophone, and premiering exclusively on NOWNESS. Discussing the project, Andrew Haigh said, “I have loved the Pet Shop Boys since the release of Please. I have every album and have seen them play live many times over the years. Getting to make a music video with them has been a dream come true.” “We had a lovely sunny day in Margate filming this video with Andrew Haigh, fresh from his success with All of Us Strangers," Pet Shop Boys shared. "Thanks to Andrew and all concerned, in particular the many local residents who took part, including Russell Tovey and Tracey Emin.”
Pet Shop Boys: A New Bohemia
2024
9.5Years & Years singer Olly Alexander throws a spectacular New Year's Eve party as we build up to the midnight moment. Olly performs many of his hits and some surprise cover songs as well as duetting with pop superstar Kylie Minogue and the legendary Pet Shop Boys.
The Big New Years & Years Eve Party with Kylie and Pet Shop Boys
2021
8.5The innovative and influential British filmmaker Derek Jarman was invited to direct the Pet Shop Boys' 1989 tour. This film is a series of iconoclastic images he created for the background projections. Stunning, specially shot sequences (featuring actors, the Pet Shop Boys, and friends of Jarman) contrast with documentary montages of nature, all skillfully edited to music tracks.
Projections
1993
8.5Pet Shop Boys perform many of their biggest hits from West End Girls to Go West, with dancers and films before a wildly enthusiastic Brazilian audience. Playlist : 1. Tonight Is Forever | 2. I Wouldn't Normally Do This Kind Of Thing | 3. Always On My Mind | 4. Domino Dancing | 5. To Speak Is A Sin | 6. One In A Million/Mr Vain | 7. Paninaro | 8. Rent | 9. Suburbia | 10. King's Cross | 11. So Hard | 12. Left To My Own Devices/Rhythm Of The Night | 13. Absolutely Fabulous | 14. Liberation | 15. West End Girls | 16. Can You Forgive Her? | 17. Girls And Boys | 18. It's A Sin/I Will Survive | 19. Go West | 20. Go West (Reprise) | 21. Being Boring
Pet Shop Boys: Discovery (Live in Rio)
1995
9.0Elton John entertains a celebrity studio audience, answering questions and singing songs with his guests.
An Audience with Elton John
1997
7.2Rising from the ashes of the legendary British post-punk unit Joy Division, the enigmatic New Order triumphed over tragedy to emerge as one of the most influential and acclaimed bands of the 1980's, embracing the electronic textures and disco rhythms of the underground club culture many years in advance of its contempraries. "New Order Story" is the definitive documentary on the band and traces their history all the way back to its origin with Joy Division. This extended version includes additional interviews and live footage, over 2 hours of great New Order footage. A longform video chronicling the band's history and music with interviews by Bono, Neil Tennant, Quincy Jones and others.
New Order Story
1993
7.0Jennifer Saunders hosts a party of AbFab outtakes and behind-the-scenes footage.
How to Be Absolutely Fabulous
1995
9.0Documentary and live concert from the Savoy Theatre London, June 1997. Tracklist: The Dress Rehearsal - Opening Night - Yesterday, When I Was Mad - The Truck Driver And His Mate - Se A Vida É - Hallo Spaceboy - To Step Aside - Go West - The Theatre - It's A Sin / I Will Survive - Discoteca - Can You Forgive Her? - Somewhere - Rent - Being Boring - Left To My Own Devices
Pet Shop Boys: Somewhere
1997
NRSuede performing live in concert at the Roundhouse, London, in 1996 during their tour of the 'Coming Up' album.
Suede - Live at the Roundhouse 1996
1996
8.8Footage recorded live in Dortmund, Germany on their 1999/2000 Nightlife Tour.
Pet Shop Boys: Montage - The Nightlife Tour
2001
7.4Formed in London in 1981 and consisting of primary vocalist Neil Tennant and keyboardist Chris Lowe, English synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys have sold more than 50 million records worldwide, and have been cited as one of the most successful duos in UK music history. Captured live at Copenhagen’s Royal Arena, the exhilarating performance features a lavish stage show, full back-up band and mesmerizing visual backdrops, in front of an exuberant, sold-out audience. This brand-new concert film includes all of PSB's greatest hits including 'West End Girls', 'Suburbia', 'Opportunities (Let’s Make Lots of Money)', 'Always on My Mind', 'What Have I Done to Deserve This?' and 'It’s a Sin'.
Pet Shop Boys Dreamworld: The Greatest Hits Live at the Royal Arena Copenhagen
2024
9.3The iconic duo's acclaimed production, first presented at the Royal Opera House in 2016 over four sold-out shows, was reprised at the venue for a further four nights in July 2018 as part of their 'Super' tour. Staged by long-term PSB designer Es Devlin and choreographer/director Lynne Page, the show was filmed by director David Barnard.
Pet Shop Boys: Inner Sanctum 2018
2019
9.0Electronic Beats presents a very special short performance by Pet Shop Boys live in Berlin. The British pop duo will play a selection of songs from their new album Elysium on 5 September, 2012, the first time songs from the album will have been played live. The 30 minute show is to be held in the small and exclusive environs of Hebbel am Ufer(HAU1), Berlin, Germany. Pet Shop Boys have especially selected the Hebbel am Ufer because of the theatre’s reputation as one of the most innovative event locations in Berlin for young, international and experimental art.
Electronic Beats Festival Berlin 2012 - Pet Shop Boys
2012
7.6British pop duo Pet Shop Boys captured on film 1-3 June 1991 at Birmingham NEC on their Performance tour. This film, by Eric Watson, features the live show and footage filmed backstage. Digitally remastered and visually restored in 2004. Setlist: 01. This Must Be The Place I've Waited Years To Leave; 02. It's A Sin; 03. Losing My Mind; 04. What Have I Done To Deserve This?; 05. My October Symphony; 06. I'm Not Scared; 07. We All Feel Better In The Dark; 08. So Sorry, I Said ; 09. Suburbia; 10. So Hard; 11. Opportunities (Let's Make Lots Of Money); 12. How Can You Expect To Be Taken Seriously?; 13. Rent; 14. Where The Streets Have No Name (I Can't Take My Eyes Off You); 15. West End Girls; 16. Jealousy; 17. Always On My Mind; 18. Your Funny Uncle
Pet Shop Boys: Performance
1991