EastEnders theme tune
The EastEnders theme tune was created by Simon May after being assigned the job of composer in 1984. He was assisted by Leslie Osborne.
The theme is largely based upon percussion, strings and the piano, it is widely known for its dramatic use of sound, particularly the drums that begin at the end of an episode — increasing in tempo — which adds a sense of importance, suspense and drama to the cliff-hanger.
This in itself, has been parodied and used by television shows since, such as in a Friends spoof that featured on SMTV Live.
It is recognised as an iconic piece of music, largely establishing itself based upon shocking and surprising cliff-hangers that have featured dominantly throughout the years. It could be said that it is a victim of its own success, most viewers now pre-empt the ending, if something major is going to happen in an episode, such as the return of an old character, then it is very likely they will only feature in the last few seconds before the drums begin.
It has been said by Shane Richie (who played Alfie Moon), that upon being given the latest scripts, EastEnders cast members always rush to the back to see who will be getting the dramatic ending. Jessie Wallace has said that Shane Richie always tried to steal the endings that she and others were given, if he featured in the same scene.
Remixes and remakes
Due to its popularity, the tune was turned into a song, titled "Anyone Can Fall in Love". The lyrics were created by Don Black, and it was recorded in 1986 by EastEnders cast member Anita Dobson who portrayed Angie Watts in the show, and produced by her husband, and Queen guitarist, Brian May.
It reached number four in the charts, and Anita appeared on Top of the Pops.
In 1988 the tune was transformed again. This time it became a hymn called "Glory Be", which was performed on the BBC's Songs of Praise.
In 1993, Simon May was asked to produced a jazzed up version of the EastEnders theme, however, it proved somewhat unpopular with the viewers and was replaced with a remix of the original theme tune only 11 months later, from 11 April 1994.
DJ Osymyso – known for remixing popular culture — produced a mashed-up version of the theme, it turned the infamous fight between Peggy Mitchell and Pat Butcher into a breakbeat dance track.
The theme has also been remixed into a much slower and less dramatic version for use with EastEnders Revealed and a rock version for use with EastEnders Xtra
Julia’s theme
Julia’s theme refers to an alternative version of the usual theme, which was named after the shows creator, Julia Smith.
This theme sees a change from the drums that are usually featured instantly at the end; instead Julia’s theme ends an episode with a slow build up played by the piano. This is usually played after the departure of a character.
The first time it was played was in April 1985 — episode 16, where Ian Beale was seen crying into the arms of Lou Beale. The longest version was first heard in episode 66 where Den was revealed as the father of Michelle's baby. It was also used was in early December 2005 after an emotinoal week followig the storylines of Chrissie Watts in jail, Stacey Slater caring for her mother Jean, who had a mental illness and tried to commit suicide, and Frank Butcher and Pat Evans attending Janine's trial.
Previous to that it was used in June 2005, when Zoe Slater made an exit after being on screen for around four years.
The last time the tune was used was when Grant and Courtney Mitchell left to go to Portugal on 9 June 2006.
Some other uses of the theme include Cindy’s getaway, Kathy Mitchell’s exit, Arthur's funeral, Bianca’s exit, Ian Beale's bankruptcy, Jim proposing to Dot on the London Eye and Nana Moon's death.
It was also used when Alfie gatecrashed Kat and Andy's wedding, not in the church, but when Kat and Alfie were walking away with each other outside.
External links
Audio/visual clips of opening sequences (all links open in RealPlayer);