Oliver's Twist
Oliver's Twist is a 2002 television series featuring chef Jamie Oliver, the name of the programme is a pun on the title of Charles Dickens' novel Oliver Twist. Following the popularity of his first TV series, The Naked Chef, he began producing Oliver's Twist to be aired outside the UK. The show became a success, being aired in over 70 countries and helping to establish Oliver's global popularity.
| Oliver's Twist | |
|---|---|
| Created by | Fresh One Productions |
| Directed by | Brain Klein |
| Presented by | Jamie Oliver |
| Opening theme | Just the Start by Scarlet Division |
| Ending theme | Just the Start (instrumental) by Scarlet Division |
| Composer | Leigh Haggerwood |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| No. of series | 2 |
| No. of episodes | 52 |
| Production | |
| Executive producer | Andrew Conrad (Series 2) |
| Producers | Simon Willis (Series 1) Rowan Beacon (Series 2) |
| Production locations | London, England |
| Running time | 30 minutes |
| Release | |
| Original network | Food Network BBC Two (Repeats) |
| Picture format | 4:3 |
| Original release | 2002 – 2003 |
Production
The show was produced by Oliver's own production company, Fresh One Productions, and there are 52 episodes in total. The show was filmed in London. All music for the show was composed by Leigh Haggerwood. Just the Start, the theme song was performed by Scarlet Division, the band for which Oliver has been drummer since 1989.
Music
The theme tune for the show, entitled "Just the Start", was written by Leigh Haggerwood who was a bandmate with Oliver in 1989.
Episodes
Series 1 (2002)
- Fish and Chips at Home: American students Francesco, Sarah and Andre are teaching Jamie cooks some traditional British food to take back home like Spotted Dick, Fish and Chips and Minted Mushy Peas.
- Copper's Curries: London police force members Andy, Louise, Chas, and Ollie are teaching Jamie cooks some spicy dishes like Mango Lassi, Cellophane Noodle Salad and Monkfish wrapped in Banana Leaves.
- Scrumptious and Sinful: Models Jasmine, Vicki, and Polly are teaching Jamie cooks great tasting high carb dinners like Tagliatelle with Saffron and Seafood, Carpaccio with Baby Beets and Lime and Basil Sorbet.
- Great Packed Lunches: Bicycle couriers Steven and David that and live off bread rolls and sandwiches that don't involve bread, as Jamie shows how to make Squashed Cherry Tomato Salad, Meatballs and Calzone.
- Kitchen Builders: Carpenters Connor and Russell for 5 years, so Jamie cooks a meal for them to say thank you like Chickpea and Leek Soup, Braised Lamb Shanks, and English Trifle.
- More than just a Lettuce leaf: Dom the Magician and his special friends are teach Jamie them that being vegetarian doesn't have to be all lentils and tofu like Mushroom Sarnie, Mushroom Tagliatelle, and Vanilla Ice-cream with Pecans and Espresso.
- Late Night Snacks: Stand-up comedians Greg and Junior have a terrible diet of take-out and beer, so Jamie shows them how cooks Spaghetti Puttanesca, A Warm Rocket Salad and Chocolate Fridge Cake that are quick, easy, and healthy.
- Big Grub for Big Boys: London Wasps players Mark, Alex, Fraser and Lawrence are need some really good energy food, so Jamie cooks a post-match meal for big boys like Chicken in Milk, Proper Polenta, and Panettone Bread and Butter Pudding with Ice-cream.
- ABBA Mania: Lynn, Chris, Paula and Steve are all mad ABBA fans who tour the UK in their camper, so Jamie cooks up for them like Marinated Squid Salad, Pot Roasted Pork and Fruit Cobbler.
- Singletons: Wine shop owners Louise, Naomi and Emily are three beautiful girls who just can't hold a boyfriend, so Jamie Oliver teaches them how to cook Risotto, Seared Tuna Steaks and Portuguese Chocolate Tarts.
- Painting Party: After Jimmy and his pals to do the hard work renovated his new kitchen, Jamie rewards his buddies' efforts with a Perfect Paella.
- Scarlet Division: Jamie was the drummer in the band Scarlet Division since 1990. These days he's too busy working to get any opportunity to play with the gang. He'll get everyone together for a jamming session with the theme song plus some very good food.
- Bollywood: Inspired by India's Spirited Cinema. Jamie decides to throw a Bollywood party for 14 people including his friend Jimmy. Chef Daz helps Jamie out with the food, while his pal Honey turns up to show him how to shake his booty Bollywood style!
- Tiger: Jamie's grandmother (otherwise known as Tiger) and her 6 elderly people are hitting London for the day! He prepares a special afternoon tea after their fabulous day of sightseeing.
- First Date: Jamie sister-in-law, Lisa, has offered to cook a meal for her new boyfriend. She's determined to make a lasting impression, but is worried that her culinary skills might not live up to expectations.
- The Bill: Jamie meets actor Steve Hartley, and is currently starring in the hit police drama The Bill. He went with his co-stars Trudie and George to teach and invite Jamie for a Hot and Spicy fest.
- Wild City: Jamie meets his mentor Gennaro show how even in the middle of a city, Mother Nature does provide - if you know where to look. Delicious dishes from wild ingredients, proving there is such a thing as a free lunch!
- Chocolate: Jamie has persuaded 2 girls from the office to baby-sit Poppy so that he can treat Jools to a romantic evening out. As payment for their services, Jamie has offered them the one thing no girl can resist chocolate!
- Wimbledon: Jamie's Mother-in-law Jools and her baby Poppy and her 4 chums couldn't get tickets to the Wimbledon's Men's Final, so Jamie has invited them to watch it on TV, and cooks him a summer feast.
- Bon Voyage: Jamie's friend Jamie Smith is going travelling for a year to Australia and New Zealand, so Jamie cooks a meal for him and his 6 people for a Goodbye Party to send him off in style.
Content
The show typically opens with an introduction which tells the story behind the episode: usually why and for whom Jamie will be cooking. After the intro sequence, Jamie is usually seen riding about London on his trademark scooter, gathering food for the meal he will be preparing. This part of the show is set to a different song in each episode. After arriving back at his flat, the rest of the episode is dedicated to his preparation of the meal, sometimes accompanied by the guests he is cooking for. The end of the show is, naturally, everybody eating the meal, although on occasion it includes a music performance if he is cooking for a band.
Unlike in The Naked Chef where he frequently speaks to a person off-camera and acts as though he were not being filmed, Oliver presents the show directly to the camera, or speaks with guests he has with him.