From The Traitors to the Proms: Composer Sam Watts’ Unforgettable Journey

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As a first-timer gracing the BBC Proms stage, I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. Whether you’re a debuting artist, a curious audience member experiencing the grandeur of the Royal Albert Hall for the first time, or a composer brimming with anticipation over an unproven, untried new composition, the thrill is palpable. And I, Sam Watts, am among this season’s fresh faces.

Perhaps you haven’t come across him yet, but if you are among the countless fans of ‘The Traitors’, his music will undoubtedly sound familiar. As for him, he’s eagerly anticipating the news. After the triumph of the initial series, he had suggested striving for a Prom concert. So when producer Sarah Fay informed him at the end of last year that it was indeed happening, he was overjoyed.

On Saturday, 26th July, The Traitors Prom will be held not once but twice, with high expectations as one of the year’s most anticipated events. Hosted by Claudia Winkleman, it seeks to embody the suspenseful atmosphere and intriguing plotlines of the popular BBC1 reality show. The playlist for the evening will feature a mix of classical music pieces and contemporary pop tracks, creating an intriguing fusion. This event continues the tradition set by previous Proms themed around significant BBC series, such as Life Story from a decade ago, Strictly in 2016, and numerous Doctor Who spectaculars.

The show ‘The Traitors’ is currently experiencing high acclaim, having received BAFTAs and NTAs, not to mention it was a hit for the BBC with over ten million viewers tuning in to series three this year alone. For those unfamiliar, ‘The Traitors’ is shot amidst the breathtaking backdrop of Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands and follows a large-scale adaptation of the game ‘Wink Murder’.

Loyal competitors are tasked with rooting out deceptive saboteurs within their group, as they strive for a £120,000 prize. Originating from the Netherlands, “The Traitors” is produced in both the UK and US by Studio Lambert Scotland, while All3Media has sold the format to nearly 30 countries worldwide.

Watts is currently reworking and rearranging all electronic components for the live rendition of his piece, “Traitors,” by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. We’ve revamped and reinvented the music, giving it an entirely new orchestration. The audience can expect to hear a familiar melody played in a manner they’ve never experienced before. It’s quite an ambitious undertaking!

Born in Yorkshire, Watts currently resides in Edmonton with his spouse, the author Mike Schubert (unrelated to Franz). However, he plans to be present at the Albert Hall on that particular date.

My visit is brief – I arrive on Friday and depart Sunday – making Saturday quite busy with the technical rehearsal early in the morning followed by two concerts. There might be an on-stage appearance, though the details are kept secret for now. The event is known for its surprises, and this year’s edition will be no exception.

During his time at Nottingham University, where he pursued a musical education, Watts benefited greatly from supportive instructors. Among them was Mervyn Cooke, a remarkable composition teacher, renowned for his expertise in film music, and a close friend of the acclaimed composer George Fenton.

Initially, Watts wrote his thesis about Fenton’s music from The Blue Planet (BBC1, 2001). Soon after, an unexpected turn of events led to Fenton offering him a job as his assistant on the films Hitch, Bewitched, and Mrs. Henderson Presents. In 2006, Watts was thrilled when Fenton asked him to create music for BBC’s Planet Earth.

At 43, Watts reflects on the “vitality and enthusiasm” that propelled his career forward. The next significant leap in his journey was inspired by his admiration for Russell T Davies and his work on shows like Queer as Folk (“immensely impactful to me”) and Doctor Who, of course.

I sent a traditional letter, complete with a CD, to Russell. Remarkably, instead of tossing it away, he chose to play it. This shows his thoughtfulness.

Davies shared with RT that Sam was one of his most fortunate career experiences. “During the peak of Doctor Who in 2006,” he said, “my inbox was flooded with CVs from all around the world. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get to them all. But one evening, at midnight, I picked a letter out of the stack randomly, and it had a CD attached. I played it the next day… And to my delight, I walked into work the following day to announce that we had found our composer for The Sarah Jane Adventures!

This was the 2007 spin-off series of Doctor Who, titled “The Sarah Jane Adventures,” which starred Elisabeth Sladen and ran for five seasons. “I adore Sam’s work. It’s intelligent, quick-witted, humorous, passionate, and the best part? You can even sing along! He’s a wonderful individual, and I’m overjoyed by his achievements.

In 2021, Watts received an invitation to submit a demo to The Traitors team. He only had the original Dutch version to guide him. Although he isn’t usually a fan of reality shows, he found himself captivated, which was a positive sign. He created the theme (a blend of suspense and excitement), as well as music for crucial moments like missions and the Round Table conclusion. His compositions have now been included in the deal to sell them to other regions.

I’ve misplaced count, but there are approximately 12 variations of it. Besides the United Kingdom and the United States, it’s also used in Australia, Poland, Sweden, and both Canadian series due to English-speaking and French-speaking versions. This fall, it will make its appearance on the much-awaited The Celebrity Traitors.

Before moving away, Watts was an ardent admirer of the BBC Proms. “I’ve always had a deep affection for the BBC Proms, appreciating their persistent drive to innovate and evolve, as well as their inclusion of film and TV music. I also appreciate that they’ve remained faithful to their initial purpose, which is to increase the number of people listening to classical music. It’s essential to demonstrate that this isn’t an exclusive, elitist activity. Instead, it belongs to everyone. Since we exalt composers like Bach and Mozart, we often forget that their music was once the popular music of their time.

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2025-07-08 03:18