The Prize Racket

The Stockwell Park Orchestra embarks on a TV competition in The Prize Racket, facing unconventional rivals and unexpected challenges for a grand prize.

In The Prize Racket, the Stockwell Park Orchestra faces an unexpected challenge when they are invited to compete in a high-stakes TV competition for classical music. With a £50,000 prize on the line, the orchestra must navigate a landscape filled with unconventional competitors, including jazz bands and unique ensembles, each pushing the boundaries of the genre. The pressure mounts as they grapple with the idea of crossover music, leading them to question whether they can truly stand out in such a diverse field.

Amid the excitement and chaos, the return of the Resident Poet threatens to derail their rehearsals. This time, however, the poet brings along live Ambient Sounds, adding another layer of complexity to the competition. The TV producers recognize that a good rivalry boosts ratings, and with the stakes so high, the orchestra must find a way to balance their traditional roots with the demands of the modern music scene.

As the competition unfolds, the orchestra discovers a voting scam that could jeopardize their chances of winning. With their own concert rehearsals at risk, they must act quickly to resolve the issue in the TV studio. The Prize Racket is a humorous and insightful exploration of ambition, creativity, and the lengths to which musicians will go to achieve success in a world that often values spectacle over substance.