This review was originally going to be called ‘Conducting For Dummies c/o The BBC‘. However, that wouldn’t be very good for searches in Google and the like. However, that’s exactly what Maestro (BBC Two, Tuesday, 12 August, 9pm) was. Not only was it an exercise in teaching the gathered novice celebrities, but it was an exercise in taking us in to the lessons with them. I’m one of those people who need convincing… classical music just isn’t vulgar enough for me. However, on the strength of this show, a new found appreciation my by afoot.

In short, this programme is brilliant. I expected it to be complete tosh. Beforehand, I expected the smell of moth balls and pipe tobacco as stuffy old gits cooed and furrowed brows at how wonderful or dreadful the whole thing was. That’s the thing. Classical music attracts two types of people – the snooty and the spod. Classical music has never been a thing I’ve been attracted to (until very very recently) because it feels like something to rattle your jewels at. I mean, no wonder everyone likes rock’n'roll. You can buy a guitar and teach yourself for pennies. Bassoons… and the lessons… and the constant orchestra trips? Yup. It’s for posh gits.

The marvellous thing about Maestro is that it knocks all your preconceptions into the sea. It’s not about cheque-books, but the music. The music all by itself. Of course, everyone has their own claim to music and the featured celebrities are no different. Peter Snow, Alex James, Goldie, Bradley Walsh, Jane Asher, Sue Perkins, Katie Derham and David Soul.

During the build up, each tell of their reasons for doing the show and their love of music. Peter Snow, a great lumbering Scooby-Doo mummy of a mover, while talking to his cousin, Jon Snow, is informed by the best newsreader on telly “…and when you get to a piece that just makes your balls… tingle… that’s when you go TAARUMPH! REALLY BRING IT UP BOY!” It’s great a great moment.

And this is a show filled with great moments. One of the pleasing aspects early on, while the various celebs really show-off how bad they are, murdering various pieces of music, the viewer was able to laugh with the contestants. Where most of these reality style shows are based on humiliation or laughing AT the contestants, it’s great to see a show that enables you to laugh WITH.

In Clive Anderson, you have a genial, warm host who manages to cut the stuffiness of the show with a few glib asides… although not too much. He’s a great addition to the show. He not only acts as a go-between for those involved, but also, as a go-between for the viewer. Let’s keep in mind, this show is hoping to bring classical music to a new audience. So far, it seems to be working. And while the celebrities have a lot of work to do, so to do the experts on the show.

What was dispiriting was that, toward the close of the show, when the slebs were really trying, you could clearly see the conductors all pissing themselves laughing. It does reek a bit of the geeks revenge. Worse still, one of the judges, during Alex James’ performance at the close says “I’d like to see less enjoyment”. Herein lies the problem with classical music.

Anyway, the finest moment in the show – and most telling – was the response to Goldie’s work. The crowd, the judges… hell, the viewer… went mental. One of the judges quipped “What can I say? You’re a conductor”. Then, a quick edit to Jane Asher craning at the door with a sniff of jealous schoolgal about her… it was class swot versus prodigious talent.

Poor ol’ lumbering Peter Snow was first off the show… no great surprise… but there’s something about this show which could really draw a lot of people in. Don’t be put off by the pompous music or the rubbish clothes they make you wear in orchestras. This is a cracking show that, potentially, could be one of the shows of the year. Enthralling and immensely enjoyable!