A television comedy-drama mini-series – by Bob Denton
Three fast-paced one-hour episodes show the characters of the DREAM TEAM working at London’s ExCeL Exhibition Centre. They are engaged in running the annual ‘Dream Homes’ public show.
The sets are all located in the background of the show, so while the event is clearly occurring, it is never actually seen. The at-site experience builds tension for the small organising team as they run the event, respect the venue rules, marshal the contractors, manage the exhibitors and control the public visitors. There are many amusing moments, with the action including face-to-face, phone, radio and Tannoy encounters to maintain a frantic pace.
Two key individuals, Geoff and Kate, arrive at the venue as the most senior managers on the organising team, one is from the sales team and the other is from the operations team. Both have the aspiration to take up the vacant top role, as event director. Currently Geoff, the younger and less experienced of the two, is the favourite and he has been appointed Acting Event Director. But he has yet to earn the respect of his team, because it is not confirmed the team is not that cooperative. Kate fears her company is institutionally sexist, promoting only men to event director positions, but she still cherishes her hopes.
The pressures of setting up opening and closing such a large public event serves as the battleground for these two managers. The at-site realities and many issues threaten to engulf them and spoil both of their chances of promotion.
 | Episode 1: BUILD-UP This takes place at either end of the ‘build’ days for the exhibition. as the organisers take occupancy of the London Exhibition Centre, ExCeL, and as contractors arrive to build it. It reveals the tensions as exhibitors, contractors and organisers seek to get the show ready in time for opening to the public: Part 1: The first day of tenancy at site. We meet the various team members and their temp staff. Issues reveal their different personalities, proclivities, and their relationships while at venue. Part 2: The final day of the exhibition build. Time is fast running out as the strain and anxiety grows. Costs are escalating. Amid technical problems and thefts, Kate meddles to present Geoff in a bad light to their bosses. |
 | Episode 2: OPENING DAY The first open day of the exhibition, from last-minute early morning preparations until a short time after the formal opening ceremony: Part 1: A chaotic period as the tired, overhung and irritable team prepares for the morning’s opening ceremony. Bill tends to exploit the chaos. Last-minute issues are resolved, as the Minister opens the show. Part 2: The frantic period after the public has been admitted into the venue. Jorja overhears Kate’s plots and tells Geoff. The team handles a lost child, a bomb threat, a demanding celebrity, a leaky fish tank… The show is open. |
 | Episode 3: THE CLOSE Set on the final open day of the show and the run-up to its formal closure and subsequent show breakdown: Part 1: Morning of last day. The team has become even more tetchy as it agrees the procedures for the close. Kate and Kevin are at loggerheads. Celeb visits and heaving crowds threaten to close the venue based on capacity and health & safety.. Part 2: Last moments of the show’s open period, the denouement for the inter-personal battle between Kate and Geoff. Kate still tries to sabotage the close. Who will get the role? |
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