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Andrew Lloyd Webber; playing yourself in TV dramas; Will Self's Cultural Exchange

Andrew Lloyd Webber on refurbishing the Theatre Royal, plus Richard Bacon, Kirsty Wark and Ken Bruce on the art of playing yourself in TV dramas, and Will Self's Cultural Exchange.

With Mark Lawson,

Andrew Lloyd Webber discusses the new restoration of the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, one of London's oldest theatres. The first theatre building was opened in May 1663, an event recorded in Samuel Pepys's diary. The Grand Saloon, rotunda and main staircases have been restored by Lord Lloyd Webber in a 拢4 million project. He reflects on the importance of London's historical theatres, how an interview on Front Row led to his next musical, and why he doesn't want a theatre named after him.

In the new 麻豆社 One drama Frankie, Ken Bruce is a radio presence weaved into the series. He discusses the difficulties involved in playing himself, and Kirsty Wark and Richard Bacon also reflect on their experiences of appearing as themselves in TV dramas.

In tonight's Cultural Exchange, in which leading creative minds select a favourite work, writer Will Self nominates The Man Who Was Thursday, a novel by G K Chesterton.

Producer Penny Murphy.

Available now

30 minutes

Chapters

  • Andrew Lloyd Webber

    Andrew Lloyd Webber on the refurbishment of the Theatre Royal Drury Lane

    Duration: 10:23

  • Playing Yourself

    Ken Bruce, Kirsty Wark and Richard Bacon on their experiences of playing themselves on TV.

    Duration: 10:09

  • Cultural Exchange: Will Self

    Writer Will Self talks about The Man Who Was Thursday, a novel by G K Chesterton.

    Duration: 06:08

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Mark Lawson
Interviewed Guest Will Self
Producer Penny Murphy
Editor John Goudie
Interviewed Guest Andrew Lloyd Webber
Interviewed Guest Ken Bruce
Interviewed Guest Richard Bacon
Interviewed Guest Kirsty Wark

Broadcast

  • Wed 15 May 2013 19:15

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