Encouraging to see a new series on regional theatre given a 30 mins slot on BBC1, yes BBC1, and the first programme, 9 Nov, will be transmitted on a regional basis: North East/Cumbria will look behind the scenes at the Theatre by the Lake, Keswick: North West features Alison Steadman, Jonathan Pryce, Bernard Hill reminiscing about acting at the Everyman, Liverpool; and Yorkshire/Lincolnshire looks behind the scenes at York Theatre Royal as it undergoes a major refurbishment. It seems that 11 documentaries are envisaged which will also be included on iPlayer for areas which don't cover a particular programme, Further, BBC 4 will show On Stage at the Exeter Northcott on Tues, 10 Nov at 19.30 hrs with a 30 mins slot, followed by On Stage, Soho, on Wed, 11 Nov. Yes, my head is also spinning but let us be grateful for small favours!
I'm also recording the Imagine...series, also on BBC 1 at 22.35hrs each Tuesday. Schedule varies between 65 mins, 70 or even 80 mins, for the same series, 22.35hrs on Tues, 10 Nov, with the sub-heading, My Curious Documentary, examining the stage adaptation of Mark Haddon's book, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, covering the story of a 15 year-old boy with autimism with a behind the scenes look at productions in London and New York. The first two progs in the series, Shylock's Ghost, in splendid Venetian locations, and on Tuesday of this week, an in-depth coverage of Antony Gormley: Being Human. I do wonder how many potential viewers are lost because these documentaries are scheduled on BBC 1 and its poor reputation, plus promotional waffle between programmes, sometimes a turn-off.
I'm also recording the Imagine...series, also on BBC 1 at 22.35hrs each Tuesday. Schedule varies between 65 mins, 70 or even 80 mins, for the same series, 22.35hrs on Tues, 10 Nov, with the sub-heading, My Curious Documentary, examining the stage adaptation of Mark Haddon's book, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, covering the story of a 15 year-old boy with autimism with a behind the scenes look at productions in London and New York. The first two progs in the series, Shylock's Ghost, in splendid Venetian locations, and on Tuesday of this week, an in-depth coverage of Antony Gormley: Being Human. I do wonder how many potential viewers are lost because these documentaries are scheduled on BBC 1 and its poor reputation, plus promotional waffle between programmes, sometimes a turn-off.
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