The Stage

Lloyd Webber Pop Idol show ‘humiliating’ say professionals

Published Tuesday 21 March 2006 at 14:05 by Alistair Smith

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s proposals to make a Pop Idol-style television show out of his forthcoming production of The Sound of Music have come under fire from professional performers angry he has potentially opened the lead role to amateurs.

Equity has entered discussions with the BBC, which is developing the programme, and has told the Corporation that it will oppose any plans for a show that encourages non-professionals to compete for a job in the West End.

Actress Miriam Karlin, who starred in West End musicals Fiddler on the Roof and Fings Ain’t Wot They Used T’be, said that performing in a musical required specific physical and technical training which took time even for professionals to master.

She commented: “It’s the Martine McCutcheon syndrome - did she ever manage to do eight shows a week in My Fair Lady? I think it is outrageous that there are young women coming out of three years training and possibly a great deal of professional work and for them to [potentially] go through the humiliating process of being judged by the public.

“It’s such a slight on all professional performers that this could be happening. Maria is a great role and performing is very physically demanding. I am absolutely shocked.”

She added that she had spoken to BBC chairman Michael Grade and told him that his father Leslie and uncles Lew Grade and Bernard Delfont would have been “horrified” by the show.

Speaking to The Stage earlier this year, Lloyd Webber confirmed that the audition process would be open to both professionals and amateurs. He added: “I think it will be very exciting. It won’t be everyone taking Simon Cowell pot-shots at artists. You will see how all the artists work together and be given an insight into the creative process. I think we’ll have something really special.”

The BBC has confirmed that the programme is currently in development but had not been given the go-ahead. A spokesperson added: “At any given time, there are a number of programmes in development for the BBC, each with their own set of challenges to be resolved before they are given the go ahead. This idea with Andrew Lloyd Webber is one of them. We have met with Equity and are aware of their concern.”