A new documentary airing this evening sees Sir Ian McKellen portray English artist L.S. Lowry.
Marking 50 years since Lowry’s death, L.S. Lowry: The Unheard Tapes explores the touching and often surprising exchange between the enigmatic artist and Angela Barratt, a young fan whose interviews capture Lowry in his most intimate, reflective moments.
The immersive Arena film will see McKellen lip-sync on screen to Lowry’s authentic voice from Barratt’s tapes, originally recorded in the artist’s own living room.
These candid conversations find Lowry tracing his journey from childhood through to his final days, sharing the memories and experiences that shaped both the artist and the man.
L.S. Lowry: The Unheard Tapes can be seen at 9pm on BBC Two in the UK this evening, and will then be available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
Sir Ian McKellen has described the role as a “unique privilege.”
“These tapes reveal an intimate insight into the artist’s thoughts – his ambitions, regrets and his humour,” the 86-year-old actor revealed. “Anyone like me, who admires his paintings and drawings, will be intrigued and delighted that the artist is brought back to life through his own words.”
Richard Grossick on behalf of the Lowry Estate tells us more: “The estate is delighted that 50 years on from the death of L.S.Lowry the BBC has chosen to commission L.S.Lowry: The Unheard Tapes as part of Arena’s birthday celebrations.
“It is good fortune that these compelling recordings of interviews conducted by the young Angela Barratt have survived and are being used in this way. Wall to Wall have brought together a remarkable team of creatives to meticulously shape the programme, it has been a great pleasure collaborating with them.
“The involvement of Ian McKellen completes what might be considered a dream team. As an admirer and champion of the artist’s work it is hard to imagine any other actor better equipped to channel the rhythmical allure of Mr Lowry’s distinctive bygone Lancastrian tones.”
