Fings Ain't Wot They Used T'be - The Lionel Bart Story

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0120111226Lionel Bart was a unique musical talent. He found fame with the hugely successful musicals Oliver! and 'Fings Ain't Wot They Used T'Be', but he was also a hit-making machine for some of Britain's first rock'n'roll stars - Tommy Steele, Marty Wilde and Cliff Richard, as well as giving the James Bond movie franchise its first song.

He socialised with figures from both serious and populist culture, and experienced a downfall that was as spectacular as his theatrical triumphs.

David and Caroline Stafford's biography of Bart draws on previously unseen archive sources and interviews with those closest to him.

Today, Lionel's East End childhood and early exposure to music. Read by Alistair McGowan.

Abridged by Julian Wilkinson

Produced by Emma Harding.

Bart's East End childhood and early exposure to music.

[R4 BD=20111227

0220111227Lionel Bart was a unique musical talent. He found fame with the hugely successful musicals Oliver! and 'Fings Ain't Wot They Used T'Be', but he was also a hit-making machine for some of Britain's first rock'n'roll stars - Tommy Steele, Marty Wilde and Cliff Richard, as well as giving the James Bond movie franchise its first song.

He socialised with figures from both serious and populist culture, and experienced a downfall that was as spectacular as his theatrical triumphs.

David and Caroline Stafford's new biography of Bart draws on previously unseen archive sources and interviews with those closest to him.

Today, Bart meets Joan Littlewood and writes the songs for 'Fings Ain't Wot They Used T'Be'. Read by Alistair McGowan.

Abridged by Julian Wilkinson

Produced by Emma Harding.

Bart meets Joan Littlewood and writes the songs for Fings Ain't Wot They Used T'Be.

[R4 BD=20111228

0320111228Lionel Bart was a unique musical talent. He found fame with the hugely successful musicals Oliver! and 'Fings Ain't Wot They Used T'Be', but he was also a hit-making machine for some of Britain's first rock'n'roll stars - Tommy Steele, Marty Wilde and Cliff Richard, as well as giving the James Bond movie franchise its first song.

He socialised with figures from both serious and populist culture, and experienced a downfall that was as spectacular as his theatrical triumphs.

David and Caroline Stafford's new biography of Bart draws on previously unseen archive sources and interviews with those closest to him.

Today, Bart gives Cliff Richard his first number one and begins work on his own musical masterpiece, 'Oliver!' Read by Alistair McGowan.

Abridged by Julian Wilkinson

Produced by Emma Harding.

Lionel Bart begins work on his musical masterpiece, 'Oliver!'.

[R4 BD=20111229

0420111229Lionel Bart's new stage musical, 'Oliver!' opens to great acclaim. Read by Alistair McGowan.

Lionel Bart was a unique musical talent. He found fame with the hugely successful musicals Oliver! and 'Fings Ain't Wot They Used T'Be', but he was also a hit-making machine for some of Britain's first rock'n'roll stars - Tommy Steele, Marty Wilde and Cliff Richard, as well as giving the James Bond movie franchise its first song.

He socialised with figures from both serious and populist culture, and experienced a downfall that was as spectacular as his theatrical triumphs.

David and Caroline Stafford's biography of Bart draws on previously unseen archive sources and interviews with those closest to him.

Abridged by Julian Wilkinson

Produced by Emma Harding.

Lionel Bart's musical 'Oliver!' opens to great acclaim.

[R4 BD=20111230

05 LAST20111230Lionel Bart was a unique musical talent. He found fame with the hugely successful musicals Oliver! and 'Fings Ain't Wot They Used T'Be', but he was also a hit-making machine for some of Britain's first rock'n'roll stars - Tommy Steele, Marty Wilde and Cliff Richard, as well as giving the James Bond movie franchise its first song.

He socialised with figures from both serious and populist culture, and experienced a downfall that was as spectacular as his theatrical triumphs.

David and Caroline Stafford's new biography of Bart draws on previously unseen archive sources and interviews with those closest to him.

Today, Bart's reputation is in tatters, and he slides towards alcoholism and bankruptcy. But in the 1980s and 90s, revivals of his earlier work provide a return to grace. Read by Alistair McGowan.

Abridged by Julian Wilkinson

Produced by Emma Harding.

The flop of 'Twang!' leaves Bart's reputation in tatters.

[R4 BD=20111231