LS Lowry: The Unheard Tapes

About this Broadcast

An insight into the secretive 'matchstick men' painter as he guides viewers through his revealing life story in unheard interviews from the end of his life. Recorded by a young fan, Angela Barratt, in 1972, the tapes uncover much about Lowry's life story and the changing north he captured in his iconic paintings. Lip-synced by actors Ian McKellen and Annabel Smith.

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Arts/Culture (without Music) General

Cast & Crew

Ian McKellen (Actor) .. LS Lowry

Annabel Smith (Actor) .. Angela Barratt

Peter Sweasey (Director)

James Kent (Director)

Hannah Mirsky (Producer)

Morgana Pugh (Executive producer)

More Information

Did You Know..

Ian McKellen (Actor) .. LS Lowry

Born: May 25, 1939 in Burnley

Best Known For: The Lord of the Rings.

Early-life: Ian Murray McKellen was born in Burnley, Lancashire, on May 25, 1939. His father was a civil engineer, and the family moved to Wigan shortly before the outbreak of World War Two. His parents encouraged his interest in drama and took him to see Peter Pan at Manchester's Opera House when he was three. He appeared in several school plays and acted in 21 undergraduate productions while studying English at St Catherine's College, Cambridge.

Career: McKellen started out on stage, gaining acclaim in Britain and America, and winning a prestigious Tony award for his performance in the original Broadway production of Amadeus. He didn't become a household name until his film career took off with hits such as Scandal, Richard III, and X-Men and its sequels. He received Oscar nominations for Gods and Monsters and the first part of The Lord of the Rings trilogy. More recently, he reprised the role of Gandalf in The Hobbit movies. He continues to appear on stage.

Quote: 'Acting is no longer about lying. It's now about revealing the truth. People are at ease with me now. Honesty is the best policy.'

Trivia: Away from acting, McKellen is a campaigner for gay rights and was knighted in 1990.