Barrowman Defends TV Casting Shows

Published on 2 March 2010 by Jonathan Dudley

John Barrowman has defended Andrew Lloyd Webber's BBC casting shows.

The singer/actor spoke to The Daily Telegraph, suggesting that talent search television shows such as Any Dream Will Do and I'd Do Anything have brought musical theatre back into the spotlight.

Barrowman spoke out in favour of the use of television shows in the search for rising stars, saying: "It's a formulaic way to find someone that works and that creates a £16 million advance. It gave the West End and musicals exposure that no other TV programme or network would have done."

The star went on to attack the belief that casting shows have lowered the tone of West End theatre audiences, saying: "I've had company managers complaining, 'Oh, we've got people sitting in shell suits in the theatre'. Well, you've got people in the theatre, bums on seats, your cast is being paid and you're being paid because your house is full, so don't complain."