Kevin Spacey has gone on record complaining about the Lloyd Webber talent shows and would like to see more programmes about theatre. He said: "I felt that was essentially a 13-week promotion for a musical - where's our 13-week programme?"

The Hollywood star is artistic director at the Old Vic theatre in London and clearly feels quite strongly about this. "I have spoken to your chairman but he has yet to get back to me," Spacey said. The BBC replied that its shows were not 'unduly promotional'.

How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?, Any Dream Will Do and I'd Do Anything scour the country for musical stars. Lord Lloyd-Webber is still on the judging panel, although Oliver! is produced not by him but by his friend, Sir Cameron Mackintosh.

Spacey said it was "great" that people were getting "interested in the West End and theatres", but he thought the BBC's talent shows were "crossing the line" and "unfair".

He suggested the corporation broadcast a series about the theatre "to help kids find their own sense of self-esteem, confidence and ability to collaborate".

"These are interesting ideas, now they're not sexy so maybe they don't want to put them on air," he told BBC entertainment reporter Colin Paterson. Not sure if you've seen the Nancys, Marias and Josephs, Kev - but 'sexy' isn't the first word that springs to mind...

A spokeswoman pointed out that the corporation had no commercial interest in the subsequent West End productions of Oliver!, Joseph, or the Sound Of Music.

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