Broadcaster Libby Purves has criticised the BBC for “ignoring” theatre unless celebrities are involved.
The former Radio 4 host, 67, accused the broadcaster of swapping serious discussion for “chatty promotion”.
It came after Giles Coren, the new presenter of BBC’s Front Row TV show, was criticised for saying he had not been to the theatre much in the last six years, that the seats were uncomfortable and there should be better access to the toilet.
Purves said: “The BBC has been largely ignoring our broad, diverse live theatre culture for years, except when it involves screen celebrities. It avoids critical discussion and knowledgeable argument, opting instead for chatty promotion.”
She lamented the “BBC’s lacklustre approach to covering” theatre saying it was unfair to say theatre was “elite” and “just for “luvvies”.
A BBC spokesman said it had always had a huge commitment to discursive programming about British theatre.
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