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Bart writes the songs for 'Fings Ain't Wot They Used T'Be'. Alistair McGowan reads the biography of the composer and songwriter.

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

A unique musical talent.

Lionel found fame with the hugely successful musicals Oliver! and 'Fings Ain't Wot They Used T'Be'.

Plus, he became 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 socialized 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.

Read by Alistair McGowan.

Producer: Emma Harding

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2011.

15 minutes

On radio

Tomorrow08:30
BBC Radio 4 Extra

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1. Unity Theatre

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