Kevin Spacey today attacked the BBC for promoting West End musicals by Andrew Lloyd Webber at the expense of other British theatre.

Spacey, Artistic Director of the Old Vic, said the broadcaster “crossed the line” with its succession of prime time Saturday night shows designed to find stars for shows written and produced by Lord Lloyd-Webber.

The BBC1 shows have made stars of Connie Fisher and Lee Mead, who took the lead roles in new runs of The Sound of Music and Joseph And The Amazing Tech-nicolour Dreamcoat after appearing on reality shows hosted by Graham Norton.

But two-time Oscar winner Spacey said it was not a good use of licence payers' money. Speaking to Radio 4's Today Programme, Spacey, 48, said: “I felt that How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria was essentially a thirteen-week promotion for a musical, on a public service broadcaster.

“You are not a commercial broadcaster and I thought that was crossing the line. Where's our thirteen-week programme when we put a play on? Are they going to do one about a play?”

His comments came as the finals began on the BBC's latest show I'd Do Anything, which is designed to find an actress who will play Nancy in a new West End production of Oliver!

Spacey also called for a return of Play For Today, the BBC One series which ran from 1970 to 1984 and spawned several acclaimed plays including Abigail's Party.

The BBC's talent contests have been praised for unearthing new talent and reviving interest in Lord Lloyd-Webber's celebrated musicals, but some have also criticised the corporation for giving so much publicity to a multi-millionaire peer.

The BBC have stated that there is no conflict of interest with I'd Do Anything because Oliver! is a Cameron Mackintosh production.

However, Lord Lloyd-Webber will benefit financially as the show is planned for the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, which he owns.

The shows have helped revamp the BBC's Saturday evening schedule after years of losing out to ITV shows such as The X Factor and Pop Idol.

But Lord Lloyd-Webber has refused to sign a “golden handcuffs” deal with the BBC and has reportedly discussed plans with ITV chief Michael Grade for a talent show based on the musical Jesus Christ Superstar.

Since taking over as the Artistic Director of the Old Vic — one of London's oldest theatres — in 2003, Kevin Spacey has championed British theatre and has been praised for attracting top actors to the capital.

The latest production at the Old Vic is David Mamet's Speed-The-Plow, which stars Spacey and Jeff Goldblum and has been a box office success.

Lord Lloyd Webber, who is also acting as a judge for a Canadian version of How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria and a German talent contest based on Starlight Express said this month: “I've done three with the BBC now and I've got to look after the day job. The real reason we're doing Oliver! is that the BBC can't let me do one of my own shows this time because of editorial policy. But I wasn't hurt by the criticism from other people.”