Sky Arts 'Stoops to Conquer'

Sky Arts has announced its new programming lineup, which includes an adaptation of classic 18th century comedy She Stoops To Conquer.

Made by Capriol Films and co-produced by Sky Arts, the Oliver Goldsmith play will air in 2008 as a five-part series, and a one-off film. Starring Coronation Street's Ian Redford, the drama follows two young men who mistake a country manor for a pub and the eligible daughter for a barmaid.

Last seen on TV in 1971, the drama will be filmed in high definition and will be accompanied by a documentary about the original play and adaptation, called A Gooseberry Fool.

Tony Britten, head of Capriol Films, said: "Classic plays such as She Stoops to Conquer deservedly live on in the theatre but can find a new life on television, not as old-fashioned stage relays but as fresh filmic reinterpretations. I am very pleased that Sky Arts share this view and are going where terrestrial broadcasters unaccountably fear to tread."

Other content on the channel this autumn includes Irish DJ Dave Fanning in a 14-part series of one-on-one interviews with celebrated musicians. Talks with Dave Fanning will see Fanning talk to the Pet Shop Boys, The Flaming Lips, Jon Bon Jovi, Billy Joel and Fleetwood Mac's Lyndsay Buckingham, and begins on November 1 with New Order.

Mastering the Art airs from November 7. Presented by notorious art forger John Myatt, the ten-part series sees Myatt teaching aspiring artists how to paint in the style of the world’s greatest artists.

John Cassy, channel manager for Sky Arts, said: "John Myatt is the perfect presenter for this series, which will reveal the secrets behind fine art in an accessible and exciting way. Myatt's passion for these masterful painters is infectious, and I guarantee he will have audiences reaching for their paintbrush."

Mariella Frostrup returns to Sky Arts with a third series of The Book Show from October 18, with the programme extending from a half hour slot to 50 minutes. Guests confirmed for the new series include Sophie Dahl, Peter Ackroyd, Alice Sebold, Barbara Taylor Bradford, Jeanette Winterston and Nigella Lawson.