That syncing feeling

Sir Ian McKellen on the huge challenge of working to recordings of artist Lowry for new BBC documentary

- CARLA FERIC

SIR Ian McKellen admits that adding a face and body to the voice of LS Lowry was challenging, even with decades of acting behind him.

The acclaimed thespian said he took on the lip-syncing role to learn a new skill at the age of 86.

Viewers can see the result in an Arena documentary being broadcast on BBC Two next week.

In it, Sir Ian mimes to unheard recordings between Laurence Stephen Lowry who died in 1976 aged 88 and Angela Barratt, a young fan who interviewed him about his life.

Sir Ian says: "I'm surprised to discover the most challenging aspect of lip syncing is making your mouth fit the recorded words.

"It ain't easy. I don't find it easy.