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Elizabeth McGovern: Becoming Ava Gardner

Downton Abbey star Elizabeth McGovern prepares to play Hollywood legend Ava Gardner in a new play that she’s written about her life.

The Emmy and Oscar-nominated actor Elizabeth McGovern is about to star as the glamorous Hollywood legend Ava Gardner in a new play that she’s written about her life.

Elizabeth is known all around the world for her portrayal of Cora Crawley, the Countess of Grantham, in the British drama series Downton Abbey. In this, her first play, she aims to capture the complexities of Ava’s life and the relationship with her biographer on stage at the Riverside Studios in London.

Join Anna Bailey as she follows Elizabeth in rehearsals with her fellow creatives, exploring the action, set, sound and costumes.

Presented and produced by Anna Bailey
Executive produced by Rebecca Armstrong for the BBC World Service

Available now

27 minutes

Last on

Sun 13 Feb 202202:32GMT
BBC World Service Australasia, South Asia & East Asia only

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  • Tue 8 Feb 202204:32GMT
    BBC World Service except Australasia, East Asia & South Asia
  • Tue 8 Feb 202205:32GMT
    BBC World Service Australasia, South Asia & East Asia only
  • Tue 8 Feb 202211:32GMT
    BBC World Service
  • Tue 8 Feb 202221:32GMT
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  • Tue 8 Feb 202223:32GMT
    BBC World Service except East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa
  • Sun 13 Feb 202202:32GMT
    BBC World Service Australasia, South Asia & East Asia only