For over five decades, the BBC’s Arena series has been a beacon for creative documentary filmmaking, shining a light on art, music, and culture in all its forms. As the celebrated strand marks its 50th anniversary in 2025, the BBC has announced a slate of new films that promise to captivate audiences—none more so than the much-anticipated documentary chronicling the remarkable journey of Paul McCartney’s lost bass guitar.
"The Beatle And The Bass" is set to take viewers on a rock ‘n’ roll detective story, tracing the fate of McCartney’s original Höfner 500/1 bass—a crucial instrument in the early Beatles sound, heard on iconic tracks like "Twist And Shout" and "She Loves You." Stolen in 1972, the bass vanished for more than 50 years, its whereabouts a mystery that haunted fans and the legendary musician himself. As Paul McCartney put it, "I think anything that’s nicked, you want back, especially if it has sentimental value. It just went off into the universe and it left us thinking, where did it go? There must be an answer."
That answer finally came, thanks to the fan-powered Lost Bass Project. Driven by a dedicated community of Beatles enthusiasts, the campaign unearthed the missing instrument in the attic of a terraced house on England’s south coast. The forthcoming Arena documentary will not only chart the search and recovery of the bass but also explore the emotional resonance of the story for McCartney, his family, and the wider music world.
According to BBC sources, the film features fresh interviews with McCartney, his brother Mike, longtime friend and artist Klaus Voormann, and collaborators including Elvis Costello. The team behind the Lost Bass Project also share their insights, recounting the twists and turns of a quest that became something of a musical legend in its own right. Their memories, as TV Zone describes, are "by turns funny, moving and surprising," painting a compelling picture of fandom, creativity, love, loss, memory, and the transformative power of music.
For McCartney, the reunion with his beloved bass was a moment of profound significance. In December 2024, during his "Got Back" tour at London’s O2 Arena, the former Beatle played the instrument for the first time in over half a century. The concert was already set to be a highlight, but the occasion was made even more special by the presence of Beatles drummer Sir Ringo Starr and Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood—two titans of British rock sharing the stage in celebration of both music and history.
"The Beatle And The Bass" is just one of several new Arena documentaries announced as part of the 50th anniversary festivities. The series, which began life as a magazine show in 1975 before evolving into a home for standalone films, has long been celebrated for its innovative approach to storytelling. Over its storied history, Arena has commissioned more than 600 films, including acclaimed works such as "Bob Dylan: No Direction Home," "Rudies Come Back: The Rise And Rise Of 2 Tone," and "Paris is Burning." The strand has also profiled cultural icons ranging from Amy Winehouse and Nelson Mandela to Orson Welles.
Mark Bell, Commissioning Editor of BBC Arts, reflected on Arena’s enduring impact: "I am so proud to have had a hand on the tiller of Arena – it is the programme that opened my teenage eyes to authored documentary filmmaking and is widely regarded as the world’s greatest creative documentary strand. It has championed art and culture in its myriad manifestations for half a century and has been home to many outstanding directors." His words echo the sentiments of filmmakers and viewers alike, who regard Arena as a cornerstone of British television and a global standard-bearer for arts programming.
Alongside the McCartney documentary, the new Arena season will include "Turner: The Secret Sketchbooks." This film delves into the hidden world of J.M.W. Turner, unlocking the psychology of the great artist through his 37,000 private sketches, drawings, and watercolours—some of which, including erotic sketches, were previously thought destroyed. Actor Timothy Spall, who portrayed Turner in Mike Leigh’s "Mr Turner," will help guide viewers through this extraordinary archive. He’ll be joined by leading figures from the art world, including Tracey Emin, Sir John Akomfrah, Ronnie Wood, Chris Packham, and a host of art historians, all offering insights into Turner’s creative obsessions and emotional life.
Another standout is "Lowry: The Lost Tapes," which brings to light a newly discovered trove of audio recordings made with artist L.S. Lowry during the final four years of his life. Through these intimate tapes, viewers will hear Lowry’s formative memories and experiences in his own voice, with the narrative brought to life by a renowned actor. The documentary promises an immersive journey through Lowry’s life and art, set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing Greater Manchester.
To mark Arena’s golden jubilee, the British Film Institute (BFI) will host a special screening of two of the strand’s best-loved films, "My Way" and "The Chelsea Hotel," on October 1, 2025, at London’s National Film Theatre. This event is set to be a highlight for fans and newcomers alike, offering a chance to revisit some of Arena’s most memorable moments. In addition, BBC Four will air a 50th anniversary season of Arena classics this autumn, with a further 50 titles from the archive available to stream on iPlayer, ensuring that the legacy of Arena remains accessible to new generations.
Despite the excitement, one key detail remains under wraps: as of September 4, 2025, the BBC has not announced official release dates for the new documentaries. Nonetheless, anticipation is building, fueled by the promise of compelling stories and the enduring appeal of Arena’s unique approach to the arts.
As Arena celebrates its milestone, the series continues to remind audiences of the enduring power of art, music, and storytelling. Whether it’s the rediscovery of a legendary bass guitar, the unveiling of hidden sketchbooks, or the voice of a great artist echoing across time, these films underscore what makes Arena—and the creative spirit it champions—so vital, decade after decade.
