The actor, best known for his role in 'American Beauty' and 'The Usual Suspects', hit out at shows such as 'How to Solve a Problem like Maria' and 'Any Dream Will Do' in which the BBC toured the country looking for leads to star in the Andrew Lloyd Webber's musicals 'The Sound of Music' and 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'.
In an interview with the BBC, Spacey said: "I felt that was essentially a 13-week promotion for a musical -- where's our 13-week programme? I have spoken to your chairman but he has yet to get back to me."
The star, who is also artistic director at the Old Vic theatre in London, where he is currently appearing in David Mamet's 'Speed-the-Plow', said that while it was good that the shows the BBC airs on Saturday evenings were getting people "interested in the West End and theatres" he said he thought they crossed the line and were unfair.
Elaine Bedell, controller of entertainment commissioning at the BBC hit back and defended the shows saying that they were not "unduly promotional".
She said: "These Saturday night shows celebrate musical theatre generally, not just one West End show. The BBC is committed to finding and supporting new musical talent as part of its long-standing commitment as a patron of the arts."
Spacey went on to suggest that the BBC broadcast a series about the theatre "to help kids find their own sense of self-esteem, confidence and ability to collaborate".
He said: "These are interesting ideas, but they're not sexy so maybe they don't want to put them on air. If we don't, we'll lose them all to TV."
The BBC is currently airing 'I'd Do Anything', which is looking for musical stars to be to star as Nancy and Oliver in a new version of 'Oliver Twist'.
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