In its 30-year history, The South Bank show has profiled anyone who’s anyone in the arts.
Featured subjects include novelist Sarah Waters, whose books Tipping The Velvet, Fingersmith and Affinity (iTv1’s forthcoming drama) have been adapted for TV; David Peace on the film version of his book about legendary football manager Brian Clough, The Damned Utd; and celebrated entertainer Liza Minnelli, who’s seen performing on her world tour.
Melvyn Bragg talks with Gore Vidal, the distinguished 85-year-old essayist on socio-political, sexual, historical and literary themes; meets the unique Mike Skinner – whose music marks the soundtrack of urban youth – and his band The Streets; and follows film-maker and photographer Sam Taylor-Wood over the course of a year.
The relationship between comedy and tragedy is examined through the work and relationships of British comedian, writer and MS sufferer Jim Sweeney and The Comedy Store Players, who has given a voice to the terrible disease – and a way to laugh about it.
Ronnie Corbett gives a revealing insight into being half of one of the greatest comedy double acts; and Shane Meadows, winner of this year’s South Bank Show film award for This Is England, has agreed to direct an edition of The South Bank Show to Melvyn’s delight.
