Mark Lawson Talks to...
Season 2008
A series in which arts presenter Mark Lawson has a 60-minute in-depth conversation with a notable figure.
Where to Watch Season 2008
15 Episodes
- Barry Cryer
E6Barry CryerWith a comedy career which kicked off in strip clubs, Barry Cryer became a Windmill regular in the 1950s. A brief foray into musicals and the West End stage followed with Expresso Bongo, before he made his mark on the pop world with a cover of The Purple People Eater, which Barry claims went to Number One in Finland for three weeks. Barry Cryer talks to Mark Lawson about his days writing jokes for The Two Ronnies and Morecambe and Wise, his enduring role as a panellist on BBC Radio 4's I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue, and the eczema that used to plague his life. - Liz SmithE7
Liz SmithMark Lawson talks to the actress Liz Smith about her life and career. She reflects on her lonely childhood and her days as a single mother struggling to make ends meet as well as her determination to become an actress. Smith got her big break at the age of 50, after being discovered by the film director Mike Leigh, but perhaps she's best known as the nations favourite gran - Nana in the iconic series The Royle Family. - Jonathan Meades
E8Jonathan MeadesWriter and television performer Jonathan Meades discusses his life and career with Mark Lawson. In his unmistakable dark suits and sunglasses, Meades has presented many opinionated and sometimes controversial documentaries on architecture, culture and food. Meades talks about the secrets of his distinctive presenting style, gaining weight as restaurant critic for The Times and his Humanist beliefs. - John le Carré
E12John le CarréJohn le Carre converses with Mark Lawson about his fragmented childhood, life in the diplomatic service, working with Alec Guinness and his book A Most Wanted Man. Le Carre worked as an intelligence officer in the 1970s before turning to writing full time. His personal experiences during the Cold War informed a string of best-selling espionage novels including The Spy Who Came in from the Cold and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. He also wrote the corporate corruption thriller The Constant Gardener, which became a Oscar-winning film.