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Melvyn Bragg reveals the secrets of the South Bank Show’s longevity. It first aired in 1978 and continues to this day as an eclectic mixture of popular art as well as great art and artists. He says the variety of interviewees is part of the reason for its success, and also pays tribute to a succession of great production teams over the years.
Curator’s notes
The South Bank Show (2008), produced by London Weekend Television, is an arts show that’s unashamedly popular. Melvyn Bragg explains that it mixes high art and popular culture and may include both Billy Connolly and Tom Keneally in the same program. He battles the dumbing down of programs that has occurred in recent years and is honest about the fight to keep arts programs on air.
Andrea Stretton conducts these Masterpiece interviews with knowledge and humour. She’s well researched, allows her talent to relax into the interview and, with a simple unadorned set, presents a most informative and entertaining hour-long interview.
