With some dozen books to his name, all shot through with his characteristic humour, powers of observation and capacity to end up way off the beaten track, Eric Newby is now one of the best-selling travel writers in the world. In this profile, he travels to South Australia to revisit places he went to on his first intrepid journey in 1938, and then continues into the Australian bush in search of some of the few truly remote places remaining in the world.
Alan Ayckbourn
After Shakespeare, Alan Ayckbourn is the world’s most frequently performed English language playwright. This programme gives a unique insight into the genius of this consummate theatre practitioner, recording a lively and amusing workshop in comedy writing and construction he gave to an invited audience.
Flags of the Fante Coast
This programme travels to Ghana to explore the art and culture of the Fante people, in particular their vibrant and allegorical sacred flags. These colourful appliqued and
embroidered banners were originally used as the regalia for small military companies which existed in towns and villages along the Fante coast for hundreds of years. The companies still flourish as fraternal groups and flags continue to be made and used in the traditional way.
Frankenstein
This programme considers the Frankenstein myth and its origins in Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel and nineteenth-century science. Sensational horror or serious scientific commentary? Richly illustrated with film clips, the exploration reveals why the potent story continues to fascinate.
Comedy Special
The 1980s saw the rise of an exciting new generation of performers on the British comedy scene. This two-part special (also available in a one-hour edit) introduces these comedians and looks at how humour has changed in recent years. It also drops in on an evening at one of the immensely popular comedy clubs that are now flourishing and samples the routines of Alexei Sayle, Lenny Henry, Jo Brand, Rik Mayall, Ruby Wax, Harry Enfield, Ben Elton, Jim Davidson and Chubby Brown.