As part of a series devoted to female artists

Tracey Ullman is to be the subject of a South Bank Show documentary.

The comedian is the first artist to be profiled in Melvyn Bragg’s flagship programme when it returns to Sky Arts at 10pm on November 7.

In keeping with the times, the new series showcases only women, with the other episodes dedicated to soul singer Beverley Knight, opera star Danielle de Niese, theatre producer Sonia Friedman, publishing powerhouse Gail Rebuck and teacher Andria Zafirakou, in an episode about the arts in education.

Ullman’s episode features behind the scenes footage from of her latest BBC series, Tracey Breaks the News as well as charting her progress from the 1980s to today.

The show also features interviews with Sir Lenny Henry, who starred with her on their breakthough show Three Of A Kind, Meryl Streep, Simpsons James L Brooks, whose animation started as an inset in her US sketch show and Tracey’s daughter, Mabel McKeown.

Lord Bragg said: ‘We’ve built up this series over the last 18 months.  In so many ways this is a triumphant break-out period for women and I thought the best contribution The South Bank Show could make would be to devote an entire season to women.’

Published: 26 Oct 2018