Melvyn Bragg interviews comic

It has profiled some of the most highbrow artists to have emerged from the UK. Now the South Bank Show is to turn its attentions to Frank Skinner.

The comic – who said he started his career as a ‘gobby, laddish’ comedian full of dirty jokes – is to be interviewed by Melvyn Bragg for the Sky Arts show when it returns next month.

He will speak about his working-class upbringing, his decision to embark on a career as a comedian at the relatively late age of 30, and the success of his TV presenting career, including Fantasy Football League and The Frank Skinner Show.

The episode will air on July 27, just before the stand-up heads to the Edinburgh Fringe for a full run of his new show, 30 Years Of Dirt.

Bragg will also be profiling actress Helen Mirren and ballet star Carlos Acosta in the new series of the show, on July 20 and August 3 respectively.

As well as the original hour-long programmes, extended 90-minute versions will air later in the summer, with Skinner’s due out on September 6.

Published: 15 Jun 2022