A show that will be missed
Henrietta Bredin 11:22am
The South Bank Show has been going for a very long time - since January 1978 - and now, after being pushed further and further into the dimmest reaches of the late-night schedules, it's being axed altogether. This might not be such a cause for dismay if one could feel convinced that anything even approaching its calibre will replace it.
Over the years, Melvyn Bragg has fronted a pretty breathtaking array of thoughtful, revealing, in-depth interviews with subjects ranging from Dennis Potter and Tom Stoppard; Frank Auerbach and Francis Bacon to Pete Townshend and George Michael, Ken Russell and Spike Lee. There were dancers and actors, choreographers and film and theatre directors, actors and painters, writers and singers, pianists, violinists, architects and comedians. It's a terrific achievement, and should be celebrated.
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The Laughing Cavalier
May 12th, 2009 11:53am Report this commentI for one will not miss this tiresome old leftie
stan
May 12th, 2009 12:24pm Report this commentI believe they will be replacing this with Simon Cowells new program "Britain's got culture" ...more ant and dec can't wait
C Powell
May 12th, 2009 1:03pm Report this commentHis radio show "In our Time" on Radio 4 is far better: an intelligent discussion programme about subjects which does not patronise the audience or condescend to them.
I only wish the BBC would put them on CD so that I could catch up on those I've missed.
Susan Hill
May 12th, 2009 1:44pm Report this commentLaughing Cavalier.. couldn`t agree with you more. I loathe this sort of programme. Good riddance.
Fabio P.Barbieri
May 12th, 2009 2:16pm Report this commentSo you cannot bring yourself to see any merit beyond the party divide, eh, Laughing Cavalier? In that case I can see why you would never miss a program dedicated to culture as such.
Andrew
May 12th, 2009 4:09pm Report this commentBelvid has flogged this particular dead horse for quite long enough, thank you.
Nor do I rate "In Our Time" very highly - far too much of his Lordship, and too little of his guests.
Paul B
May 12th, 2009 4:37pm Report this commentI`ll miss it, I can like Melvyn. He is not condescending, as say Brian Sewell can be, (although he at times makes me chuckle) and his skill is being able to bring high art to the people in an uncomplicated & accessible style. A great skill indeed.I remember one on Gilbert & George, who are not to everyones taste, but I found it quite enlightening. Hope he still gets to do his one offs, like his series of programs on the English language and Shakespeare.
Sky Arts on 265 has some interesting progs` and even Five occasionally has some interesting culture shows.
The Laughing Cavalier
May 12th, 2009 5:31pm Report this commentYou presume much but know little. Of course I can see merit beyond the party divide. I just shan't miss this tiresome old leftie.
Bill Brinsmead
May 12th, 2009 7:51pm Report this commentCome off it people. Melvyn's South Bank Show is the ultimate in its pompous, patronising coverage of the 'arts'.
And you know what. No bugger watched it.
John Lea
May 13th, 2009 2:26pm Report this commentBest hairdo on television.
Alf Tupper
May 13th, 2009 8:51pm Report this commentWhy we need South Bank when we got lite Cash in the Attic?
Innit?
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