Many of the new sounds of the 70s looked to the past for inspiration. Kenny Jones admits the Faces focused a lot on “where we grew up and used to play on bombs,” others looked even further back, drawing inspiration from mythology, legend and traditional songs. Following artists including T-Rex, the Faces, Fairport Convention and Matthew’s Southern Comfort, London Rock examines the personal nature of putting down a track. Charting a musical journey from the dawn solstice ceremony at Stonehenge, through lazy afternoons writing lyrics in the open air, to city life in Portobello Road, and the spirit of a sleepless music festival in Bath, it provides an insight into the new sounds that emerged in the Seventies, while examining the philosophy of its young musicians and their early thoughts on music and stardom. With additional music by The Who, King Crimson, Marc Bolan, Traffic and Jethro Tull, the musicians involved explain the influences they explored in their work.
Documentary about the history and reconstruction of the Gwanghwamun, or Gate of Enlighhtenment, the symbol of Korean history and culture.
To the uninitiated, Moog was the dog in the 80s cartoon series, Willo' the Wisp, but to those in the know, Dr Robert Moog was the maverick inventor and cult icon behind the eponymous synthesizer. This fascinating documentary explores Bob Moog's story in his own words. The advent of the synthesizer revolutionised music. An entirely new analogue instrument, it had electronic components but was made user-friendly by incorporating a traditional keyboard. Its influence was huge: Moog synthesizers were used by everyone from popular musicians like The Beatles and Stevie Wonder to jazz pioneers such as Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea. In this documentary, Bob Moog shares his ideas about creativity, design, interactivity, spirituality and of course, the invention that rocked the world.
John Myatt narrates this insightful documentary about a village in China where an army of artists painstakingly reproduce the works of the great Masters, generating 35 million dollars a year. The Dafen Village, the ‘copy capital of the world’, is host to thousands of painters who supply the world with oil painting copies of European masterpieces by Renoir, Rembrandt, Matisse, Raphael and many more.
Glass is a complex and alluring material: solid yet liquid, strong yet fragile, it reflects, refracts and absorbs light. These unique properties are being pushed to the limit by innovative artists in Britain today. Combining traditional techniques with cutting-edge technology, their creations include sculpture, architecture and installations. Glass Now offers an introduction to contemporary glass arts and profiles eight of Britains leading glass artists: Alexander Beleschenko, Katharine Coleman, Matthew Durran, Amber Hiscott, Angela Jarman, Helen Maurer, Colin Rennie and Koichiro Yamamoto. Short-listed for the prestigious Jerwood Applied Arts Prize 2003, these artists demonstrate the range, the excitement and the excellence of glass today.
Music critics and fans look back at the 30-year career of progressive rockers Pink Floyd, famed for their hugely successful concept albums and elaborate live shows. Founded in 1965, the band originally consisted of students Syd Barrett, Nick Mason, Roger Waters, and Richard Wright. They first gained popularity performing in London's underground music scene during the late 1960s, and under Barrett's creative leadership they released two charting singles and a successful debut album. David Gilmour joined as a fifth member in December 1967, and Barrett left the band in April 1968 due to his deteriorating mental health. After Barrett's departure, Waters became their primary songwriter and lyricist. Pink Floyd achieved critical and commercial success with the concept albums The Dark Side of the Moon (1973), Wish You Were Here (1975), Animals (1977), The Wall (1979) and The Final Cut (1983).
Documentary detailing the incredible six-decade career and life of Johnny Cash, 'The Man in Black', through performance footage, rare archival footage, photos and commentary.
Eve Wood's acclaimed film examining the roots of the electronic genre in the City of Steel and how its music scene flourished against a backdrop of unemployment and industrial decline.
Shakespeare's Globe is a film offering an intimate look at the working life of a unique theatrical institution. It charts a vivid journey from the reconstructionin London of the sixteenth-century open-air playhouse to the establishment of a centre housing the theatre, a permanent exhibition and an unrivalled education programme. The film explores a day in the life of this remarkable enterprise: behind-the-scenes preparations, rehearsals, backstage drama and performance extracts from a production of Romeo and Juliet, together with glimpses into Globe Education workshops and activities, the exhibition and tours. Actors, musicians, directors, Globe Education Practitioners and other experts reveal their knowledge of the original playhouse and its practices, and explain how the modern-day theatre continues to enthrall and challenge audiences.
Drawing on rare footage of Bob Dylan in performance, this documentary explores the factors that shaped the musician's early career and deals with the thorny issue of acoustic versus electric. Featuring archive performances of Baby, Please Don't Go, Hard Times in New York Town, Lonesome Whistle Blues, Fixin' to Die, Man of Constant Sorrow, Blowin' in the Wind, A Hard Rain's a-Gonna Fall and The Times They Are a-Changin'
By 1968, Cash was still a star, but he was a man with sometime to prove as he sought to rise from a career slump brought on by a battle with drugs that took a toll on his body and spirit. That year, Cash performed a concert for the inmates of California's Folsom Prison, and the show was recorded for a live album. Cash delivered one of the greatest performances of his life that day, stark and heartfelt and full of empathy for the broken souls listening to his music, and the album that resulted was a surprise hit, reestablishing Cash as one of country music's most powerful and respected artists
Tony Palmer film explores the life and work of Carl Orff, the unknown Nazi composer of one of the world's most popular classical pieces, Carmina Burana.
Small Faces: All Or Nothing 1965-1968 features 27 complete performances filmed from 1965 to 1968 when the band was challenging the Who, Kinks, Stones and Beatles for domination of the charts. The DVD captures every aspect of their short but brilliant career including early Mod/R&B classics such as 'What'cha Gonna Do About It', 'Sha La La La Lee' and 'All Or Nothing', timeless rockers like 'Tin Soldier' and later psychedelic masterpieces including 'Itchycoo Park', and 'Green Circles.' Best of all is the inclusion of nine songs from the band's masterpiece Ogden's Nut Gone Flake including 'Lazy Sunday', 'Song Of A Baker' and the six song 'Happiness Stan' suite. In between the performances original members Ian McLagan and Kenney Jones talk about the songs and tell the band's history in new interviews filmed exclusively for the DVD. Also interwoven into the story are archival interviews with Steve Marriott and Ronnie Lane.
With the exception of the Beatles themselves, no other group dominated the early years of the British Invasion like Gerry & The Pacemakers. They were the first artists to have their first three singles top the British charts, and many of their songs are now beloved classics. Gerry & The Pacemakers: It's Gonna Be All Right 1963-1965 features 17 complete songs filmed between 1963 and 1965 and is the group's first official DVD release. Included are the classic 'How Do You Do It', 'I Like It' and 'I'm The One', timeless masterpieces 'Ferry Cross The Mersey' and 'Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying' In between the performances Gerry Marsden talks about the songs and tells the band s history in a new interview filmed at the Cavern Club in Liverpool
During the mid sixties, Herman's Hermits were second only to The Beatles in terms of record sales, but the band was more than just a pop phenomenon, they crafted some of the most enjoyable music of the era. Herman's Hermits: Listen People 1964-1969 is the group's first official DVD release and features 22 complete songs filmed from 1964 to 1969 that sets the record straight on one of the most underrated bands of the sixties. Included are the classic hits 'I'm Into Something Good', 'Can't You Hear My Heartbeat', 'Wonderful World', 'Mrs. Brown You've Got A Lovely Daughter', 'I'm Henry VIII, I Am' and 'There's A Kind Of Hush' as well as later masterpieces 'No Milk Today', 'Listen People' and their cover of The Kinks' 'Dandy.' In between the performances, original members Peter Noone, Keith Hopwood, Karl Green and Barry Whitwam talk about the songs and tell the band's history
Unquestionably Britain's greatest female vocalist, Dusty Springfield made some of the finest recordings of the sixties. Dusty Springfield: Once Upon A Time 1964-1969 features 20 complete songs filmed from 1964 to 1969 and has all of her greatest hits and more. Included on the DVD are her early classics 'I Only Want To Be With You', 'Wishin' And Hopin'' and 'I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself' as well as timeless hits 'Son Of A Preacher Man', 'The Look Of Love' and 'You Don't Have To Say You Love Me.'
The Hollies were one of the most successful British groups of the 60s and early 70s and continue to perform to this day. They were also part of the British Invasion led by the Beatles that stormed the US charts in the 60s and scored hit singles in many other countries around the world. This fascinating documentary combines interviews with band members Allan Clarke, Graham Nash, Tony Hicks and Bobby Elliott with vintage footage to tell the story of their peak years from 1963 to 1975 when the band clocked up 27 UK top 40 singles.
This documentary reveals the deeper life of the punk hero Sid Vicious. It features those close to him speaking out for the very first time. Charting his rise from John Simon Ritchie to an icon, this film takes us on an intimate tour of his life and death. Bandmate John Lydon gave Sid his moniker which came from his pet hamster. Many of Sid's close friends talk about his fast and frenetic life, including childhood friend Jah Wobble, Sex Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren, Vivenne Westwood and Steve Severin from Siouxsie and the Banshees amongst many others. Featured in the this 80 minute documentary is previously unseen archive footage. Sid's own music is the basis of the soundtrack and filmed in HD it gives the full experience of a man, who's life was short but made such a cultural impact. Sex Pistol, drug addict and alleged murderer, Sid Vicious led a short and troubled life. Revealing the chaos and the anarchy which marred his 22 years, friends and colleagues tell intimate stories about their experiences of the punk rocker. Siouxie and the Banshees’ Steven Severin, The Damned’s Dave Vanian and Rat Scabies, Caroline Coon, Vivienne Westwood, Glen Matlock and Marco Pirroni speak fondly about the man many thought was out of his depth in the Sex Pistols, both musically and personally. They speak of the furore surrounding his accusation of murder, after his girlfriend Nancy Spungen was found stabbed in the hotel room in which he slept out-cold on heroin. Additionally they consider his own overdose and the questions and legacy he left behind. A touching documentary - fuelled by the Sex Pistol’s music - capturing the rise and fall of Sid Vicious, from punk's hero to society's cultural icon of the twentieth century.
Charting the history of pop videos Bold, decadent, ambitious and sometimes of questionable taste, there is no better symbol of the Eighties than the rise of the music video. With the launch of MTV in 1981, extraordinary music was suddenly matched with daring film-making in a medium that had budgets to blow and no existing rules. The Music Videos That Shaped The 80’s is a celebration of the ground-breaking music videos of the decade and the explosion of London-based talent that contributed to them. Artists including Bob Geldof, Herbie Hancock, Roger Taylor and Richie Sambora, and directors David Mallet, Russell Mulcahy and Kevin Godley, discuss some of the key videos of the period, from Queen’s ‘I Want to Break Free’ and Michael Jackson’s ‘Billie Jean’ to The Buggles’ ‘Video Killed the Radio Star’, aptly the first ever video to be shown on MTV. Also featuring music by Bon Jovi, The Boomtown Rats, The Cure and David Bowie, this documentary reveals how the most memorable videos of the decade helped to redefine the music industry forever.
After rising to fame with Are Friends Electric? in 1979 with Tubeway Army, Gary Numan saw major success, and a serious career slump, before he was rediscovered by a new generation of electro fans. Examining the rise, fall and reinvention of the ‘Godfather of Electro’, this documentary tackles the question that badgers many Numan fans: was his success despite his undiagnosed condition of Aspergers or because of it? It also reveals how he accidentally discovered his unique musical style and his love of display flying, as well as and how he deals with his loyal, but often hypercritical, fans.
The Swedish crime writer discusses his experience onboard one of the aid ships that were seized by Israeli forces on their way to Gaza last May.
Design guru Kevin McCloud discusses modern layouts and architecture and celebrates his new book addressing interior design problems. From the Telegraph Hay Festival 2011.
Caravaggio was more than the incredibly talented bad boy of the art world; he was also very secretive about the techniques he used to create his revolutionary art. This film looks at the life of this tempestuous man and at the mystery of his technique. In the summer of 2010, the peaceful Italian coastal town of Porto Ercole became the scene of a momentous discovery. It was the end of a long trail, the final chapter in a mystery that had gripped the art world for 400 years. Beneath the floor of a burial crypt the possible remains of Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio were brought to light; one of the greatest artists of all time, one who had turned the art of painting on its head - and then disappeared without a trace. Aside from being one of the greatest artists in the 16th Century, Caravaggio was also the most neglected, because of his temper and his revolutionary creations. His character, like his art, was confrontational and uncompromising; bold, driven, ingenious, he was both loved and hated. Though his great skill meant he was in demand from churches across Italy, his realistic work shocked people. His art blended the beautiful and the decadent, the religious and the obscene, the light and the shade, like never before. This film looks at the life of this tempestuous man and at the mystery of his techniques that made him so unique.
This documentary examines American realist painter Edward Hopper's life, including testimonies from people who knew him, and by those inspired by his work, like German filmmaker Wim Wenders. From Mad Men to Blade Runner and The Simpsons, Hopper's scenes of modern American Life, most notably Nighthawks, have been recreated in myriad films and TV shows, while his style has influenced the likes of Alfred Hitchcock and Terrence Malick. Obsessed with the everyday, Hopper depicted all-night diners, cinemas, petrol stations, hotel lobbies and a theatre, filling them with seemingly isolated and alienated figures, because he believed loneliness was an inherent feature of city life. This documentary reveals the social and cultural context surrounding Hopper's work, while also exploring his independence as a painter, the many references to his work in film and the widespread production of his works.
Fantasy author Terry Pratchett discusses his brilliantly inventive novels, inspiration and life in a candid conversation with Rob Wilkins. From the Telegraph Hay Festival 2012.
The story of Tintin creator Georges Remi, better known by his pen name of Herge. The programme reveals how his best-known character began life as the star of satirical cartoons before political intervention saw the writer pen the swashbuckling adventures the boy reporter is known for today. The programme also looks at allegations of racism made against one of Remi's books, which saw Tintin and his friends visit the Congo.
Artemisia Gentileschi was deemed the first woman to earn a living from art but was her work of fantasies of revenge the result of a troubled early life? The darling of feminist French historians, she triumphed in the early 17th century, an era dominated by masters like Rubens and Caravaggio and has since inspired three best-selling novels and a film. Much of her art retells stories from the female perspective. In Susanna and the Elders, she twists the biblical story of the promiscuous Susanna to portray her cowering, naked and frightened beneath two older, conspiring men. Meanwhile, her multiple versions of Judith Slaying Holofernes reveal powerful protagonists beheading the invading general, while also capturing their fear and vulnerability. Gentileschi was raped at the age of 17 by a friend of her father, encouraging many historians to believe that she relived the event repeatedly on her canvases, as well as painted out her fantasies of revenge against the male sex. In this documentary, art historians, as well as Alexandra LaPierre, author of novel Artemisia, reflect on her works, questioning to what extent Gentileschi encapsulated her own life, fears and trauma within her art.
Caravaggio was extraordinarily secretive about the techniques he used to create his ingenious and revolutionary art. He didn't employ assistants and hardly let anyone into his workshop. Although jealous rivals offered rewards to anyone who could discover his trade secrets, he took them to his grave. Or so everyone thought...
Sue Perkins, going back to the piano after 25 years, movingly unveils a vulnerable side
The extraordinary story of Qianlong’s Garden over three centuries of Chinese history, from its Imperial past to the fast-paced modern China today
Dangerous Edge: A Life of Graham Greene, the first American-produced documentary about Greene, weaves his novels, including "The Quiet American," "Brighton Rock," "The End of the Affair" and "The Third Man," and moves into the story of his life and reveals an extraordinary man who travelled the globe to escape the boredom of ordinary existence. Participants include; novelists John Mortimer, John Le Carré and David Lodge, writer Paul Theroux, former CIA operative and author Frederick Hitz, and Greene’s daughter Caroline Bourget. Greene’s writing captures the essence of what it means to be human: The struggle between faith and doubt, love and betrayal, action and inaction, the individual and the state. Greene famously warned writers to avoid personal, political and ideological ties: A writer must “have a sliver of ice in his heart,” he said, and “be a piece of grit in the State machinery.” After Greene’s death in 1991, Paul Gray wrote in TIME Magazine, “No serious writer of the twentieth century has more thoroughly influenced the public imagination than Graham Greene.” His influence continues. Greene is quoted on average 100 times every month in publications around the world, and the British Film Institute recently voted The Third Man the industry’s best British film. While Greene’s work and influence are apparent, Greene the man remains an enigma. Despite repeated suicide attempts, he lived to be 86. He was a British spy who befriended traitor Kim Philby. He was a committed Catholic who referred to himself as a “Catholic agnostic.” He craved anonymity, yet his writing made him famous. Greene attributed such incongruities to manic depression. Rather than allowing his condition to cripple him, however, he channelled it into enormous creativity, and from his death wish ultimately sprang an acute awareness of the value of life.
Eric Clapton, Traffic's Dave Mason, The Rolling Stones' Mick Taylor, Slash and Ginger Baker from Cream pay tribute to the man who could play the guitar upside- down and back to front, with his teeth or while it was on fire. In this documentary, they discuss how, in many ways, Jimi Hendrix wrote the book on the electric guitar and left behind a range of sounds, riffs and styles that musicians have been trying to emulate ever since his death.
The inspiring world of Leonard da Vinci is brought to life by acclaimed BAFTA winning actor Peter Capaldi in a unique dramatised documentary Inside The Mind of Leonardo is based on the artist’s private journals dating from the Italian Renaissance. With over 6,000 pages of handwritten notes and drawings, da Vinci’s private journals are the most comprehensive documents that chronicle the work of the world’s most renowned inventor, philosopher, painter and genius. Using this precious collection of writings and drawings to recount Da Vinci’s story in his own words, and combining them with stunning visual effects and 3D technology, we re-create the mindscape and ideas of mankind’s greatest polymath. In a powerfully haunting performance, award-winning actor Peter Capaldi portrays Leonardo and dramatically narrates passages and monologues from these journals. Capaldi captures the passion of Leonardo’s ambition, his opinion of the world and his views on art and life. From the epic to the ordinary, Inside the Mind of Leonardo explores how Leonardo experienced the world around him. Following a biographical narrative, the feature captures the artist’s thwarted ambitions, hurt, anger and sexual desire as documented within his diaries, but also the mundanities of normal life: his shopping lists, health tips and bawdy jokes.
Documentary exploring the Significance, meaning and challenges of the Irish playwright and poet Samuel Beckett's dramatic monologue Not I, with Lisa Dwan performing her acclaimed interpretation of the piece.
The critically acclaimed British singer-songwriter Roy Harper appears in this exclusive new documentary film. Shot mainly at his home in the Irish countryside near Cork, it traces his intriguing career as he records new material. Man and Myth is Harper's first studio album for 13 years. Examining the work that made him famous, respected and much loved, this film includes special interviews with fellow legendary musicians Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and Johnny Marr.
Documentary exploring the life and career of Roxy Music frontman Bryan Ferry, A rather miserly half-hour is allotted for a career overview of the Roxy Musician turned suave soloist. With his unique, sat-on-a-washing-machine vibrato, the singer has gone from sci-fi art rocker to mid-tempo crooner and from working-class upbringing to tuxedoed high society. Music critics weigh up the influence of pop’s Slave to Love and Jealous Guy, the unswerving vision he had for his group and the impact of their 1972 debut single Virginia Plain, notable for its pounded piano and early, Brian Eno synths.
Review and brief history of Dire Straits.
In a rare interview with the Wuthering Heights singer from 1989, Kate Bush discusses her album The Sensual World and the influence of British director Alfred Hitchcock in her music videos, acting with Canadian star Donald Sutherland in Cloudbusting, plus footage from her performance at the Hammersmith Odeon that year
Documentary about the life and career of the Russian composer and pianist, featuring footage of Shostakovich talking about and performing his work.
Edith Bowman takes viewers on a musical journey into art, science, history and popular culture as she attempts to uncover the answer to the question: what is the best song to have sex to?
Renowned British artist Julie Verhoeven re-interprets the famous illustrations of Chris Foss, the artist who brought to life Alex Comfort's legendary sex manual, The Joy of Sex.
Dramatised documentary celebrating the influential author's ground-breaking diaries. Shivani Kapur and Lucy Cohu (Broadchurch) star as Nin in dramatisations of different periods of her life. Writer and broadcaster Rowan Pelling is among those contributors who have been affected and influenced by Nin's work.
Tim Marlow examines why failure is a necessary evil en route to creating great art, from Old Masters including da Vinci and Rembrandt, to contemporary artists such as Gavin Turk and Michael Landy.
Eye-opening documentary unravelling the fascinating story of how the gardens of Pompeii played an integral role in the lives of the ancient Roman city's people.
A documentary tracing punk from the SEX shop of Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood. Featuring contributions from Tony James, Gene October, Jon Savage, Glen Matlock, Jah Wobble, Steve Severin and archive performances.
A retrospective view of The Jam, as told through archival footage, interviews with band members, and commentary from those influenced by the band and its music.
Follow the people of Palmyra and a team of technicians in Italy as they reconstruct a number of historic Middle Eastern artefacts that were vandalised at the hands of Islamic State.
Documentary by director Don Letts exploring the links he forged between the roots reggae sounds of his culture and the quickly growing punk scene in London in the 1970s.
Documentary exploring the highs and lows of Elvis Presley's life, as told by the Memphis Mafia - a small group of Elvis's closest friends and confidants.
The story of Mick Ronson, the guitar great who helped to create the sound of David Bowie's hugely influential glam rock years.
The story of the legendary Hansa studios in Berlin, which used to overlook the Wall and has hosted many well-known acts including David Bowie, Iggy Pop, U2 and Brian Eno.
A look at the most memorable videos of the decade, including ones by Sinead O'Connor, Fatboy Slim, Oasis, Blur, the Verve, the Prodigy, Massive Attack and Spice Girls.
Documentary examining the evolution of the music festival, from Newport, Monterey Pop, Woodstock and the Isle of Wight in the 60s to modern events such as Glastonbury and Coachella. Pining for Glastonbury? Console yourself with this hefty documentary that tracks the evolution of the outdoor musical extravaganza from its countercultural roots. How did Altamont turn into Cornbury?
Documentary telling the story of how East End boy Mark Feld became a glam rock superstar as the frontman of T. Rex. Featuring contributions from friends, family and well-known fans.
A rich and stimulating study into the themes, historical context and far-reaching influence of Dante Alighieri's Inferno, the first part of his 14th-century epic poem Divine Comedy.
An intimate portrait of Peter Sellers, the comedic genius who earned Oscar nominations for Dr Strangelove and Being There, and starred as Inspector Clouseau in the Pink Panther films.
A fascinating insight into the life of Kenneth Williams, one of the UK's best-loved comic performers who starred in more than 20 Carry On films.
A fascinating look at the life and work of Tony Hancock, one of the country's leading comedians of the 50s and 60s who enjoyed a major success with his series Hancock's Half Hour.
Sky Arts pays tribute to some of the music legends who passed away in 2018, including queen of soul Aretha Franklin, Swedish DJ Avicii, and Chas and Dave's lead singer Chas Hodges.
Scottish folk singer Donovan retraces The Beatles’ 1968 trip to India, where they discovered meditation and wrote over two dozen songs.
The story of the 1968 album The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society. After failing to chart upon release it went on to become one of the most influential works in rock.
The acclaimed singer-songwriter KT Tunstall sets off on a journey to discover more about the life of musician Ivor Cutler, before recording a cover-version of Women of the World.
An exclusive view of one of the year’s biggest exhibitions, Van Gogh and Britain at Tate Britain. Join Kate Bryan for an out of hours tour to unlock the importance of the 3 years that Van Gogh spent in Britain as a young man. With special guests Julian Schnabel, Bonnie Greer, Tai Shan Schierenberg, Lachlan Goudie and the exhibition curators.
Documentary exploring the surprising personality of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings writer, the birth of his epic tales and their huge success worldwide.
Fairport Convention: Folk Heroes tells the story of how in the late 1960s, a group of North London musicians shook traditional English folk music to its roots by fusing it with rock - simultaneously outraging the purists and delighting a new and devoted audience. Through newly filmed interviews with the band including Richard Thompson, Fairport Convention: Folk Heroes uncovers how the group survived tragedy when their drummer was killed in a car crash early-on in their career, followed by the tragic death of lead vocalist Sandy Denny and how they overcame numerous line-up changes to continually reinvent themselves by discovering and recruiting some of the finest virtuosos in the country.
The emergence of new technologies like YouTube and social media meant that the 2000’s were an era where bands and artists redefined what was possible for the music video. Alongside this directors like Garth Jennings, Spike Jonze and Michel Gondry found that advances in special effects gave them more scope to fulfil their vision.
Quadrophenia – Reunited 40 Years On reunites eight of the main cast, Phil Daniels (Jimmy), Mark Wingett (Dave), Phil Davis (Chalky), Leslie Ash (Steph), Toyah Willcox (Monkey), Gary Shail (Spider) and Trevor Laird (Ferdy), for the first time in 40 years to perform a unique table read of the original film script, hosted by Lauren Laverne and filmed in front of a live audience at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire in July.
An intriguing look at the literary works and personal life of author EM Forster who wrote the celebrated novel, A Passage to India.
A preview of the movie based on the hit musical, starring Idris Elba, Judi Dench, Taylor Swift and Rebel Wilson. Arts. Full Episode Guide.
How the silent film star went from being one of Hollywood's brightest talents in the mid-1920s to becoming a sad, solitary alcoholic by 1933
Taken under his wing following roles in films like 1997’s Human Traffic, Pinter cast Dyer in several of his plays. Now, 12 years after Pinter’s death, Danny takes a look back at his mentor’s work and the profound influence he had on his life.
Two rock 'n' roll Hall of Famers come together at the Foo Fighters' studio in Los Angeles as the AC/DC frontman chats with the Nirvana drummer.
The Oscar-winning actor and director discusses his life and work, reflecting on the moments that have defined his career.
Jason Manford hosts as the Royal Albert Hall is transformed into a rock'n'roll winter wonderland for a concert filled with Christmas classics, with performances from the likes of Chrissie Hynde, the Vamps, Holly Johnson, Alexander Armstrong, Melanie C and Ricky Wilson.
Documentary following Birmingham-based artist Christopher Spencer, known for his satirical collages, as he takes a number of giant outdoor displays across the UK.
Renowned visual artist and musician Goldie goes on a personal and passionate journey into the world of graffiti and street art.
Documentary about the band that Paul Weller formed after The Jam split up in 1982, with insight from key members, collaborators and fans.
Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of one of the UK’s most successful and popular bands, this intimate portrait of Madness was captured in 2019 as the group play three homecoming shows at Camden’s Roundhouse and a unique show at the Electric Ballroom.
This cinematic journey through the great chapels and museums of Florence, Rome and the Vatican offers a look at the man behind the spectacular sculptures and paintings.
Comedian Stewart Lee and director Michael Cumming investigate how Prefects and Nightingales frontman Robert Lloyd has survived under the musical radar for more than four decades. Featuring contributions from John Peel, Frank Skinner, Nigel Slater, Robin Askwith, Samira Ahmed, Gina Birch, Marc Riley, John Taylor, Paul Morley and Kevin Eldon.
Maureen Lipman plays Rose in the production, which was be presented on 27 January.Recorded in summer 2020 and directed by Scott Le Crass, Rose follows a Jewish woman who grows up in a Russian village in the early twentieth-century. Travelling around the world, Rose finds herself in different communities, all tolerating Judaistic influences at varying levels.Made a dame in 2020 for services to charity, entertainment and the arts, Maureen Lipman was a part of Laurence Olivier’s National Theatre company in the 1970s. In recent years, Lipman’s West End credits include The Best Man at the Playhouse Theatre and When We Are Married at the Garrick Theatre.
In a thrilling and intimate portrait, Celeste Bell embarks on a journey across three continents to explore the legacy of her mother - X-Ray Spex founder Poly Styrene.
The story of the London venue that - amid strikes, racism and homophobia in 1979 - became the Soho equivalent of Studio 54, frequented by Boy George, Sade and more.
Romeo and Juliet risk everything to be together. In defiance of their feuding families, they chase a future of joy and passion as violence erupts around them. This bold new film brings to life the remarkable backstage spaces of the National Theatre in which desire, dreams and destiny collide to make Shakespeare’s romantic tragedy sing in an entirely new way. Jessie Buckley (Wild Rose, Judy) and Josh O’Connor (The Crown, God’s Own Country) play Juliet and Romeo. The award-winning cast includes Tamsin Greig, Fisayo Akinade, Adrian Lester, Lucian Msamati, Deborah Findlay.
Stunning restorations of archival work interspersed with commentary from family, friends and collaborators paint a picture of the magical moments of Buster Keaton's life and career.
It's 1967 and the Beatles face a major problem: they are the most famous, commercially successful band ever, but their tax bills could bankrupt them. Their answer is to invest their money in a new company, Apple Corps. Today Apple Corps just runs the Beatles back catalogue, but for five glorious years in the late sixties, it was one of the most colourful, outlandish and chaotic companies that ever existed. The Beatles set up a fashion shop, hair dressing salon, tech start-up (Apple before Apple), poetry division, film production department and of course their own record label. The idea was to spread the values of the new Hippie movement around the world. But things will go wrong, if you drop acid during office hours. In this unauthorised film, the true inside story behind Apple is told by the people who worked for the company, from record label executives and the Beatles personal assistants to the office boys and secretaries. Their inside stories are illustrated by never-before-seen archives of photographs taken in Apple's offices, plus specially-commissioned animation and rare archive footage. What emerges is a comic cautionary tale about the peaks and pitfalls of Hippie-dom. The film is narrated by Peter Coyote, legendary counter-cultural activist, actor and author, who visited Apple's offices with the Hells Angels in 1968 As Beatles longtime assistant Tony Bramwell says "How can you be a Hippie, when you are earning a million pounds a week?"
An extraordinary exhibition exploring a series of spectacular paintings by Vincent van Gogh - Sunflowers, which are among his most famous works.
An affectionate portrait of singer/songwriter Ewan MacColl. Born into a working class family in Salford, England, MacColl found his voice through political theatre before spearheading a revival in folk music in Britain. Interviews include family Peggy Seeger and Calum MacColl, musicians Barbara Dickson and Billy Bragg, and actor Christopher Ecclecton who reads from MacColl's words.
Take a mind-bending journey into Wonderland with this look at the V&A Museum’s immersive exhibition, exploring the origins, adaptations and artistic reinventions of Alice’s adventures across time and media. Discover how Lewis Carroll’s stories have inspired the most creative minds over the last 150 years.
This is an award winning feature documentary on the evolution of the record industry told from the perspective of art directors and photographers who created the most memorable art in music history - the album sleeve ! Top creators of their day discuss the development of the art synonymous with the music you know and love. From Abbey Road, Hotel California, and Dark Side of the Moon to Breakfast in America and Nirvana’s Nevermind, hear the stories behind the creation of these iconic covers and the music that drove them.
Following the fascinating story of British Rock Star Gary Numan and his turbulent careers – from the crushing lows to the exhilarating highs.
The notorious artist Tracey Emin is revealed in intricate detail, as her drawings, paintings, embroideries and found works are examined, her friends interviewed and her life presented.
Learn more about the boom in British cinema as new, pioneering techniques saw productivity skyrocket and creativity flourish within the industry.
Celebrated painter Mark Rothko is considered one of the most renowned figures of the Abstract Expressionist movement. Yet for many years he was snubbed by the art establishment. This documentary charts his tumultuous journey and includes interviews with Rothko's daughter Kate and son Christopher, and Oscar-nominated writer John Logan. It also features scenes from the Tony Award-winning play Red, with Alfred Molina in the role of Rothko
Tasked with the installation of two ambitious shows during the Venice Biennale of 2022, the 70-year-old Anish Kapoor is documented by art critic Waldemar Januszczak.
The Nazis founded Germany’s top swing band despite the Third Reich’s prohibition on jazz. The fascinating journey of Karl Schweidler and his band is chronicled in this documentary.
Exploring festive themes featured in novels and poems written by authors including Charles Dickens, Hans Christian Andersen, Kenneth Grahame, J.M Barrie, JRR Tolkien, Rudyard Kipling, CS Lewis, Noel Streatfeild, Edith Nesbit, Dylan Thomas and John Masefield.
Waldemar Januszczak explores the mystery of the famous old tale, which has seen artists through the ages conjure extraordinary visions to fill the missing details of the story.
Spotlighting the life and career of the fondly-remembered Irishman, bear witness to comedian and poet Spike Milligan's never before aired film, interviews and scripts.
Forgotten after his death in 1593, rediscover the enigmatic 16th-century artist Giuseppe Arcimboldo with this documentary exploring the Milanese painter's skill.
Camille Pissarro followed a dramatic path and through it all, wrote extensively as this film reveals his life and work.
The art critic examines Ukraine's efforts to protect its cultural heritage from destruction during the Russian invasion
Drawing inspiration from the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, celebrate royalty's influence on the silver screen over the years - from Throne of Blood to the King's Speech.
Documentary exploring the life and work of Dutch graphic artist Maurits Cornelis Escher, featuring extracts from his diary and correspondence read by Stephen Fry
LONDON’S HUMBLE CRUMBLE BAR READ MORE A Brush With Comedy is an insightful new feature length documentary that examines the connection between art and comedy. Featuring the comedians Spencer Jones, Simon Munnery, Bec Hill, Miriam Elia and Jim Moir (AKA Vic Reeves) the film explores the connection between comedy and art and the inner conflicts that lie within. It’s a personal and authored debut by filmmaker Louis Moir, who explores his relationship with his dad, Jim Moir, through his creative output.
Robert B Weide's documentary examines the extraordinary life of the celebrated writer and humorist, as well as the friendship he developed with Vonnegut while filming it
l. Arguably the greatest ever frontman, Freddie Mercury was a complete one-off. This is the Queen icon's story - told through the sale of his personal items at Sotheby's.
Documentary about the boom in British cinema as new, pioneering techniques saw productivity sky-rocket and creativity flourish within the industry
This compelling documentary explores the history and evolution of grime music from its birth out of the dancehall, drum’n’bass and garage scenes of east London in the noughties to its roller coaster relationship with mainstream media and the establishment. Documentary featuring the likes of Dizzee Rascal and Mike Skinner exploring the history and evolution of grime music, from its east London roots to its mainstream popularity.
