The Only Poet on the Bill
In this series about being unique, Lemn Sissay reflects on being the only poet on a mixed bill.
In Lemn Sissay Is The One And Only, the poet and broadcaster Lemn Sissay explores the idea of uniqueness across four different areas of his life, looking at situations where he stood out, alone, and examining how that uniqueness felt.
This week, he's the only poet on the bill, reflecting on his formative experiences on the Manchester cabaret/variety/comedy circuit of the 1980s, where he played alongside comedians like Steve Coogan, John Thompson and Caroline Aherne, and musicians like Johnny Dangerously and Claire Mooney.
Starting the show in his dressing room, he walks the listening audience onstage to give them a sense of what it's like to be him, before delivering a mixture of poetry and stand-up on the theme of uniqueness. He speaks to fellow poet Tony Walsh about what it was like to be the only poet at the vigil for the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017. Lemn is also joined by Henry Normal, who interrupts at various points to ask Lemn questions about the show.
Written and performed by Lemn Sissay
Guest ... Tony Walsh
Commentary ... Henry Normal
Recorded by Jerry Peal
Sound mixing by Rich Evans
Produced by Ed Morrish
A Lead Mojo production for 大象传媒 Radio 4.
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Broadcast
- Fri 3 Mar 2023 11:30大象传媒 Radio 4