Friday 2 September 2011

Wogan on Wodehouse

Michael Hogan looks ahead to BBC Two's Wogan on Wodehouse, broadcast on BBC2 tonight at 9pm (except Wales) in which Wogan considers the work of the great comic author PG Wodehouse:

"Sir Pelham Grenville Wodehouse KBE was a consummate comic writer who died in 1975 aged 93. 

Sir Michael Terence Wogan KBE is a veteran broadcaster aged 73.

[Both men Knight Commanders of the Civil Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire].

Put the two old twinklers together and you have a warm, evocative and gently enlightening hour of television, as Wogan explores his long-standing admiration for the work of the prolific author, lyricist and playwright.

Part of the Books on the BBC season, this film sees Wogan try to solve some of the paradoxes in the long life and 70-year career of the genius nicknamed “Plum”.

He learns about the childhood shuttling between aunts and boarding schools which shaped his values and the spell living in France which led to controversial accusations of collaborating with the Germans.

Through the observations of biographers and academics, as well as excerpts enthusiastically narrated by Alistair McGowan, Wogan explains how Wodehouse’s own experiences can be seen throughout his work, famed for its optimism and gentle fun-poking at the upper classes.

Wogan also meets fellow fans, including Joanna Lumley, Griff Rhys Jones, Richard Briers and Stephen Fry."

2 comments :

Anonymous said...

I can think of no finer writer in the English language, except perhaps Kipling. VC

Anonymous said...

there is something of more than a passing resemblance to the novelist and yourself xx i came across a photo of him today and smiled at the likeness xxx and know how much you love his books x I have actually been inspired to read some myself after watching an interview with someone on the BBC news. Hope to see you soon x J.