South Bank Show

The South Bank Show

1978 - United Kingdom

Do you know your Mark Morris from your Tynchy Stryder? Your Smiths from your Elbow? Are you up to date with the most current news in the world of male ballet? Do you know who is the latest artists 'en vogue'? Well, if you are unsure then The South Bank Show is just what you need and if you are in the know then, what a clever little thing you are! 

Melvin Bragg's award winning show has been going strong since it's launch in 1978 and you can certainly see why. The show covers an eclectic mix of subjects that takes fans and novices alike through on a cultural journey. With such a diverse range of topics, you will not be a fan of everything but you can gain insight into a genre that you know nothing of but can learn to appreciate it for what it is. Take Grime music for example; I could probably name one or two selling artists in this genre but would not be able to scratch beneath the surface and nor would I want to really. It is not music I would choose listen to on a daily basis but the episode of The South Bank show featuring Grime music allowed a glimpse into how young people from a London estate found a way for their voices to be heard, in a unique way that meant something to them. 

Melvyn Bragg

Creativity takes on many forms, some more appealing to us than others and some, that given a try, may just surprise us. There will be features on the show that are too unbearable for you, I for example could not stand to sit through an hour of James Bond chat and The Darkness, really? But that's ok. You can't like everything, right? 

With a recent move over to the fantastic Sky Arts, after its demise on ITV, there are plans for re-workings from the archives, including extra interviews and footage, so you can dip in and out of the programmes that take your fancy. Remember to include something new to you though, test that creativity of yours. Stand out episodes include the drunken and brilliant ramblings of Francis Bacon, a trip into the wonderfully eccentric world of Bjork and Alan Bennet being as wonderful as ever. In addition to the re-runs, there will be a host of new profiles that will continue to challenge audiences. 

The South Bank Show set the mould for future shows, most notably The Culture Show, but will always be a leader in bringing both popular and high culture to the masses. With ever increasing cuts to the arts and very few cultural programmes scheduled on mainstream TV, The South Bank Show needs to be treasured more than ever.

Published on January 31st, 2019. Written by Deborah Giannasi for Television Heaven.

Read Next...

The Sky at Night

Long running series presenting the science of astronomy.

Also tagged Factual

Send in the Girls

Short-lived female-led series following the adventures of a group of ‘girls for hire’ as promoters for live sporting events or sales promotions, to add a bit of glamour to proceedings

Also released in 1978

Topper's Tales

Illustrated children's story narrated by Julian Orchard.

Also released in 1978

wtm_televisionheaven

Television is as influential today as it's ever been - perhaps even more so

Also tagged Factual

Sports Personality of the Year Trophy

Annual event celebrating the year's sporting achievements and culminating in the award for sportsman or sportswoman of the year.

Also tagged Factual

Hazell

Private Eye James Hazell is an East End lad, once a copper. He is not the type to play with physical violence. He does not like fighting, but he is no coward. A rough and ready cockney, he may drop his aitches, but he never loses his determination.

Also released in 1978

Pennies from Heaven

Dennis Potter's remarkably innovative series about a sheet music salesman whose imagination often bursts into full song, building musical numbers around the greatest frustrations in his life.

Also released in 1978

Top Gear

High-Octane factual television programme centred round the world of motoring, 'Top Gear' is one of the most widely viewed factual tv shows in the world

Also tagged Factual