Nihal Arthanayake will debut a new BBC Radio 5 Live show featuring celebrated comedian Stewart Lee.
- The show is scheduled for Sunday evenings from 8 to 10 pm, focusing on in-depth interviews.
- Arthanayake’s first guest, Stewart Lee, discusses his career, family, and upcoming tour.
- Lee emphasizes the need for an economy that supports creativity in his interview.
- The programme extends to a podcast featuring additional content from interviews.
Broadcaster Nihal Arthanayake is set to debut his new BBC Radio 5 Live show on Sunday 15th September. The show promises to deliver in-depth interviews with high-profile guests, beginning with renowned comedian Stewart Lee. Lee, known for his thoughtful and engaging comedy, opens up about his extensive career, the joys of sharing music with his children, and his endeavours to connect with audiences during the lockdown period. Furthermore, he provides insight into his anticipated UK tour, thereby setting a high benchmark for future guests.
Scheduled for the 8 pm to 10 pm slot on Sundays, Arthanayake’s programme aims to create a unique listening experience by exploring the lives and accomplishments of figures from diverse fields such as art, literature, sport, film, and comedy. The programme’s format allows for nuanced conversations that offer listeners a window into the creative processes and personal stories of their guests, encouraging an appreciation for cultural and intellectual pursuits.
In his discussion, Stewart Lee highlights a critical issue facing creative professionals today, advocating for an economic framework that genuinely supports individual interests and cultural engagement. He articulates the challenges faced by artists who, amidst financial instability, struggle to cultivate their crafts. “It’s about creating an economic situation in the country where people can afford to live and have interests, or go to stuff and be influenced by it,” Lee argues, stressing the importance of ensuring that creative expression is not stifled by economic pressures.
Nihal Arthanayake, as one of the leading interviewers in the UK, is known for his ability to elicit compelling stories and insights from his guests. His new show is expected to follow suit, featuring the Headliners podcast as an extension, which will include episodes packed with the show’s interviews and exclusive additional content. Arthanayake expresses his excitement at having the opportunity to delve deeply into topics he is passionate about, aspiring to inspire and captivate a new audience on Sunday evenings.
According to Heidi Dawson, controller of BBC Radio 5 Live, this new programme is a testament to Arthanayake’s exceptional broadcasting skills, offering him a platform to excel in conducting long-form interviews. Dawson adds that the Headliners podcast will be enhanced with exclusive material, ensuring that listeners receive not only the best of the live show but also unique insights that further enrich the audience’s experience.
Nihal Arthanayake’s new show is poised to redefine Sunday nights with captivating interviews that celebrate creativity across fields.
