Lemn Sissay Is the One and Only

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BBC Radio 4 FM

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Comedy: Standup

Lemn Sissay explores the idea of uniqueness across different areas of his life.

Poet and broadcaster Lemn Sissay explores the idea of uniqueness across different areas of his life, looking at situations where he stood out, alone, and examining how that felt.

BBC Radio 4 LW

Lemn Sissay Is the One and Only: The Only Poet on the Bill

The Only Poet on the Bill

BBC Radio 4 - Lemn Sissay Is the One and Only, The Only Poet on the Bill

Lemn Sissay reflects on being the only poet on a mixed 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 BBC Radio 4.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

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Lemn Sissay Is the One and Only

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