Lemn Sissay Is the One and Only

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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.

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Lemn Sissay Is the One and Only: The Only Black Man in the Village

The Only Black Man in the Village

BBC Radio 4 - Lemn Sissay Is the One and Only, The Only Black Man in the Village

Lemn Sissay reflects on being the only black man in the village where he grew up.

In this series about being unique, Lemn Sissay reflects on being the only black man in the village where he grew up.

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 Black man in the village, drawing upon his experience of growing up in an all-white town. Through a mixture of poetry and stand-up, he talks about how it felt to be stared at and treated differently, as well as how things changed when he moved to Manchester and wasn't the only Black man in town. He speaks to Oscar-nominated writer/director Cornelius Walker, who documented his childhood move from south-east London to Essex in his short film Black Sheep. Lemn is also joined by Henry Normal, who interrupts at will to ask Lemn questions about the show.

Written and performed by Lemn Sissay

Guest ... Cornelius Walker

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

The Only Black Man in the Village

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