NEW BBC TWO DOCUMENTARY TO CELEBRATE SIR LENNY HENRY THIS CHRISTMAS
NEW BBC TWO DOCUMENTARY TO CELEBRATE
SIR LENNY HENRY THIS CHRISTMAS
Sir Lenny Henry: A Life on Screen is an in-depth TV special on the BAFTA-winning stand-up comedian, actor and writer, co-produced by BAFTA Productions and Whizz Kid Entertainment
London, 22 November 2016: The British Academy of Film and Television Arts has announced today that Sir Lenny Henry, one of Britain's best-loved comedians and writers, will be celebrated in an hour-long television special to be broadcast on BBC Two this Christmas. The programme is co-produced by BAFTA Productions and Whizz Kid Entertainment.
The one-off special will delve in to the archives to showcase some of Lenny's incredible work, spanning his 41 years in show business – from his early appearance on New Faces, through his instrumental roles in Tiswas and Comic Relief, to becoming one of Britain's most diverse and critically acclaimed performers.
The programme will feature interviews with close friends and colleagues who helped shape Sir Lenny's glittering career, such as Richard Curtis, Kim Fuller, Michael Grade, Trevor McDonald and Chris Tarrant, as well an in-depth interview with Sir Lenny himself. The programme is to be produced by Samantha Peters who has been the inspirational Producer of the three Life On Screen series to date.
Clare Brown, Director of Production at BAFTA, said: "Following the Special Award that we presented to Sir Lenny at the British Academy Television Awards earlier this year, it is a privilege to have the opportunity to create a programme that illustrates the versatility and passion of this talented performer this Christmas."
Katherine Allen, Executive Producer at Whizz Kid Entertainment, said: "We are incredibly happy to be working once again with BBC Two and BAFTA Productions to shine the spotlight on another fantastic entertainer, Sir Lenny Henry."
Pinki Chambers, Commissioning Editor for BBC Entertainment, said: "Viewers are in for a real treat as we see Lenny and the people closest to him share some hilarious and interesting stories behind the some of his most memorable shows."
Patrick Holland, Channel Editor of BBC Two, and Pinki Chambers, Commissioning Editor for BBC Entertainment, commissioned the programme. Executive Producers are Clare Brown for BAFTA Productions and Katherine Allen for Whizz Kid Entertainment.
Sir Lenny Henry: A Life on Screen will air this Christmas on BBC Two.
For further information on BAFTA Productions and 'Lenny Henry: A Life in Television' please contact:
Amanda Hearn at freuds
E amanda.hearn@freuds.com
For further information on Whizz Kid Entertainment please contact:
Justin Crosby at Boom! PR
T 0203 176 6688/ 07966 22836
E justin@boomdialogue.com
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts is an independent charity that supports, develops and promotes the art forms of the moving image by identifying and rewarding excellence, inspiring practitioners and benefiting the public. In addition to its Awards ceremonies, BAFTA has a year-round, international programme of learning events and initiatives that offers unique access to some of the world's most inspiring talent through workshops, masterclasses, scholarships, lectures and mentoring schemes, connecting with audiences of all ages and backgrounds across the UK, Los Angeles and New York. BAFTA relies on income from membership subscriptions, individual donations, trusts, foundations and corporate partnerships to support its ongoing outreach work. To access the best creative minds in film, television and games production, visit www.bafta.org/guru. For more, visit www.bafta.org.
BAFTA Productions creates unique, unmissable content for its channels, clients and for broadcasters all over the world. With exclusive access to BAFTA events and unrivalled contacts within the film, television and games industries, BAFTA Productions makes exceptional talent available to a global audience.
Press – 2008