Whenever Hanif Kureishi writes a new film or book, something is broken - a taboo, a confidence or new ground. The Buddha of Suburbia and My Beautiful Laundrette author, who first caused a stink turning his experiences of racism, Thatcherism and sexual transgression into corrosive comedy, has amused, provoked, annoyed and betrayed for over four decades now. It is with some relish, it seems, that the barbed and ruthless writer picks up a pen, and waits as friends, lovers and family take cover, fearing what bitter human frailty might get caught in his satirical gaze. \n\nIn the year he turns 60, Kureishi is putting out a new book, publicising his latest film and committing his life's archive to the vaults of the British Library. Alan Yentob might have expected to find him in a reflective mood but Hanif Kureishi is not one for mellowing. He takes his duty as national literary nuisance very seriously indeed.
Source: BBC 2
2011/2012: 21. David Hockney: The Art Of Seeing - A Culture Show Special
Andrew Marr interviews David Hockney, widely considered to be Britain's best-loved living artist, about his exhibition A Bigger Picture at the Royal Academy, made up of works de ...
02-10-2023
BBC 2
Hanif Kureishi: Writers Are Trouble - A Culture Show Special
Whenever Hanif Kureishi writes a new film or book, something is broken - a taboo, a confidence or new ground. The Buddha of Suburbia and My Beautiful Laundrette author, who firs ...
24-08-2022
BBC 2
Spielberg At 60
A special edition of The Culture Show that looks at the life and career of Stephen Spielberg, one of the most famous and commercially successful film directors in the world. Mar ...
20-08-2022
BBC 2
2012/2013: 32. Sincerely, F Scott Fitzgerald
Novelist Jay McInerney explores the life and writing of F Scott Fitzgerald, whose masterwork The Great Gatsby has just been filmed for the fifth time. \n\nFitzgerald captured th ...
03-05-2022
BBC 2
The Art Of World War Ii: A Culture Show Special
To mark the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, the Culture Show presents a special on the art of World War II. Despite being locked into a life-or-death struggle, wartim ...
18-11-2021
BBC 2
2013/2014: 6. The Culture Show At Edinburgh: Funny Women
Sue Perkins explores the highs and lows of being a woman in the unashamedly macho world of stand-up comedy. With unique behind-the-scenes access to the most important date in th ...
14-09-2021
BBC 2
2011/2012: 17. Sir Terence Conran On Culture
In tribute to the late British designer Sir Terence Conran, a repeat of a programme first shown in 2011.\n\nAlan Yentob talks to his hero Sir Terence Conran, perhaps one of Brit ...
05-10-2020
BBC 2
2013/2014: 18. Wars Of The Heart
For those who remained in London during the Second World War, the Blitz was a terrifying time of sleeplessness, fear and loss, but some of London's literary set found inspiratio ...
06-08-2019
BBC 2
The Battle For Stonehenge: A Culture Show Special
Alastair Sooke looks at the controversy over the site surrounding Stonehenge, as English Heritage attempts to create a setting that this unique monument deserves.
20-06-2019
BBC 2
2013/2014: 6. The Culture Show At Edinburgh: Funny Women
Sue Perkins explores the highs and lows of being a woman in the unashamedly macho world of stand-up comedy. With unique behind-the-scenes access to the most important date in th ...
14-09-2021
BBC 2
2014/2015 - Tents - The Beginning Of Architecture
Tom Dyckhoff looks at the history of the tent and asks if it could be the answer to an overcrowded world faced with a housing crisis and dwindling natural resources.
23-06-2014
BBC 2
Pop Go The Women: The Other Story Of Pop Art - A Culture Show Special
Featuring the best arts and culture stories of the week. Alastair Sooke tracks down the female artists who have been left out of the established narrative of pop art.
18-06-2018
BBC 2
Rankin Shoots Rembrandt
World-renowned photographer Rankin takes on the challenge of interpreting Rembrandt's portraits of old age, adapting the Dutch master's techniques for his camera.
18-10-2014
BBC 2
Spielberg At 60
A special edition of The Culture Show that looks at the life and career of Stephen Spielberg, one of the most famous and commercially successful film directors in the world. Mar ...
20-08-2022
BBC 2
2013/2014: 18. Wars Of The Heart
For those who remained in London during the Second World War, the Blitz was a terrifying time of sleeplessness, fear and loss, but some of London's literary set found inspiratio ...
06-08-2019
BBC 2
2013/2014 - Savion Glover - Happy Feet
Morgan Quaintance visits African-American dance artist Savion Glover in his hometown of Newark, New Jersey, to discover more about the renowned tap dancer's life, work and art.
11-06-2014
BBC 2
2014/2015 - Ryan Gander - The Art Of Everything
Miranda Sawyer enters the wild imagination of celebrated British conceptual artist Ryan Gander, a cultural magpie renowned for his playful, cryptic and complex creations.
04-07-2014
BBC 2
The Lost Portrait Of Bonnie Prince Charlie: A Culture Show Special
In 2009, art detective Dr Bendor Grosvenor caused a national scandal by proving that the Scottish National Portrait Gallery's iconic portrait of Bonnie Prince Charlie, the rebel ...
30-01-2018
BBC 2
2013/2014 - Henri Matisse - A Cut Above The Rest
Alastair Sooke presents a moving and intimate portrait of Henri Matisse, one of the 20th century's most celebrated artists, who famously moved from paint to collage late in life.
23-05-2018
BBC 2