Award-winning television dramatist and director Sally Wainwright talks to John Wilson about her formative cultural influences. After learning the art of screenwriting whilst working on Coronation Street, she made her name with her suburban comedy drama At Home With The Braithwaites. Her stories are usually set in the north of England including Last Tango in Halifax, and her 19th century historical series Gentleman Jack. Her most recent hit is Happy Valley, a crime drama that spanned a decade and three series, winning huge acclaim, viewing figures and multiple awards.\n\nSally talks about her early obsession with television, and how the 1970s musical drama Rock Follies inspired her to become a television writer at a young age. She recalls her early career writing for BBC Radio 4's The Archers and the ITV soap Coronation Street and discusses the inspirations behind some of her biggest hits.\n\nProducer: Edwina Pitman
Source: BBC 4
Peter Kosminsky
Having started out as a current affairs journalist, Peter Kosminsky made his name by telling contemporary social and political stories in the form of television drama. Warriors ...
10-11-2024
BBC 4
Series 2: Sally Wainwright
Award-winning television dramatist and director Sally Wainwright talks to John Wilson about her formative cultural influences. After learning the art of screenwriting whilst wor ...
11-09-2024
BBC 4
Juliette Binoche
Actor Juliette Binoche talks to John Wilson about the formative influences that shaped her career.
02-06-2024
BBC 4
Michael Palin
Actor, comedian, presenter and writer Sir Michael Palin talks to John Wilson about his formative creative influences.
05-05-2024
BBC 4
Boy George
Singer-songwriter Boy George talks to John Wilson about his formative cultural influences.
04-05-2024
BBC 4
Series 2: Judi Dench: Shakespeare Special
Dame Judi Dench talks to John Wilson about her biggest cultural influence: William Shakespeare.
27-11-2023
BBC 4
Series 2: Margaret Atwood
John Wilson talks to award-wining author Margaret Atwood about the experiences that shaped her writing.
25-11-2023
BBC 4
Series 1: 2. Bernardine Evaristo
Booker Prize-winning author Bernardine Evaristo talks to John Wilson about the formative experiences and cultural influences that have had a profound effect on her work.\n\nEvar ...
20-11-2023
BBC 4
Series 1: 1. Kenneth Branagh
Actor and film-maker Sir Kenneth Branagh talks to John Wilson about the key influences and inspirations that have shaped his own work. In a wide-ranging conversation, he reveals ...
02-11-2023
BBC 4
Series 2: Jeremy Deller
Award-winning artist Jeremy Deller discusses his career and creative influences with John Wilson.
30-10-2023
BBC 4
Boy George
Singer-songwriter Boy George talks to John Wilson about his formative cultural influences.
04-05-2024
BBC 4
Series 2: 1. Glenda Jackson
Glenda Jackson talks to John Wilson about her most important cultural influences, including the impact of three key figures on her life and career: theatre director Peter Brook, ...
15-06-2023
BBC 4
Series 2: Judi Dench: Shakespeare Special
Dame Judi Dench talks to John Wilson about her biggest cultural influence: William Shakespeare.
27-11-2023
BBC 4
Series 1: 3. Mike Leigh
Film director Mike Leigh talks to John Wilson about the art and experiences that have shaped his own creative life.\n\nLeigh recalls his early life in Salford and reveals how a ...
07-12-2021
BBC 4
Series 1: 8. Evelyn Glennie
The world's leading classical solo percussionist Evelyn Glennie talks to John Wilson about her career and some of the key influences on her artistic path.\n\nFrom growing up in ...
13-02-2022
BBC 4
Series 2: Jeremy Deller
Award-winning artist Jeremy Deller discusses his career and creative influences with John Wilson.
30-10-2023
BBC 4
Series 2: Margaret Atwood
John Wilson talks to award-wining author Margaret Atwood about the experiences that shaped her writing.
25-11-2023
BBC 4
Series 2: 3. Tim Minchin
Comedian, actor and composer Tim Minchin, the songwriter behind Matilda the Musical, chooses his creative influences and discusses his career.
10-12-2022
BBC 4
Series 1: 5. Carlos Acosta
Cuban ballet star Carlos Acosta talks to John Wilson about some of the key moments of his cultural life.\n\nHe discusses the influence of his father, his early love of breakdanc ...
23-01-2022
BBC 4
Series 2: 2. Nicola Benedetti
Violinist Nicola Benedetti reveals the influences and experiences that have led her to become one of the world’s greatest classical musicians.
10-10-2022
BBC 4