Cast and Crew of The South Bank Show

The South Bank Show

"The South Bank Show" has long been a staple for art enthusiasts and curious minds alike, first gracing Britain's television screens in 1978 on ITV. This illustrious arts magazine show, under the esteemed stewardship of presenter Melvyn Bragg, has consistently aimed to bridge the gap between high art and the ever-evolving landscape of popular culture. With its inception, "The South Bank Show" broke new ground by offering viewers an intimate glimpse into the lives and works of some of the world's most influential artists, performers, and cultural icons. Over the years, the show has featured an eclectic array of profiles and documentaries, covering diverse topics from literature and visual arts to music and theatre, always maintaining a balance between insightful critique and accessible entertainment. Its commitment to educational enrichment and cultural enlightenment has made it a beloved institution in the world of televised arts programming.

After a brief hiatus following its final ITV broadcast in 2010, "The South Bank Show" was rejuvenated and found a new home on Sky Arts, where it resumed its cultural odyssey on May 27, 2012. The show's transition to Sky Arts marked a new chapter, offering even more in-depth explorations into the arts and continuing its tradition of exceptional journalism and storytelling. The move also allowed the series to benefit from the broader canvas of a dedicated arts channel, reaching a wider audience eager for intelligent and engaging content. With each new episode, the show has continued to captivate viewers with its blend of critical analysis and heartfelt celebration of the arts, further solidifying its reputation as a beacon of cultural television.

At the heart of "The South Bank Show's" enduring success is its presenter, Melvyn Bragg, whose passion for the arts is matched only by his ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity and enthusiasm. Bragg's incisive interviews and thoughtful narration have guided viewers through the complexities and nuances of the artistic process, making the esoteric accessible and the obscure tantalizing. His dedication to the show's mission has ensured that "The South Bank Show" remains a vital and relevant cultural force, one that continues to inspire and educate audiences about the transformative power of the arts. Whether delving into the mind of a Nobel laureate or exploring the creative journey of a street artist, "The South Bank Show" under Bragg's tutelage has consistently demonstrated that the arts are not just for the elite but are a living, breathing part of our shared human experience.

Main Cast of The South Bank Show

Secondary Cast of The South Bank Show

Paul McCartney as Self

Paul McCartney

as Self (1 episode)

Sir James Paul McCartney, MBE (born 18 June 1942) is an English musician, singer-songwriter and composer. Formerly of...

Alec Guinness as Self

Alec Guinness

as Self (2 episodes)

Sir Alec Guinness, CH, CBE (2 April 1914 – 5 August 2000) was an English actor. He was featured in several of the Eal...

Alan Bennett as Self

Alan Bennett

as Self (1 episode)

Alan Bennett (born 9 May 1934) is an English playwright, screenwriter and author. Born in Leeds, he attended Oxford U...

Annie Lennox as Self

Annie Lennox

as Self (1 episode)

Annie Lennox, OBE (born 25 December 1954), is a Scottish recording artist. After achieving minor success in the band ...

Robbie Coltrane as Self

Robbie Coltrane

as Self (1 episode)

Anthony Robert McMillan (March 30, 1950 - October 14, 2022), known professionally as Robbie Coltrane, was a Scottish ...

Steven Spielberg as Self

Steven Spielberg

as Self (1 episode)

Steven Allan Spielberg (born December 18, 1946) is an American film director, writer and producer. A major figure of ...

Nick Park as Self

Nick Park

as Self (1 episode)

Nicholas Wulstan "Nick" Park, CBE is an English filmmaker of stop motion animation best known as the creator of Walla...

Richard Ingrams

as Self (1 episode)
Matt Lucas as Self

Matt Lucas

as Self (1 episode)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Matthew Richard "Matt" Lucas (born 5 March 1974) is an English comedian, scree...

Rebecca Front as Self

Rebecca Front

as Self (1 episode)

Rebecca Front (born 16 May 1964) is a British stage, film and television actress, comedian and writer, best known for...

Sue Townsend

as Self (1 episode)
Barry Humphries as Self

Barry Humphries

as Self (1 episode)

John Barry Humphries, AO, CBE (17 February 1934 - 22 April 2023) was an Australian comedian, satirist, dadaist, artis...

Elton John as Self

Elton John

as Self (1 episode)

Elton John is an English singer, pianist and composer. He has made appearances in numerous films such as "Born to Bo...

David Walliams as Self

David Walliams

as Self (1 episode)

English comedian, actor, writer, and TV personality.


Crew of The South Bank Show

Discover the backstage crew of The South Bank Show →