Telly Talk: Question time
I like a good natter. It’s hardly breaking news. I also like to view a good natter, watching Parkie get stuck in with Billy Connolly on one of their many one-on-one interviews that have taken place over the years. I thoroughly enjoy Jonathan Ross’ cheeky banter, having a very fond memory of him dropping a particularly big time Hollywood star who had his own salad dressing in it by challenging him to construct the condiment from scratch. Chat shows are fun. Whether they’re the high brow focus of The Culture Show’s recent study of Damon Albarn, or the more informal friendly promo pieces that ultimately allow for such memorable moments as Oliver Reed’s priceless rendition of ‘Wild Thing’ on Wogan, the business of interviews is easy to get on board with. Especially with such variety.
The thing is, with one hand washing the other so frequently you might think a certain Scottish Shakespearean play could be involved. It can be a little too apparent that the interview is simply a selling exercise on the part of the interviewee.
“our idols quizzed is because they have a new film, book or yoga position coming out”
Of course, we’ve always known that the only reason we can see our idols quizzed is because they have a new film, book or yoga position coming out next week. Meg Ryan’s icy reception of Michael Parkinson this time last year attested to that, as did Bruce Willis’ practically silent presence on Magic 105.2 when interviewed – now a YouTube viral sensation. And it’s equally obvious when an interviewee is overly attentive. Stand up comics are great guests to have on as their default setting is ‘entertaining’, but as the first pocket they reach into to grab your attention is their magic book of honed material it can end up with the interview feeling like something of a showcase.
My favourite kind of interview is the one where the asker of the questions clearly knows their stuff. They’ve done their research and know enough about their subject to be able to latch onto something that was not previously in the public arena. The buzzing sensation as news breaks is incredible. Richard Herring’s Leicester Square Podcast proved this in remarkable fashion when a seemingly innocent question (actually sourced from a schoolchild) asked of Stephen Fry – ‘What is it like to be Stephen Fry?’ – led to the sensational revelation that he had tried to take his own life earlier in the year. When the podcast was released it made front page news. It’s not easy being Stephen Fry.
So, as Mark Lawson takes his focus this week on three major players in the arts it’s gratifying to be absolutely certain that he knows his stuff. Yes, if there were any major revelations the BBC’s inner machinations would be bound to release them via their news arm first, but the head to head stuff will be involving and perfectly balanced to engage both the connoisseurs and the newbies passing through.
A good interview is a joy to behold and a skill to be valued. Interviewers are the swans of television, frantically paddling like mad underneath the surface to guide the conversation, remember their notes and important pointers, and instill an intimacy, all the while making it look effortless. When it goes wrong it’s just as graceless as that same swan tripping over its massive webbed feet and getting its neck caught in the same tangle. Just think of any chat show that only lasted one series. Got one? See what I mean. All hail the question masters. Especially those with a wicked side.
Mark Lawson Talks To Julian Barnes, Mark Lawson Talks To David Bailey, Mark Lawson Talks To Joanne Trollope, BBC4, Coming Soon
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