BBC Two to screen ‘eclectic range’ of arts programming

Following last week’s announcement by Channel 4 that they are to boost their arts programming, today the BBC revealed their plans for more arts output on their second channel.

The eclectic range includes a documentary on the life and work of enigmatic horror writer MR James presented by Mark Gatiss with an accompanying drama adaptation of one of James’s short stories

There is also an exploration into whether 16th century Britain had its own Renaissance with celebrated art historian, Dr James Fox and a major science fiction season My God, It’s Full Of Stars.

Melvyn Bragg also joins the channel to look at British radical political thinkers John Ball and Thomas Paine in a two-part documentary series.

Janice Hadlow, Controller of BBC Two, says: “I’m delighted to be bringing such an exciting range of intelligent new arts programmes for BBC Two. Melvyn Bragg returns to bring viewers his extraordinary insights into the lives of two radical writers and I’m pleased to bring James Fox’s authority and passion to the channel as he explores Britain’s Renaissance.

“It’s a pleasure to bring Mark Gatiss back to BBC Two with a new look at one of Britain’s genre defining writers and we’ll be setting a channel first as we take an in-depth look at the cult of science fiction.”

Recent BBC arts and music content highlights include Your Paintings: A Culture Show Special in which Dr Bendor Grosvenor and Alastair Sooke reattribute a lost Van Dyck, The Genius Of Turner: Painting The Industrial Revolution explored six of Turner’s works alongside some of the most pivotal industrial moments of 19th century British history and Pride And Prejudice: Having A Ball in which Amanda Vickery and a team of experts recreated a Regency era ball.

Mark Bell, Arts Commissioning Editor, adds: “Melvyn Bragg is one of the great writers of our time. He has a particular knack for digging out influential figures we should all have heard of, but often haven’t, then bringing them to life with his inimitable insight.

“The BBC’s arts programmes celebrate authorship across an eclectic range of subjects; it is what makes us tick. As the biggest producer and investor in original arts and music programmes in the UK, I’m pleased we’re able to bring such a rich and varied range of new arts programmes to BBC Two.”