Day Two - Sky Arts Book Show
I'm no stranger to TV but I've never been part of a studio audience before, so it's a novelty to make my way past cameras, crew and tv screens to take my place at today's Book Show which will be screened on Sky Arts later this month.
The set's a classic library, with a twist; old-fashioned typewriters and vintage style sofas are paired with funky chandeliers and stacks of stacks of books (naturally), many of which I recognise from my own shelves at home. Even the walls are papered in pages of books.
As we practice applauding and watch the jib camera swinging over us, the panel come onto the stage: presenter Mariella Frostrup, comedian and clinical psychologist Pamela Stephenson-Connolly (wearing the most incredible pair of stiletto heels), broadcaster and journalist Joan Bakewell and founder of Hip Hop Shakespeare, Akala. Many of the audience will have bought tickets without even knowing the late-confirmed lineup, and it's great just to be a part of it.
From my seat I can see Mariella's autocue, but it's purely for introductions - the conversation runs seamlessly and (apparently) effortlessly as the panel discuss their writing, their guilty pleasures and the place of literature today. The calm on stage is countered by the crew, intensely watching from the sidelines and ready to run on to fix a microphone or touch up makeup whenever it's needed.
We quickly forget anything that might be taking place off stage though, as the conversation on it is so entertaining. Last to be interviewed is Akala from Hip Hop Shakespeare, who quickly wins his audience over by asking them to identify whether a series of lyrics are the work of a hip hop artist or the bard himself. It sounds simple, but when most of the panel (and this member of the audience) incorrectly attribute a line from an Eminem song to Shakespeare, he's more than made his point.
The hour quickly passes, and we finish by watching the credits roll by on a nearby tv screen, superimposed over the set that's laid out before us. The good news? There's still chance to catch two shows tomorrow, with two fantastic new line-ups. Find full details here.
Laura Brand
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