Arena

Episode Synopsis

Mike Leigh is a dramatist in a tradition of his own, a fiercely original talent whose work and working methods have always provoked curiosity and contention as well as praise. He is a social caricaturist in the graphic manner of Rowlandson and Gilray. the creator of a sequence of television films and stage plays which are funny and extreme, often liable to shock and offend as well as entertain. Tonight MIKE LEIGH talks about his work and demonstrates the unique processes of character-building and improvisation which have led to such successes as Abigail's Party, Grown-Ups and Nuts in May. with Sam Kelly. Alison Steadman , David Threlfall and Eric Allan , Marion Bailey Brenda Blethyn , Philip Davis Sheila Kelley and Antony Sher.