I'm looking forward to these
Gospel Christmas
Grammy-winning US jazz singer Gregory Porter and UK soul singer and musical theatre star Beverley Knight host a joyous celebration of Christmas – gospel style! Along with the internationally-acclaimed London Community Gospel Choir, the infectiously energetic House Gospel Choir and some special guest vocalists, they serve up a feast of uplifting festive treats at the beautiful St John at Hackney in London. A live audience at the church and the viewers at home can singalong to gospel renditions of Christmas favourites including Oh Holy Night, Joy to the World and Little Drummer Boy.
Pop Quiz
BBC Four revives classic 80s music programme Pop Quiz for two seasonal specials. Hosted by original presenter Mike Read, these new programmes will once again pit two teams of pop stars from the 80s against each other over several rounds of musical mirth, for a festive retro treat.
30 Million Minutes Live
BBC Four presents Dawn French in her critically acclaimed one woman show 30 Million Minutes. Filmed during its final West End run in October, 30 Million Minutes takes the audience on a journey through various delights and riches, with the odd irksome tribulation thrown in, as Dawn speaks about the lessons life has taught her and the things she knows to be true.
The evidence is there for all to see. She is already three quarters certifiably daft. The other quarter is utterly bewildered. And the remaining quarter simply can't do maths. With a sharp eye for comic detail and a wicked ear for the absurdities of life, this is a true Christmas treat to see the critically acclaimed comedian at her finest.
2016: A Year In The Life Of A Year
A one-off spoof review of the year show from the writer and director of Life Of Rock With Brian Pern, Rhys Thomas. The show will seamlessly re-edit real film and TV footage from 2016 in order to create a daft take on the year’s cultural and national events, counting down from January to December. No one is safe...
Alan Bennett’s Diaries
A candid look into the mind of Alan Bennett, Britain’s best-loved writer, who, at 82, shows no signs of slowing down. Inspired by his diaries, this film shows Bennett as he’s never been seen before – from New York, to his local library in Primrose Hill, to the Yorkshire village he calls home.
In intimate encounters, Bennett leafs through private photographs, reflects on modest beginnings, speaks about his relationship with his partner of 23 years, Rupert Thomas and with a satirical force that has never left him, also attacks the politics of today.
Life In The Snow
In a seasonal special, Gordon Buchanan meets the animals who make their home in the snow. He’ll reveal how these remarkable animals living in the world’s most spectacular winter wonderlands have conquered the cold. From the polar bear mother who gives her cubs the best possible start in life, to the owl that catches food hidden beneath a blanket of snow, and the plucky penguins that huddle together to keep warm. Along the way, Gordon will even reveal the surprising secrets of our favourite Christmas characters - those charming reindeer and our very own robin redbreast!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre