Mark Thomas - The Manifesto
Radio show in which comedian-activist Mark Thomas compiles a Manifesto for the People which he goes on to campaign for
- Genre
- Stand-Up
- Broadcast
- 2009 - 2013
- Channel
- BBC Radio 4
- Episodes
- 20 (5 series)
- Star
- Mark Thomas
- Writer
- Mark Thomas
- Producers
- Ed Morrish and Colin Anderson
As a nation, we are drifting up a certain well-known creek, economically, politically, socially... er... totally. So where are the great ideas, theories and visions to help us in our hour of need?
In this show, comedian-activist Mark Thomas looks to create a People's Manifesto. The audience are asked to come up with their own policies, with the concept being that Mark includes some of them in a final manifesto which he will go on to campaign for.
Many ideas are considered on the recording nights, some are dismissed out of hand, some discussed with the kind of experts who know about these kinds of things, and some Mark actualy takes on to try to put into practice.
Following on from the two successful shows last summer, where policies included "MPs should be bound by law to tell the truth" and "Children's playgrounds should be less safe" - Mark Thomas returns to investigate suggestions such as "4x4s should be transparent"; "manifesto policies should be legally binding"; and "there should be a maximum wage".
Featuring interviews with experts, original research and audience discussion, Mark Thomas - The Manifesto attempts to re-engage the audience with the idea of democracy.
Here's some more examples of policies:
- Forcing Ofsted inspectors to teach.
- Monitoring investment bankers' testosterone levels.
- The legalisation of Viking-style funerals.
- Consolidating the United Kingdom's national debt into one easy-to-pay loan.
- Production company
- Soundtrack
- Theme tune for series one is "Subterranean Homesick Blues" by Bob Dylan.
- Laugh track
- Live audience
Broadcast details
- First broadcast
- Thursday 25th June 2009 on BBC Radio 4 at 6:30pm
- Last new broadcast
- Thursday 9th May 2013 on BBC Radio 4 at 6:30pm
- Length of episodes
- 30 minutes
- Last repeat
- Tuesday 9th July 2019 at 11:30pm on Radio 4 Extra
Website links
- Mark Thomas Info
A comprehensive website with up-to-date details on what Mark Thomas is up to. - The People's Manifesto
The official website covering the manifesto book, as well as a competition to win the chance to stand as an independent candidate in the 2010 general election - with deposit fully paid. - The People's Manifesto Election Website
The winner of the competition was Danny Kushlick, an expert on drugs. He is standing in Bristol West and this is his website. - @markthomasinfo

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