The Mark Steel Lectures. Mark Steel
The Mark Steel Lectures

The Mark Steel Lectures

  • TV factual / stand-up
  • BBC Four
  • 2002 - 2006
  • 18 episodes (3 series)

Series telling the story of some of the world's greatest names, from Byron to Pankhurst, in an accessible, comic manner. Features Mark Steel and Martin Hyder.

Episode menu

Series 2, Episode 2 - Leonardo da Vinci

What does Leonardo da Vinci 's The Last Supper have in common with EastEnders? The comedian takes a wry look at the Renaissance master's life and work, with art critic Brian Sewell appearing as his rival Michelangelo.

Further details

Creator of some of the greatest works of art in human history, but at the same time barely able to finish them, Leonardo is possibly the most easily distracted genius who ever lived. Mark Steel gets close to some of Leonardo's greatest works, and finds out what The Last Supper has in common with EastEnders.

Packing in not just a life of Leonardo but also a brief canter through the political geography and the latest technological advances of the world he was born into, Mark begins by exploring the standards of great art and great beauty as they were before Leonardo truly made his mark. Then it's a whistle-stop tour round Italy as Leonardo builds a reputation both for genius and not doing what he's paid for.

Broadcast details

Date
Friday 12th November 2004
Time
11pm
Channel
BBC Four
Length
30 minutes

Cast & crew

Cast
Mark Steel Host / Presenter
Martin Hyder Ensemble Actor
Guest cast
Brian Sewell Self
Writing team
Mark Steel Writer
Pete Sinclair Writer (Additional Material)
James Serafinowicz (as James Sezchuan) Writer (Additional Material)
Production team
Michael Cumming Director
Jon Rolph Producer
Emma De'Ath Executive Producer
Graham Smith Executive Producer
Jon Plowman Executive Producer
Jon Blow Editor
Geoff Slack Costume Designer
Sarah Burrows Make-up Designer
Richard Lewis Composer

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