“I don’t know how to put this…but I’m kind of a big deal.” – Ron Burgundy

In each episode of Kind of a Big Deal you can listen to an exclusive & intimate conversation between our Features Editor and the kind of big deal folks our world-class arts scene attracts – writers, performers, movers and shakers.

Last week: Jung Chang (Wild Swans et al). Next week: Prof. Mary Beard (Laughter in Ancient Rome: On Joking, Tickling, and Cracking Up).

This week’s conversation is between Dan Lentell and actor

IAN LAVENDER

Ian Lavender attended the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. In 1968, aged 22, he was cast as Private Pike in sit-com classic Dad’s Army where he starred alongside some of the most experienced actors in Britain. Over 9 series and 80 episodes Lavender honed his craft under the tutelage of such celebrated thespians as John Laurie, Arnold Ridley, John Le Mesurier and especially Arthur Lowe – among the greatest character actors of all time.

What was it like working with such figures and how has their influence shaped Lavender’s career which has encompassed some of the UK’s best loved stage and TV vehicles? The conversation took place during the 2014 Fringe.

E49 Interviews; Dan Lentell talks to Ian Lavender

The jingle is used with the gracious permission of Moving On Theatre’s Laurene Hope Omedal (star of Piaf: Love Conquers All) and is voiced by Edinburgh Nights host Ewan Spence.

PLEASE NOTE! If you are subscribed to Edinburgh49‘s emailing list, you will not see the embedded audio links in your email alert, but they are on the website. (Promise!)