Clive James invites Richard E. Grant into his library for a chat with the Withnail & I star about his childhood, films, acting, actors and his directorial debut with the autobiographical film Wah-Wah.

Clive James has interviewed hundreds of prominent cultural figures on mainstream television and always wondered if the results might not have been more relaxed, natural and fruitful if he could have worked from home. Now he is working from home. In the library of his London apartment, he talks with writers, poets, directors, actors, dancers: anyone that he knows well enough to ask in for a conversation, a drink and a Chinese takeaway dinner.

“This was one of my dream scenarios for my retirement,” says the proud presenter, “and here it is, coming true.” Set in the same library into which Australia’s best-known critic has been gradually disappearing for years behind his piles of books, Clive conducts vital dialogues about the arts, with the people who know most about them.

In this episode, Clive talks to actor Richard E. Grant about his eventful life and career. From the uncertainties of his Swaziland upbringing, where the breakdown of his parents’ marriage made for an uncomfortable time (as portrayed in his recent autobiographical film debut, Wah-Wah, which he also discusses) to the cult hit Withnail and I, via Hollywood, writing, Bruce Willis and Barbara Streisand, Richard E. Grant makes for scintillating viewing.

For more check out the SkyArts.co.uk website.