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The Only Non-Graduate at the Graduation

In this series about being unique, Lemn Sissay reflects on being the only non-graduate at a graduation.

In Lemn Sissay Is The One And Only, the poet and broadcaster Lemn Sissay explores the idea of uniqueness across four different areas of his life, looking at situations where he stood out, alone, and examining how that uniqueness felt.

This week, he's the only non-graduate at the graduation, reflecting on his experience of being Chancellor of the University of Manchester - the person who gives out the degrees - despite never having been through higher education himself, via a mix of poetry and stand-up. He talks about the importance of education, the power of suggestion, and he speaks to the Lord Mayor of Manchester Donna Ludford about how she felt walking into the council chambers for the first time, having become a councillor despite not having been to university. Lemn is also joined by Henry Normal, who interrupts at various points to ask Lemn questions about the show.

Written and performed by Lemn Sissay

Guest ... Donna Ludford

Commentary ... Henry Normal

Recorded by Jerry Peal

Sound mixing by Rich Evans

Produced by Ed Morrish

A Lead Mojo production for Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4.

Available now

28 minutes

Last on

Fri 10 Mar 2023 11:30

Broadcast

  • Fri 10 Mar 2023 11:30