Comedian, actor and artist Johnny Vegas is to embark on his most personal project in an artistic love letter to his hometown…
In the two-part Johnny Vegas: Art, ADHD and Me, viewers will see one of Britain’s best loved entertainers and trained potters take on the biggest artistic challenge of his career: to create a piece of public art for St. Helens in Merseyside.
Johnny Vegas:
“I used to sit at a potter’s wheel on stage. People thought it was a gimmick but I actually started out as a dedicated wannabe ceramicist. Art was my educational saviour. Over years of witnessing what felt like an ongoing decline in educational commitment to the very same arts I felt it was time I threw my hat back into the ring. To kickstart a debate about culture in general, whilst giving something of a visual a symbol of gratitude back to my honestly beloved town.”
What starts as a creative endeavour turns into a journey of self-discovery when Johnny receives a diagnosis of ADHD. Though the original artistic vision falters, the documentary uncovers a silver lining—an honest and heartfelt conversation about mental health and understanding yourself.
Shaminder Nahal, Head of Specialist Factual at Channel 4:
“This series brings to life the power of art for everyone – how it can soothe, help, energise and inspire. Beautifully filmed over several years by Eddie Stafford, the series showcases Johnny’s unique humour, heart and passion – uncovering the intricacies and demands of artistic process along the way. It’s an enlightening, eye-opening and emotional journey.”
The series is made by Rumpus Media for Channel 4.
