Faber and Faber's Michael Smith steps out of the literary world that saw him publish the much acclaimed Giro Playboy last year and takes on the guise of a contemporary Citizen Smith scouring the four corners of England in search of a modern day definition of nationality.
Refreshingly direct and accessible, this young Geordie charmer kicks off his six week odyssey with a revealing return to his home town of Hartlepool. Andy Capp, the Monkey mascot mayor, Tory developers and the next generation of local voices are all encountered as Smith combines his skill for a sweet turn of phrase with a disarming conversational style that forgoes the sledgehammer, whilst very definitely cracking the nut.
An exciting, amusing and often warming new voice reveals himself, his pas and his carefully observed perceptions in a series opener that promises an unsentimental collection of national portraits, both embracing our growing sense of confusion and going some way to solve some of our more pressing concerns.
Not unlike a young fogey, Smith manages to combine all that is best about BBC4, big themes, meaty thinking and a certain artistry with a disarming charm and wit that has you ready to go along with what promises to be an exciting ride.
