Johnny Vegas returns to Channel 4 with personal art doc from Rumpus Media

Comedian, actor and artist Johnny Vegas is to embark on his most personal project in an artistic love letter to his hometown. Johnny Vegas: Art, ADHD and Me, a 2 x60 mins series made by Rumpus Media, 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. 

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.

Johnny Vegas says:  “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.”

Adeel Amini, Head of Entertainment at Rumpus Media says: “Johnny Vegas is already well-known and revered as an actor and comedian, but now we’re thrilled to bring you his journey back to his first love: being an artist. In this unique two-part series, Johnny tackles art and creativity with his trademark wit and humour, as well as a great deal of honesty and emotion, showing us a brand new side to one of Britain’s best-loved figures.”

Shaminder Nahal, Head of Specialist Factual at Channel 4 says: “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.”    

credits

Episode 1:

Series Producer/Director: Eddie Stafford

Executive Producer: Adeel Amini

Executive Producer: Josephine Brassey

Executive Producer: Iain Wimbush

Episode 2:

Series Producer/Director: Eddie Stafford

Executive Producer: Adeel Amini

Executive Producer: Josephine Brassey

*Images available upon request*