Al Murray to look at German history

Al Murray might have spent a career reinforcing German stereotypes – but now the man behind the Pub Landlord is to take a look at the real Germany in a two-part BBC Four documentary.

The show looks at the influence of the nation on arts, culture and thinking in the 18th and 19th centuries, including Bach, Bauhaus and the Brothers Grimm,

Murray – an Oxford history graduate – said: ‘I’ve gone far back in history and discovered a nation of dreamers whose golden age struck Europe like a beam of light.

‘But we give Germany no credit for this because of what happened afterwards, when the dreams changed to dreams of conquest and German culture, as well as and our view of it, was hijacked by the Nazis.

‘Now more than 60 years later it’s time to return this culture back to Germany and look at the country afresh.’

Al Murray’s German Adventure is due to air in the week beginning November 27, although the exact transmission date has yet to be confirmed.

It has been produced by Liberty Bell, whose previous documentary credits include The Alastair Campbell Diaries.

Published: 26 Oct 2010