Jack Rooke

The comedian, writer and mental health campaigner shares an insight into his very personal brand of storytelling.

Jack’s first stand-up show, Good Grief, reflects on the unexpected death of his father, when he was just a teenager. Co-written with his Nan, the show met with critical acclaim at the 2015 Edinburgh Festival, and was recorded for BBC Radio 4 a few years later.

We listen to Jack’s poignant and funny debut, and talk to him about his subsequent work, which includes an exploration of male mental health, and a quest to track down Mathangi Arulpragasam – AKA the British artist M.I.A. - who inspired Jack to turn adversity into hope. We hear a clip from Mamma M.I.A.: Influence of an Icon, which was a 2018 Boom Shakalaka production for Radio 4.

Produced and presented by Ali Gardiner for BBC Radio 4 Extra.

First broadcast in 2019.