Sir Lenny Henry is on the latest episode of Dish from Waitrose, sharing insights from his five-decade career in entertainment and his lifelong relationship with food.
Lenny joins Nick Grimshaw and Angela Hartnett OBE to discuss his new show, Still at Large, which explores both the humour and challenges he has faced, including experiences of racism and bullying growing up in Dudley.
He notes that while the show celebrates his career, it also highlights ongoing issues of sexism, racism, and homophobia, aiming to address these topics with both seriousness and humour.
He recounts how comedy helped him overcome bullying as a child, recalling: “The comedy got me out of the being bullied thing,” he said. “Suddenly all these kids started going, leave Lenny alone, he’s funny.”
Lenny also reflects on his early days performing impressions for friends and his first time on stage, which led to a realisation that stand-up could be a path for him.
He describes the encouragement he received from peers and the thrill of entertaining a crowd for the first time.
Food is a recurring theme throughout the conversation. Lenny fondly remembers his mother’s cooking, describing how she would cook by feel and memory, and shares stories of late-night meals at KFC after gigs.
He also talks about attending a week-long cookery course at Raymond Blanc’s school, where he was the youngest and only Black participant.
The episode covers Lenny’s transition into drama, his experiences with Shakespeare, and the importance of preparation, drawing parallels between practising music and rehearsing for performances.
He speaks about his involvement in Comic Relief, recalling its origins and the impact it has had over the years, raising nearly £2 billion.
Lenny also shares anecdotes about meeting Prince and collaborating with Kate Bush, offering listeners a glimpse into the unique experiences that have shaped his career.
