When covid-19 lockdowns shuttered his productions, the renowned satirist vented his frustrations in a new form – a mock-epic poem called “Pandemonium”. He talks to Anne McElvoy about seeking inspiration in the works of John Milton and how to find humour in difficult days. Is any joke out of bounds for the creator of the television shows “The Thick of It” and “Veep” and what’s on his pick-me-up reading list?

Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:

www.economist.com/podcastoffer

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.