Joe Lycett to guest edit this weekend's Observer New Review

The latest Observer New Review will be a special curated edition from the acclaimed comedian, broadcaster and artist Joe Lycett, whose BAFTA-nominated Late Night Lycett show returns on Friday evening live from Birmingham. He will offer readers his unique perspective on the city of Birmingham, including features on politics, culture, comedy and gardening

The front cover features an original painting by Joe depicting a bull, a nod to the city’s famous Birmingham Bullring, with the words ‘reduced to clear’ making reference to the council’s approval of the biggest budget cuts in local authority history.

This Sunday (14 April), Observer New Review features:

Lycett interviewing musician Robbie Williams about his first solo art exhibition, Pride and Self-Prejudice, currently in Amsterdam; An insider’s guide to Birmingham from food and drink recommendations to stage, music and visual arts; An essay from journalist and cultural critic Nathalie Olah who reflects on the state of Birmingham since the council’s city-wide cuts were announced last month; Q&A with comedian Munya Chawawa and Katherine Ryan sharing her cultural highlights; plus, a green-fingered feature about the people and stories at Dads Lane Allotment in Moseley, celebrating the fact that Birmingham has the largest provision of allotments of any Local Authority in the UK.

Lycett said: “When I was asked to be the guest editor for this edition of the New Review I was astonished. ‘What is that?’ I said to my PR manager whilst pouring Black Tower Pinot Noir into empty Châteauneuf-du-Pape bottles. But then after my high-intensity prescription antihistamines kicked in, I agreed.

“My issue is all about my home town of Birmingham including an exclusive cover painted by me. Don’t worry, things will be back to normal next week.”

Jane Ferguson, editor, the Observer New Review: “It’s been a real thrill to welcome Joe Lycett as guest editor of the Observer New Review.

“We hope that his infectious love of Birmingham, playful wit and fierce support of the arts in its many forms will be a treat for readers this Sunday. It’s an unmissable edition that is distinctly Joe!”