As a producer, as well as a writer and actor, Sir Lenny says he was heartened to see wider representation at last week’s Bafta awards but worries the change is limited to onscreen.
“Compare the people who make the shows who get up and accept the awards to the people presenting the awards,” he says.
“It’s still a predominately cis white male landscape. Hey, I love cis white males. I’ve worked with them all my life and for 35 years they were the only people I met. Only in the last 10 years it’s changed but it’s still a very white world.
“Whoever is making these decisions about our lives, it’s a bit one-sided and that could change.”
While Sir Lenny is excited to try out his comedy routine, a new play scheduled to open in August and two new books in the offing mean he’s unlikely to have the time to go back on the road as a comic.
And things have changed when it comes to the focus of his comedy.
“I’m 66 now and life has changed completely,” he says. “If you see a black person in the garden centre it’s usually me. I’m very interested in how Mr Stay Up Late become Mr Staying In man. Crisps, gin and tonic, the telly, and bed at 10 o’clock.”
“And why are garden centres selling clothes? When I go to Prada and buy a nice shovel, you’ll know things have changed.”
Whatever he jokes about, Sir Lenny promises the same silly and laid back style he employed in the children’s show Tiswas – and admires in friend and fellow comic Billy Connolly.
“Billy Connolly has worked his conkers off to make it look like he’s just thought something up,” he says. “And he can walk on stage anywhere and make it feel like he’s just having a chat with you which just happens to be the most hilarious chat you’ve ever had in your life.
“I’ve always wanted that sense of chaos and fun and loveliness and I’ve still got that in me, I think.”
An Evening With Sir Lenny Henry is at Perth Concert Hall, as part of the Perth Festival of the Arts, on Friday 30 May at 19:30.
