Raymond Briggs: Snowmen, Bogeymen and Milkmen – BBC2

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Raymond Briggs: Snowmen, Bogeymen and Milkmen
(Image credit: BBC/Louise Lockwood)

Profile of the author of The Snowman, told through interviews with the man himself, with contributions by Andy Serkis, Nick Park and Posy Simmonds

The life and work of the beloved author and illustrator Raymond Briggs

For over 50 years Raymond Briggs has been writing and drawing books that have delighted children and adults alike.

Christmas hasn’t really started in most households until The Snowman – based on his 1978 book – is on the telly.

This charming documentary about Raymond’s life and work includes interviews with the now 84-year-old author himself, plus chats with the people who know him best. With contributions from Andy Serkis, Nick Park and Posy Simmonds.

The 84-year-old author and illustrator working in his studio at home

The 84-year-old author and illustrator working in his studio at home

It also explores what inspired his work, from his first story, Father Christmas, to his more political and dark books, including the bleak nuclear war story When the Wind Blows and the touching Ethel & Ernest, preceding this film at 7.30pm, about the life of Raymond’s parents.

TV Times rating: *****

Mandy Cooper
Mandy Cooper
TV Times Highlights Editor

As TV Times Highlights Editor I get to hear about all the latest TV shows coming soon. Here at TVT HQ we are in the privileged position of selecting the best programmes from across all the channels and streaming platforms. Our mission is to make it easier for our readers to decide what to watch - and give them lots of choice of genres - all the latest shows, plus some nostalgic choices we call hidden gems, too. My career began with a postgraduate degree in periodical journalism (ahem, yes old school!) in 1991 and I’ve worked in TV media since 2000.