Comedian Joe Lycett is embarking on a transatlantic mission to connect the world’s Birminghams in a new Sky Max series, Joe Lycett’s United States of Birmingham. The show starts on Tuesday, 22 April.
Here’s the Lowdown: Lycett, a self-proclaimed ambassador for Birmingham, UK, will travel across North America, visiting some of the eighteen towns and cities named Birmingham. He’ll explore their histories, look for shared cultural traits, and establish “Friendship Agreements.”
What This Means Now: This is a unique and humorous take on local pride and international relations. Lycett’s comedic style is a good fit for exploring the quirks of small-town America and finding common ground with his “Brummie” counterparts.
The Bigger Picture: The series culminates in Lycett inviting representatives from the North American Birminghams back to his hometown for the “International Day of Birmingham,” an event he hopes to make an annual celebration. He says “International Day of Birmingham should be something we already celebrate”. This highlights the power of shared names and identities to create connections across vast distances. The project is endorsed by the actual Lord Mayor of Birmingham, UK, adding a touch of official legitimacy to Lycett’s comedic quest.
