Stephen Fry recently appeared on The Assembly, a unique interview programme where neurodivergent and learning-disabled young adults pose questions that conventional interviewers would never dare ask. The show, which has been praised as a delightful gem, offers a refreshing departure from standard celebrity chatshows.
Fry was immediately confronted with a bold opening question: 'You tried to kill yourself a couple of times. Are you happy to be alive now?' He responded candidly, drawing a comparison between suicidal ideation and remembering a broken limb, noting that the pain was extreme but now feels alien to him.
The interview ranged from profound to impertinent, with questions such as 'How can I help [a family member with bipolar disorder]?' and 'Are you a top or a bottom?' Fry handled each with characteristic eloquence, using an analogy of bipolar disorder as a rainstorm to explain that 'the sun will come out at some point'.
One participant, Luca, chose to perform William Wordsworth's poem 'The World Is Too Much With Us' instead of asking a question, delivering it with dramatic flair that left Fry delighted. Another, Jacob, surprised Fry by reciting an extensive list of his past advertising clients before asking, 'Is there anything you wouldn't do for money?'
The show concluded with a performance of Nina Simone's 'I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free', leaving Fry visibly moved. The Assembly continues to offer a liberating experience for both guests and viewers, breaking down the usual barriers of celebrity interviews.
