Meera Syal

Synopsis

Meera Syal reveals her love of the boxing ring in the first of a new series of "Reasons To Be Cheerful". The multi-talented writer, actress and comedian exercises by getting into the ring and taking slugs at her trainer Paul Webb. Meera, who describes herself as a "pacifist boxer", says the fact that women can now enjoy this male dominated sport is one of her big Reasons To Be Cheerful.

This is the third series of the programme which takes a light hearted swipe at the Grumpy Old Men and Grumpy Old Women who usually control the airwaves. Meera, star of The Kumars at No. 40 and Goodness Gracious Me, praises karaoke as a wonderful piece of modern living, which allows even the shyest person in the room to get up and shine. The mother of two also looks at modern motherhood and the improved way that parents are communicating with their children.

She is joined by experts Rosalind Edwards, Professor in Social Policy at the University of Southampton, Professor Kath Woodward from the Open University and Ethnomusicologist Rachel Harris from the School of Oriental and African Studies. Meera visits the Centre for Well-Being and quizzes founder Nic Marks for tips on how to live a well balanced life.

Meanwhile she does her best to convince fellow actress and comedian Helen Lederer to renounce her grumpy ways.

Producers: Jo Coombs and Martin McNamara.
A Loftus Audio production for BBC Radio 4.