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Mark Lawson was born in Leeds, England, and spent his early childhood there before moving to London.
Answer: False
Explanation: Mark Lawson was born in Hendon, London, England, but was raised in Leeds.
Mark Lawson's father worked as a marketing director for British Telecom and the Civil Service.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source states that Mark Lawson's father worked as a marketing director for both the Civil Service and British Telecom.
Mark Lawson attended a state-funded comprehensive school and was raised as an Anglican.
Answer: False
Explanation: Mark Lawson was raised as a Catholic and attended St Columba's College, an independent Catholic school.
At University College London, Mark Lawson studied History and was taught by A. S. Byatt.
Answer: False
Explanation: Mark Lawson pursued an English degree at University College London, where he was taught by A. S. Byatt, among others.
Where was Mark Lawson born?
Answer: Hendon, London, England
Explanation: Mark Lawson was born on 11 April 1962, in Hendon, London, England.
Where was Mark Lawson raised, despite being born in Hendon?
Answer: Leeds
Explanation: Although born in Hendon, North London, Mark Lawson was raised in Leeds.
What was Mark Lawson's religious upbringing and the type of school he attended?
Answer: Catholic, independent Catholic school
Explanation: Mark Lawson was raised as a Catholic and attended St Columba's College, an independent Catholic school.
Which university did Mark Lawson attend, and what subject did he study?
Answer: University College London, English
Explanation: Mark Lawson pursued an English degree at University College London.
Mark Lawson's primary professional roles include being a journalist, broadcaster, and author, with a focus on culture and the arts.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source explicitly states that Mark Gerard Lawson is an English journalist, broadcaster, and author, specializing in culture and the arts.
Mark Lawson presented the BBC Radio 4 arts programme *Front Row* for over two decades, from 1998 until 2020.
Answer: False
Explanation: Mark Lawson presented *Front Row* from 1998 to 2014, which is less than two decades, and not until 2020.
Mark Lawson began his freelance career in 1984, writing for *The Universe* and *The Times*.
Answer: True
Explanation: Lawson started his career as a freelance contributor in 1984, writing for *The Universe* and *The Times*.
Mark Lawson has been a columnist for *The Guardian* since 1985.
Answer: False
Explanation: Mark Lawson has been a columnist for *The Guardian* since 1995, not 1985.
Before joining *The Guardian*, Mark Lawson wrote a column for *The Daily Telegraph*.
Answer: False
Explanation: Before joining *The Guardian*, Mark Lawson wrote for *The Independent* newspaper from 1986 to 1995.
During the 1990s and early 2000s, Mark Lawson presented *The Late Show* on BBC2 and its offshoots, which evolved into *Newsnight Review*.
Answer: True
Explanation: Mark Lawson presented *The Late Show* on BBC2 in the 1990s, and its offshoots, *The Late Review*, *Sunday Review*, and *Newsnight Review*, until 2005.
Mark Lawson's 2004 BBC Four documentary, '*The Truth About Sixties TV*,' praised the golden age of television.
Answer: False
Explanation: In his 2004 documentary, Mark Lawson criticized 'golden ageists' for what he considered an overly nostalgic view of television's past, rather than praising it.
Mark Lawson's interview series '*Mark Lawson Talks to...*' on BBC Four ran for approximately five years.
Answer: False
Explanation: Mark Lawson's interview series *Mark Lawson Talks to...* ran for nearly a decade, from 2006 to 2015.
What are Mark Gerard Lawson's primary professional roles?
Answer: An English journalist, broadcaster, and author specializing in culture and the arts.
Explanation: The source identifies Mark Gerard Lawson as an English journalist, broadcaster, and author, specializing in culture and the arts.
For which BBC Radio 4 arts programme is Mark Lawson best known for presenting between 1998 and 2014?
Answer: Front Row
Explanation: Mark Lawson is best known for presenting the BBC Radio 4 arts programme *Front Row* between 1998 and 2014.
When did Mark Lawson begin his career as a freelance contributor, and for which early publications did he write?
Answer: 1984, The Universe and The Times
Explanation: Lawson started his career as a freelance contributor in 1984, writing for *The Universe* in that year and for *The Times* from 1984 to 1986.
Since when has Mark Lawson been a columnist for *The Guardian* newspaper?
Answer: 1995
Explanation: Mark Lawson has been a columnist for *The Guardian* since 1995.
Before joining *The Guardian*, for which major newspaper did Mark Lawson write a column?
Answer: The Independent
Explanation: Prior to his tenure at *The Guardian*, Mark Lawson wrote for *The Independent* newspaper from 1986 to 1995.
Which television programmes did Mark Lawson present during the 1990s and early 2000s?
Answer: The Late Show, The Late Review, Sunday Review, and Newsnight Review
Explanation: Mark Lawson presented *The Late Show* on BBC2, and its offshoots, *The Late Review*, *Sunday Review*, and *Newsnight Review*, during the 1990s and early 2000s.
What was the duration of Mark Lawson's in-depth interview series '*Mark Lawson Talks to...*' on BBC Four?
Answer: Nearly a decade (2006-2015)
Explanation: Mark Lawson's in-depth interview series *Mark Lawson Talks to...* ran for nearly a decade, from 2006 to 2015.
Mark Lawson has authored seven books, including both fiction and non-fiction works.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source states that Mark Lawson has authored seven books, encompassing both fiction and non-fiction genres.
Mark Lawson's first book, '*Bloody Margaret*' (1991), is a travelogue detailing his journalistic experiences.
Answer: False
Explanation: *Bloody Margaret* (1991) is a collection of novellas, including an eponymous satire on late 20th-century UK politics, not a travelogue.
The book '*The Battle for Room Service*' (1993) is a collection of short stories about hotel life.
Answer: False
Explanation: *The Battle for Room Service* (1993) is described as a travelogue, detailing people, politics, and culture encountered during his journalism work.
Mark Lawson's novel '*Idlewild*' (1995) explores an alternative history where John F. Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe survived the 1960s.
Answer: True
Explanation: *Idlewild* (1995) is an alternative history novel that imagines a scenario where both John F. Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe survived the 1960s.
'*Going Out Live*' (2001) by Mark Lawson examines the impact and dynamics of contemporary celebrity culture and the media.
Answer: True
Explanation: *Going Out Live* (2001) focused on contemporary celebrity culture and the media, examining their impact and dynamics.
Mark Lawson's 2005 book, '*Enough is Enough*,' is a historical drama set during World War II.
Answer: False
Explanation: *Enough is Enough* (2005) is a satire set within the government of Harold Wilson during the late 1960s.
Mark Lawson's 2016 novel, '*The Allegations*,' focuses on a lecturer facing disciplinary action for bullying and harassment.
Answer: True
Explanation: Mark Lawson's 2016 novel, *The Allegations*, centers on a lecturer at a fictional English university who faces disciplinary action and dismissal for bullying and harassment.
In '*The Allegations*,' Dr. Tom Pimm is accused of serious criminal offenses, including fraud and assault.
Answer: False
Explanation: In *The Allegations*, Dr. Tom Pimm is accused of behaviors such as sighing during departmental meetings, issuing divisive social invitations, and displaying visual insubordination, not serious criminal offenses.
How many books has Mark Lawson authored, and what genres do they encompass?
Answer: Seven books, encompassing both fiction and non-fiction genres.
Explanation: Mark Lawson has authored seven books, encompassing both fiction and non-fiction genres, including collections of novellas, travelogues, alternative history, and satires.
What was the subject matter of Mark Lawson's first book, '*Bloody Margaret*' (1991)?
Answer: A collection of novellas including a satire on late 20th-century UK politics.
Explanation: Mark Lawson's first book, *Bloody Margaret* (1991), is a collection of novellas that includes an eponymous satire focused on late 20th-century UK politics, particularly concerning Margaret Thatcher.
What kind of content is found in Mark Lawson's 1993 book, '*The Battle for Room Service*'?
Answer: A travelogue detailing people, politics, and culture encountered during his journalism work.
Explanation: *The Battle for Room Service* (1993) is described as a travelogue, detailing people, politics, and culture that Lawson encountered during his work as a journalist.
What unique historical premise does Mark Lawson's 1995 novel, '*Idlewild*,' explore?
Answer: A scenario where both John F. Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe survived the 1960s.
Explanation: *Idlewild* (1995) is an alternative history novel that imagines a scenario where both John F. Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe survived the 1960s.
What was the central theme of Mark Lawson's 2001 book, '*Going Out Live*'?
Answer: Contemporary celebrity culture and the media.
Explanation: *Going Out Live* (2001) focused on contemporary celebrity culture and the media, examining their impact and dynamics.
What is the setting and genre of Mark Lawson's 2005 book, '*Enough is Enough*'?
Answer: A satire set within the government of Harold Wilson during the late 1960s.
Explanation: *Enough is Enough* (2005) is a satire set within the government of Harold Wilson during the late 1960s.
What is the central theme of Mark Lawson's 2016 novel, '*The Allegations*'?
Answer: A lecturer facing disciplinary action and dismissal for bullying and harassment.
Explanation: Mark Lawson's 2016 novel, *The Allegations*, centers on a lecturer at a fictional English university who faces disciplinary action and dismissal for bullying and harassment.
What specific accusations were made against the character Dr. Tom Pimm in '*The Allegations*'?
Answer: Sighing during departmental meetings, issuing divisive social invitations, and displaying visual insubordination.
Explanation: In *The Allegations*, Dr. Tom Pimm is accused of behaviors such as sighing during departmental meetings, issuing divisive social invitations, and displaying visual insubordination towards senior management.
Which of the following books is NOT listed as authored by Mark Lawson in the bibliography?
Answer: The Secret History (1992)
Explanation: The bibliography lists *Bloody Margaret*, *The Battle for Room Service*, and *The Allegations*, but not *The Secret History*.
Mark Lawson has written several radio plays for BBC Radio 4, including '*St Graham and St Evelyn*' and '*The Third Soldier Holds His Thighs*'.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that Mark Lawson has written *St Graham and St Evelyn* (2003) and *The Third Soldier Holds His Thighs* (2005) for BBC Radio 4.
Mark Lawson's 2005 radio play, '*The Third Soldier Holds His Thighs*,' was inspired by a legal challenge against a National Theatre production.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 2005 radio play was based on Mary Whitehouse's unsuccessful legal challenge against the National Theatre's production of Howard Brenton's play *The Romans in Britain*.
Mark Lawson has written episodes for the BBC sitcom '*Absolute Power*' and appeared as himself in one episode.
Answer: True
Explanation: Mark Lawson wrote episodes for the television version of *Absolute Power* and appeared as himself in the 'Pope Idol' episode.
Which of the following radio plays was written by Mark Lawson for BBC Radio 4?
Answer: St Graham and St Evelyn
Explanation: Mark Lawson wrote *St Graham and St Evelyn* for BBC Radio 4 in 2003.
What was the theme of Mark Lawson's 2003 radio play, '*St Graham and St Evelyn*'?
Answer: The friendship between the Catholic novelists Graham Greene and Evelyn Waugh.
Explanation: Mark Lawson's 2003 radio play, *St Graham and St Evelyn*, explored the friendship between the Catholic novelists Graham Greene and Evelyn Waugh.
What real-life event inspired Mark Lawson's 2005 radio play, '*The Third Soldier Holds His Thighs*'?
Answer: Mary Whitehouse's unsuccessful legal challenge against a National Theatre production.
Explanation: The 2005 radio play, *The Third Soldier Holds His Thighs*, was based on Mary Whitehouse's unsuccessful legal challenge against the National Theatre's production of Howard Brenton's play *The Romans in Britain*.
In what capacity has Mark Lawson contributed to television writing?
Answer: He wrote episodes for the BBC sitcom 'Absolute Power' and appeared as himself.
Explanation: Mark Lawson wrote episodes for the television version of the BBC sitcom *Absolute Power* and made an appearance as himself in one episode.
Mark Lawson has received multiple journalism awards, including being named TV Critic of the Year twice.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that Mark Lawson has been named TV Critic of the Year twice and received numerous other journalism awards.
Richard Gott praised Mark Lawson in 2002 for his critical edge and challenging journalism at *The Guardian*.
Answer: False
Explanation: Richard Gott criticized Mark Lawson in 2002, suggesting a lack of critical edge and describing his presence as typifying the bland and obsequious at *The Guardian*.
The *Dead Ringers* team humorously referred to Mark Lawson as 'Britain's brainiest potato' due to his extensive knowledge of agriculture.
Answer: False
Explanation: The *Dead Ringers* team humorously referred to Mark Lawson as 'Britain's brainiest potato' and 'the thinking woman's potato,' often alluding to his baldness, not his knowledge of agriculture.
In 2011, Mark Lawson chaired the judges for the Booker Prize for Fiction.
Answer: False
Explanation: In 2011, Mark Lawson chaired the judges for the Hippocrates Prize for Poetry and Medicine, not the Booker Prize.
Mark Lawson was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 2015.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source states that Mark Lawson was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 2015.
What professional accolades has Mark Lawson received for his journalism?
Answer: TV Critic of the Year twice and numerous other journalism awards
Explanation: Mark Lawson has been named TV Critic of the Year twice and received numerous other journalism awards.
What criticism did former colleague Richard Gott express about Mark Lawson in 2002?
Answer: Lawson's tendency to be bland and obsequious, typifying a lack of critical edge at The Guardian.
Explanation: Richard Gott commented that the prevalence of the bland and the obsequious on *The Guardian* was typified by Mark Lawson's embedded presence, suggesting a lack of critical edge.
How has the *Dead Ringers* team humorously characterized Mark Lawson?
Answer: Britain's brainiest potato and the thinking woman's potato.
Explanation: The *Dead Ringers* team has humorously referred to Mark Lawson as 'Britain's brainiest potato' and 'the thinking woman's potato,' often alluding to his baldness.
What role did Mark Lawson undertake for the Hippocrates Prize in 2011?
Answer: He chaired the judges for the Hippocrates Prize for Poetry and Medicine.
Explanation: In 2011, Mark Lawson chaired the judges for the Hippocrates Prize for Poetry and Medicine.
What significant literary honor did Mark Lawson receive in 2015?
Answer: Election as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.
Explanation: In 2015, Mark Lawson was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.
Mark Lawson witnessed a sexual assault by Jimmy Savile in 2006 and reported it to the BBC.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that Mark Lawson witnessed a sexual assault by Jimmy Savile in 2006 and reported it to the BBC.
The incident involving Mark Lawson and Jimmy Savile was first publicly documented in a newspaper article in 2010.
Answer: False
Explanation: The incident involving Mark Lawson and Jimmy Savile was officially recorded in the Dame Janet Smith Review report of 2016.
Mark Lawson publicly wrote about his personal experience with Jimmy Savile in 2022.
Answer: True
Explanation: Mark Lawson publicly wrote about his personal encounter with Jimmy Savile and his experience of Savile in British society in 2022.
Mark Lawson's departure from BBC Radio 4's *Front Row* in March 2014 was due to a disagreement over program content.
Answer: False
Explanation: Mark Lawson's departure from *Front Row* in March 2014 was due to personal reasons, as part of a joint agreement with the BBC.
An internal report in January 2014 investigated claims of bullying within BBC Radio Arts, identifying one producer and presenter as responsible.
Answer: True
Explanation: An internal report completed in January 2014 investigated claims of bullying within BBC Radio Arts, identifying one producer and presenter as responsible.
*The Daily Telegraph* reported that Mark Lawson was accused of financial mismanagement, leading to his departure from *Front Row*.
Answer: False
Explanation: *The Daily Telegraph* reported that Mark Lawson was accused of browbeating junior staff, not financial mismanagement.
Mark Lawson admitted to the bullying allegations made against him in connection with his departure from *Front Row*.
Answer: False
Explanation: Mark Lawson denied the bullying allegations made against him in connection with his departure from *Front Row*.
In the afterword of '*The Allegations*,' Lawson reflected on a positive and supportive period in his media career.
Answer: False
Explanation: In the afterword of *The Allegations*, Lawson reflected on a devastating period in his media career involving false accusation and damage to his reputation and health.
What significant event involving Jimmy Savile did Mark Lawson witness and report in 2006?
Answer: A sexual assault on a BBC staff member by Jimmy Savile.
Explanation: In 2006, Mark Lawson witnessed a sexual assault on a BBC staff member by Jimmy Savile, who was later identified as a prolific sex offender, and he reported this incident to the BBC.
Where was the incident involving Mark Lawson and Jimmy Savile officially documented?
Answer: In the Dame Janet Smith Review report of 2016.
Explanation: The incident involving Mark Lawson witnessing and reporting a sexual assault by Jimmy Savile was officially recorded in the Dame Janet Smith Review report of 2016.
When did Mark Lawson publicly write about his personal experience with Jimmy Savile?
Answer: 2022
Explanation: Mark Lawson publicly wrote about his personal encounter with Jimmy Savile and his experience of Savile in British society in 2022.
When and why did Mark Lawson's tenure as presenter of BBC Radio 4's *Front Row* come to an end?
Answer: March 2014, due to personal reasons as part of a joint agreement with the BBC.
Explanation: Mark Lawson's connection with *Front Row* concluded in March 2014 due to personal reasons, as part of a joint agreement with the BBC.
What allegations preceded Mark Lawson's departure from *Front Row* in 2014?
Answer: Claims of bullying within BBC Radio Arts, identifying one producer and presenter as responsible.
Explanation: An internal report completed in January 2014 investigated claims of bullying within BBC Radio Arts, identifying one producer and presenter as responsible, preceding Lawson's departure.
How did *The Daily Telegraph* report on Mark Lawson's alleged involvement in the bullying claims?
Answer: They reported he was the presenter implicated, accused of browbeating junior staff.
Explanation: On March 5, 2014, *The Daily Telegraph* reported that Mark Lawson was the presenter implicated in the bullying allegations, specifically accused of browbeating junior staff.
What was Mark Lawson's stance regarding the bullying allegations made against him?
Answer: He denied the bullying allegations made against him.
Explanation: Mark Lawson denied the bullying allegations made against him in connection with his departure from *Front Row*.
What personal reflection did Mark Lawson share in the afterword of '*The Allegations*'?
Answer: His experience of a devastating period in his media career involving false accusation and damage to his reputation and health.
Explanation: In the afterword of his novel, Lawson revealed that he had experienced a devastating period in his media career involving institutional group-think, contradictory management, false accusation, and a surreally sub-legal process, which caused damage to his reputation, employability, and health.
Mark Lawson supports Arsenal FC and resides in London.
Answer: False
Explanation: Mark Lawson supports Northampton Town FC and resides near Towcester in Northamptonshire.
Which football club does Mark Lawson support, and where does he currently reside?
Answer: Northampton Town FC, near Towcester in Northamptonshire.
Explanation: Mark Lawson is a supporter of Northampton Town FC and resides near Towcester in Northamptonshire.