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Scottish Ballet's Starstruck honours Gene Kelly's creative legacy and his passion for creating "dance for the common man". His wife Patricia Ward Kelly tells us about this fusion of ballet, jazz, tap and tango danced to the music of Chopin, Ravel and Gerswhin. As the winner of the inaugural Sherborne Prize for Travel Writing is announced as Adam Weymouth for his book Lone Wolf, about a journey from Slovenia to Italy across the Alps, Adam joins us along with veteran writer Colin Thubron to discus...
Jack Savoretti sings a song from his latest album We Will Always Be The Way We Were, which is leading the race to top the charts this week. David Szalay's Booker Prize-wnnning novel Flesh is currently at the centre of a debate around inspiration and homage, as critics point to similarities between his novel and Stanley Kubrick's film Barry Lyndon. Literary critics Aled Maclean-Jones and Alex Clark discuss. Turner Prize-winning artist Veronica Ryan on her new show at the Whitechapel Gallery which...
Mark Gatiss takes on the role he's always wanted to play, the lead in Brecht's Hitler satire The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui. As the Government considers charging tourists to visit England's national museums, we discuss these proposals with TV executive and arts advocate Sir Peter Bazalgette, who’s been an advisor to the DCMS, and Alison Cole - Director, The Cultural Policy Unit think tank. As she releases her new collection of short stories and memoir pieces, The Great Good Places, Dame Margar...
On the review show this week: critics Muriel Zagha and Tahmima Anam review Francois Ozon's film The Stranger., based on the Albert Camus novel which has often been described as unfilmable. Amitav Ghosh's novel Ghost Eye, set in India and dealing with parallel timelines, multiple global locations, environmental catastrophe and a young girl with mysterious powers. Jim Jarmusch's latest film Father Mother Sister Brother won the Golden Lion award at Venice. Are our critics won over? Plus, is it ok f...
Writer and director John Morton, one of the team behind 2012 and W1A, on the new comedy Twenty Twenty Six, set in the run up to this year's football World Cup. Artist Lachlan Goudie's new book The Secrets of Painting explores the creative big bangs in art over the centuries which have given us artistic movements - from Giotto and Rembrandt's use of oil paint to Berthe Morisot's use of an outdoor easel and Jackson Pollock's use of materials intended for industrial use, Goudie tells us how he has ...
Writer Daisy Goodwin on Victoria: A Queen Unbound. Was the marriage between Victoria and Albert as idyllic as it has been portrayed? Her new play explores the idea that Prince Albert exerted coercive control over Queen Victoria. Following the launch of the Official UK Christian & Gospel Singles Chart, we speak to the founder of the chart's partner organisation, O'Neil Dennis, and Mobo winning Christian rapper Guvna B, who's playing live in studio. Tayari Jones, Winner of the Women's Prize fo...
100 years ago, inventor John Logie Baird demonstrated his new 'televisor' to the public for the first time. In this special edition of Front Row, Samira Ahmed and guests explore the origins of television in the UK, charting how those early experimental days set a template for this exciting new medium. Guests: TV producer and historian Professor John Wyver, whose new book Magic Rays of Light tells the story of the early days of TV Lisa Kerrigan, senior curator of TV at the BFI Francis Spufford, w...
Tom Sutcliffe is joined by critics Tim Robey and Nancy Durrant to review: Robert Pattinson and Zendaya's new film The Drama about a young couple in the lead up to their wedding. Life of Pi author Yann Martel's novel Son of Nobody about a newly discovered classic text with the story partly told in footnotes. And from the creator of Mum and Him and Her, Stefan Golaszewski's new BBC drama series Babies which follows one couple's experience of pregnancy loss. Presenter: Tom Sutcliffe Producer: Lucy ...
In venues around the UK and here on BBC Radio 4 and on BBC Sounds, it’s Live Comedy Day today – a celebration of live comedy and grassroots clubs. We’re joined by two of the cast of the new Saturday Night Live UK, Emma Sidi and Hammed Animashaun, and by Amanda Dwyer, who won the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award at the Glasgow Comedy Festival this weekend, to discuss the stand-up landscape right now. Mink Stole is an icon of “trash cinema” and has appeared in every one of filmmaker John...
Writer Robert Macfarlane on the world underground as a new documentary, Underland, inspired by his award-winning book of the same name is released in cinemas. The film explores how mankind has often explored some of the spaces miles beneath our feet. Dancer and choreographer Meryl Tankard on creating a new work, Echoes of '78, which pairs the original dancers of a work created by German choreographer Pina Bausch with their younger selves. Singer Hak Baker and journalist Ludovic Hunter-Tilney on ...
Lesley Manville shares insights into her challenging role in "Les Liaisons Dangereuses," addressing modern interpretations and the evolving theatre landscape. The episode also delves into the political and cultural debate surrounding Russia's potential return to the Venice Biennale. Finally, astronauts Helen Sharman and Cady Coleman offer a unique perspective on how art and music enhance their experience of space travel and reshape their understanding of Earth.
This episode reviews Riz Ahmed's new comedy-drama "Bait," exploring its social commentary and humor, and delves into the V&A's Schiaparelli exhibition, highlighting the designer's avant-garde approach. It also discusses the controversy surrounding an AI-assisted novel, examining the publishing industry's challenges and the broader impact of AI on creative fields. Finally, the show reviews the bleak Ukrainian film "Two Prosecutors" and offers cultural recommendations.
Front Row delves into the world of creative collaboration and cultural evolution. Actor Forbes Masson discusses modernizing the cult 90s sitcom "The High Life" for a new stage musical. Bestselling authors V.E. Schwab and Kat Clark, writing as Evelyn Clark, reveal the secrets behind their satirical crime thriller "The Ending Rights Itself" and their unique co-writing process. The episode also examines artistic depictions of aging with art historian Richard Cork and artist Clare Shenstone, and explores the planned refurbishment of the V&A Dundee with architect Rory Olcayto.
Front Row features Noah Wyle discussing his new medical drama "The Pit," drawing parallels between its COVID-inspired themes and his "ER" legacy, and emphasizing its immersive production and moral mission. The episode also celebrates John Dowland's enduring Elizabethan music and explores the English Devolution Bill's potential to safeguard local cultural provision. Finally, it delves into the ongoing debate about opera's relevance, examining whether new, collaborative storytelling is essential to attract contemporary audiences.
This episode of Front Row delves into the debut of Saturday Night Live UK, assessing its initial reception and discussing the challenges of adapting the iconic American sketch show. It also explores the enduring appeal of boxing films, examining their historical significance and the genre's powerful themes with experts. Additionally, actor Phil Dunster discusses his new comedy "Rooster" and contrasts it with his role in Ted Lasso, while folk trio Leveret performs live and shares insights into their spontaneous musical approach.
This episode of Front Row features reviews of three major cultural works: Paolo Sorrentino's latest film 'La Grazia,' exploring a fictional Italian president's moral choices; Michael Arditti's multi-generational novel 'The Tribe,' tracing a Jewish family's journey through history; and a modern adaptation of Maxim Gorky's play 'Summerfolk.' Additionally, industry expert Will Page discusses the growing threat of AI-generated fake music on streaming services and its implications for artists and the music industry.
Front Row delves into author Helen Bain's novel "The Daffodil Days," which reframes Sylvia Plath's last year in Devon through local perspectives using a reverse chronology. The program also investigates a major theatre controversy surrounding the Royal Lyceum's decision to ban UK-wide critics from a premiere. Additionally, it features a live performance and an interview with the Scottish duo Hue and Cry about their four-decade career and new music, alongside a discussion with acclaimed photographer Catherine Opie about her retrospective, her inspirations, and her use of photography as resistance.
Front Row explores the new Gentleman Jack ballet, adapting Anne Lister's life and diaries into dance, and the global comeback of K-Pop supergroup BTS, discussing their new album "Arirang" and K-Pop trends. The episode also pays tribute to prolific spy novelist Len Deighton, examining his unique impact on literature. Finally, it delves into a new anthology, "Banshee," which reimagines Irish myths from a feminist perspective, giving voice to overlooked female figures.
Front Row explores Rebecca Lucy Taylor's starring role in David Hare's play "Teeth and Smiles," including a live performance and insights into her career. The episode also recaps the 2026 Academy Awards, featuring wins, snubs, and a historic female cinematographer win. Ryan Gosling discusses his new film "Project Hail Mary," and critics review "The Claudia Winkleman Show," delving into the challenges and evolution of late-night chat formats.
Front Row reviews David Hockney's "A Year in Normandy" exhibition, exploring his iPad frieze and traditional portraits, and discusses Asako Yuzuki's new novel "Hooked," a satirical look at female alienation in Japanese society. The program also examines "The Tasters," a film about women forced to taste Hitler's food, and shares insights into the BBC National Short Story Award from judge Tahmima Anam. Reviewers also offer their personal cultural recommendations.
Front Row delves into "The Other Bennet Sister," a new BBC drama offering a fresh perspective on Mary Bennet from Pride and Prejudice, with screenwriter Sarah Quintrell. James McAvoy discusses his directorial debut, "California Schemin'," a film based on the true story of Scottish rappers who faked American accents for success. The program also marks the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi's death, exploring his artistic and spiritual influence, and examines the art market with discussions on major acquisitions and preserving national collections.
Front Row features Booker Prize winner Howard Jacobson discussing his novel "Howl," a profound reaction to the October 7th massacre and its moral aftermath, exploring generational divides and Jewish identity through dark humor. The episode also highlights the "Don't Steal This Book" campaign, with Philippa Gregory outlining authors' battle against AI scraping copyrighted work. Additionally, singer-songwriter Thea Gilmore introduces "The Echo Line," her project turning anonymous messages into songs, and the global phenomenon of short-form vertical dramas is examined, covering their rapid growth, business models, and potential as a new art form.
This episode features an in-depth interview with Cillian Murphy about the new Peaky Blinders film and its cultural impact. It also explores the controversy surrounding Timothée Chalamet's comments on opera and ballet, sparking a debate on arts funding and elitism. Additionally, the London Book Fair's latest sales data reveals shifts in publishing trends, including the rise of 'Romantasy' and the state of non-fiction, followed by an interview with author Deepa Anapara about her new historical novel exploring 19th-century Tibet.
Front Row explores three distinct cultural works: Maggie Gyllenhaal's 'The Bride!', a re-imagining of Frankenstein's tale; Rebecca Sarah Ley's 'Bad Fiction', a novel dissecting a creative writing course; and Masha Shilinsky's 'Sound of Falling', a German film delving into family secrets. The episode also highlights Ireland's 'Northern Literary Lands' initiative, aiming for UNESCO recognition, and invites listeners to share stories about life-changing books.
Will Self dives in to his latest satirical novel in which he looks at the alienation of modern life, and takes a stab at middle-class life. He discusses how his experiences with cancer have impacted his writing, and his outlook. 75 years after the death of composer and performer Ivor Novello, we celebrate his life and works - from musicals to the talkies. Kirsty is joined by Novello specialist Ian McMillan-Davidson and conductor and composer Sir John Rutter. In 1976 a firebomb at Malone House in...
Author Julia Quinn published The Duke and I, the first novel in her eight-part Bridgerton series, in 2000. Twenty years later the adaption of her books would become a television phenomenon. Julia reflects on the place of class, race, and sex in her Regency romances and why getting a call from one of television's most successful producers was such a transformative moment for the genre that she loves. With the government proposing an overnight visitor levy or ‘tourism tax’ in England, Nick talks t...
Media journalist Al Horner discusses the latest twist in Warner Bros sale. Pixar's chief creative officer Pete Docter on the inner workings of the animation giant as it marks its 40th anniversary this year. 100 years after his birth, and with a special BFI season underway, we assess the work of the Polish director Andrzej Wajda, with fellow director Agnieszka Holland and film writer Ian Christie. British painter Rose Wylie's Royal academy retrospective opened last week. Samira sat down to speak ...
Art critic Louisa Buck and writer Chris Power giving their verdicts on Tracey Emin: a second life at Tate Modern. This landmark exhibition spans 40 years and includes famous works such as My Bed to recent paintings and bronzes which are on display for the first time. They will also be reviewing the Oscar nominated film Sirât - which tells the story of a father travelling the Moroccan desert with ravers in the hope of finding his missing daughter. And they discuss Bird Grove, a play which tells t...
Poet Laureate of the United States, Arthur Sze is one of the most admired poets of the past five decades influencing the work of Poet Laureates and Nobel Physicists. His work focusses on imagery from nature and he will talk about his latest collection and his first UK publication, Into The Hush. The Glasgow Film Festival opening film, Everybody to Kenmure Street tells the story of the community response to a dawn raid by Immigration Officers on Kenmure Street, a diverse community in the southsid...
The full scale invasion of Ukraine began four years ago today. Ukraine Unbroken is an evening of five new plays written in response to the war. David Edgar talks about his, Five Day War, which imagines the puppet government waiting to move in when Kviv falls, and the other dramas. Between the plays Ukrainian musician Mariia Petrovska sings and plays the bandura. She talks about her involvement and the bandura, the national instrument that was once banned. And Mariia plays and sings live in the s...
