The Verb

It's fifty years since the publication of 'The Society of the Spectacle' by the French writer and situationist Guy Debord. It's a book which continues to inspire artists and writers. Novelist Will Self argues that 'Never before has Debord's work seemed quite as relevant as it does now, in the permanent present that he so accurately foretold'. In this programme Will joins Ian McMillan, along with artist Paul Harfleet and writer Nick Harkaway to consider the idea of 'the spectacle', and, in the first of a new Verb series, Hollie McNish introduces new poetry from Keisha Thompson.

Ian McMillan presents a 'memorisable' cabaret of the word. Acclaimed biographer, historian and critic Jenny Uglow celebrates the language and rhymes of one of the most memorable poets in the English language, the 19th century artist and creator of nonsense rhymes Edward Lear. Rachel Parris and Amy Cooke-Hodgson are our improvisation 'queens' - they have worked together in award-winning improvisational theatre company 'Austentatious', and bravely take on an extreme memory challenge (inspired by Lear's poem 'The Owl and the Pussycat'). Martin Bommas from the University of Birmingham explores the importance of memory to the Ancient Egyptians (especially mummies ), and one of our best loved actors, Julian Glover, considers the role of memory and discusses strategies for remembering in the theatre. Part of Radio 3's weekend of programming in partnership with Wellcome Collection: 'Why Music? The Key to Memory'.

Ian McMillan presents The Verb , Radio 3's cabaret of the spoken word with a host of international poets from Latvia, America and Poland, including Michael Dickman, Bodhan Piasecki and Orbita. Ian also explores the Trinidad Talking Doorsteps project with Joe Hakim .Recorded in front of a studio audience as part of Contains Strong Language, a season of Poetry and Performance from Hull. Producer: Faith Lawrence.

Ian McMillan presents Radio 3's The Verb broadcasting live from Contains Strong Language, a season of Poetry and Performance from Hull, with a look at the poetry inspired by the city, including the 2017 new ' washing line' poems with Dean Wilson and Vicky Foster, and Imtiaz Dharker's new piece for the JoinedUp dance company.