Front Row

In this engaging discussion, journalist Stephen Bush reviews the layered thriller 'Disclaimer' starring Cate Blanchett, exploring its moral dilemmas and emotional complexities. Theatre critic Kate Maltby dives into Alexander Zeldin's modern retelling of 'Antigone' with 'The Other Place,' reflecting on grief and family ties. Writer Max Porter celebrates Han Kang's Nobel Prize win, delving into her poignant prose and the themes of violence and understanding in human relationships. The blend of humor and critical insight makes for a compelling cultural commentary.

Booker Prize-shortlisted author Charlotte Wood discusses her novel, 'Stone Yard Devotional', which delves into themes of grief and resilience in a religious community. Esteemed art historian Alice Mann and artist Gavin Turk share insights on the profound influence of Surrealism over the past century, bridging historical trauma with contemporary art. Playwright Tim Price reveals his creative process behind 'Odyssey '84', linking the 1984 Miners' Strike with Homer's timeless narrative, highlighting community struggle and cultural resilience in Wales.

Rick Astley, the iconic singer-songwriter behind "Never Gonna Give You Up," shares insights from his memoir, reflecting on his unexpected rise to fame. Barbara Walker, a Turner Prize-nominated artist, discusses her powerful exhibition "Being Here," capturing the Black British experience. TV critic Scott Bryan and columnist Sonia Sodha examine the 25th anniversary of "The West Wing," exploring its lasting impact on political culture and discourse. Tune in for personal stories, artistic journeys, and cultural reflections!

Alison Moyet joins us in the studio to talk about her career, from Yazoo to going solo and a new album.Fashion renegades of the 1980s via Leigh Bowery, Taboo and the Blitz nightclub, we take a look at a new exhibition with Pam Hogg and Sue Tilley.War Horse composer Adrian Sutton on going back to his classical roots with his latest composition, a violin concerto.Presenter: Samira Ahmed Producer: Corinna Jones

This week's big cinema release Joker: Folie a Deux is under scrutiny from Tom Sutcliffe's reviewers, broadcaster Ayesha Hazarika and film critic Tim Robey. They have also read Alan Hollinghurst's new novel Our Evenings. Gramophone Artist of the Year soprano Carolyn Sampson performs in the Front Row studio - and on National Poetry Day Tom and the critics pick their favourite poems. Presenter: Tom Sutcliffe Producer: Paula McGrath

Bestselling writer Paula Hawkins, whose book The Girl on the Train was a publishing phenomenon back in 2015, discusses her latest novel, The Blue Hour, a thriller set in the contemporary art world. As a new book of photographs of America by Magnum photographers is published, two photographers discuss the role of photojournalism in the contemporary world. And as three exhibitions of Tape Letters from the British Asian community open, we hear about the little-known custom of conducting conversations via audio cassette between the UK and Pakistan.Presenter: Kirsty Wark Producer: Mark Crossan

Paddy O'Connell, chair of the NSSA judges, joins fellow judges Katie Thistleton, Michael Donkor, and Katherine Webber to celebrate the art of short storytelling. They delve into themes like nostalgia, identity, and mortality in this year's entries. Brennig, the first Young Writers' Award winner, shares his insights. The conversation reveals the emotional resonance of short narratives, the craft behind compelling openings, and how fiction can address societal issues—offering a vibrant tribute to both established and emerging literary talents.

David Oyelowo talks about playing Coriolanus in the National Theatre's new production. He explains why it's the role he's always wanted to take on - encompassing tragedy, politics and the challenge of stage combat. Dame Eileen Atkins talks about her late friend, the great actress Dame Maggie Smith. We visit the studio of cartoonist Ralph Steadman and get an insight into the range of his work from children's book illustrations to eco-activism. And, what progress has been made to tackle harassment and exploitation in the entertainment industry? Heather Rabbatts has spent three years setting up the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority and Jenny Tingle is from the trade union BECTU and they join Samira to discuss what's happening. Presenter: Samira Ahmed Producer: Ruth Watts

Tom Sutcliffe is joined by Charlotte Mullins and Ryan Gilbey to review Sally Rooney's novel Intermezzo about two grieving brothers and the people they love. The first UK exhibition dedicated to Monet's impressionist paintings of London at The Courtauld Gallery and Francis Ford Coppola's futuristic sci-fi film Megalopolis. Plus Joe Lycett talks about incorporating his art into his comedy as a new book of his work is released.Presenter: Tom Sutcliffe Producer: Claire Bartleet

Poet Kathleen Jamie, whose tenure as Scotland's Makar, or National Poet, recently came to an end, talks about her new collection of poems written in Scots, The Keelie Hawk. Composer Helen Grime, soprano Claire Booth and author Zoe Gilbert chat about the world premiere of Folk, an orchestral song cycle inspired by Gilbert's book of the same name. And David Mitchell discusses his role in the new BBC comedy drama Ludwig, about a reclusive puzzle setter who becomes a reluctant detective, following the disappearance of his identical twin.Presenter: Kate Molleson Producer: Mark Crossan