Main content

Downton Abbey reviewed, Sheridan Smith as Hedda Gabler, David Byrne

Kirsty Lang reviews the return of Downton Abbey, starring Shirley MacLaine; Sheridan Smith takes on Hedda Gabler; David Byrne on the places and ideas which shaped his songs.

With Kirsty Lang.

Downton Abbey, Julian Fellowes' series about the Earl and Countess of Grantham and their household, has become a love it or hate it phenomenon of TV costume drama. This weekend the third series arrives, taking the Crawley family into the Roaring Twenties, with Shirley MacLaine as an outspoken mother-in-law. David Hepworth reviews.

Sheridan Smith takes on Ibsen's dark heroine Hedda Gabler at The Old Vic Theatre, after her award-winning stage performances in Legally Blonde: The Musical and Terence Rattigan's Flare Path. Rachel Cooke reviews.

The musician, songwriter and Talking Heads front-man David Byrne reflects on the influence of his Scottish roots, how small venues shaped the sound of his songs and the future of the music industry, as he publishes a book called How Music Works.

As Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays a cycle courier pursued across New York City by assorted bad guys in the film Premium Rush, Adam Smith charts innovations in the cinematic chase sequence, from The Spy Who Loved Me to Kung Fu Panda ll.

Producer Philippa Ritchie.

Available now

30 minutes

Last on

Thu 13 Sep 2012 19:15
主播大秀 Radio 4

More episodes

Previous

Jonathan Pryce's Lear, Thomas Heatherwick, Mercury Prize

Next

John Cale; 主播大秀 International Short Story Award

See all episodes from Front Row

Clip

Chapters

  • Downton Abbey

    David Hepworth reviews the new series of Downton Abbey.

    Duration: 04:52

  • Hedda Gabler

    Rachel Cooke reviews Hedda Gabler at The Old Vic Theatre.

    Duration: 05:03

  • David Byrne

    Interview with the musician, songwriter and Talking Heads front-man David Byrne.

    Duration: 13:18

  • The Cinematic Chase Sequence

    Adam Smith charts innovations in the cinematic chase sequence.

    Duration: 04:50

Broadcast

  • Thu 13 Sep 2012 19:15
    主播大秀 Radio 4

Featured in...

主播大秀 Arts Digital

The best of British culture live and on demand.

Inspire

Inspire

A season discovering where artists find inspiration and helping listeners get creative.

Podcast

  • Front Row

    Live magazine programme on the worlds of arts, literature, film, media and music