Swedish trombonist Christian Lindberg has won new recognition for the trombone as a solo instrument and now commands an international following. His passion for his instrument and his natural exuberance radiate from his playing. At the centre of this lively documentary is a record of the genesis of Anders Hillborg’s composition Strange Dances and Singing Water, a trombone concerto written specially for Lindberg.
Classic Widows
Classic Widows features four extraordinary women who are championing the music of their late composer-husbands: Susana Walton, globetrotting widow of William Walton; Bertha Stevens, whose husband, a contemporary of Walton’s, died in relative obscurity; Xenia Frankel, who was left £50,000 in debt on the death of her husband Benjamin; and Humphrey Searle’s widow. The programme features specially chosen selections from all the composers’ works, performed by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Richard Hickox.
Eric Newby
With some dozen books to his name, all shot through with his characteristic humour, powers of observation and capacity to end up way off the beaten track, Eric Newby is now one of the best-selling travel writers in the world. In this profile, he travels to South Australia to revisit places he went to on his first intrepid journey in 1938, and then continues into the Australian bush in search of some of the few truly remote places remaining in the world.
Vanessa Redgrave
This profile offers a fascinating insight into the art of one of Britain’s leading actresses. The film centres on a revealing interview in which Redgrave talks about her preparation for, and performance of, several major roles. Her versatility is demonstrated in a specially-shot sequence in which she gives two different interpretations of a key moment from Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra, and in rehearsal footage of a stage production based on Bertolt Brecht’s years of exile in America.
Lionel Bart
Composer and lyricist Lionel Bart, who died in 1999, had a remarkable, if chequered, career. He first found success writing hit records in the 1950s and went on to pen a string of musicals – including the ever-popular Oliver! – which brought him enormous fame and riches. A big spender whose generosity was exploited by others, he became addicted to drugs and alcohol. Failure, bankruptcy and obscurity followed. In the 1990s, the inimitable Bart bounced back. Seen working on a revival of Oliver! in London’s West End, he tells his story in a lively documentary filled with his music.
Alan Ayckbourn
After Shakespeare, Alan Ayckbourn is the world’s most frequently performed English language playwright. This programme gives a unique insight into the genius of this consummate theatre practitioner, recording a lively and amusing workshop in comedy writing and construction he gave to an invited audience.
Flags of the Fante Coast
This programme travels to Ghana to explore the art and culture of the Fante people, in particular their vibrant and allegorical sacred flags. These colourful appliqued and
embroidered banners were originally used as the regalia for small military companies which existed in towns and villages along the Fante coast for hundreds of years. The companies still flourish as fraternal groups and flags continue to be made and used in the traditional way.
Nora Ephron
Writer/director Nora Ephron is one of the most successful women in Hollywood. Her film Sleepless in Seattle, a romantic comedy starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, was a top box office hit. Her credits also include the scripts for Silkwood and When Harry Met Sally. This programme centres on Ephron herself, a woman famed for her anecdotal wit and brutal honesty. Clips from her movies and contributions from colleagues are also included.
Frankenstein
This programme considers the Frankenstein myth and its origins in Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel and nineteenth-century science. Sensational horror or serious scientific commentary? Richly illustrated with film clips, the exploration reveals why the potent story continues to fascinate.
Aldous Huxley
The author of Brave New World, Aldous Huxley (1894-1963) is one of the best-known twentieth-century novelists. Filmed in California – where Huxley spent most of his life –, Maryland and the UK, and featuring numerous extracts from the writer’s major works, this documentary re-evaluates his writing and reveals the thoughts, concerns and passions of this fascinating man. Along with contributions from family and friends, it includes archive interviews with Huxley himself.