George V. Higgins

In a series of literary thrillers, starting with The Friends of Eddie Coyle, Higgins (1939-99) drew a convincingly tough, cynical and humorous picture of crime and politics in Boston. His ear for authentically scabrous dialogue was unmatched as he blurred the distinction between the illicit dealings of the underworld and the outwardly respectable goings-on in the city’s State House. This film, shot in Boston, features an interview with Higgins, visits locations he used and dramatises extracts from his novels.

Peter York

In this television lecture, style guru Peter York faces an audience of media folk – experts on fashion, journalism, interiors and exteriors – and gives his lively assessment of

British design.

John Mortimer

For many years, John Mortimer ran two careers in parallel: one as a distinguished barrister, and one as a novelist and writer for stage, cinema, radio and television. This profile examines the way in which Mortimer incorporates his experience into his writing. It focuses on his popular television series, Rumpole of the Bailey, his autobiographical play, Voyage Round My Father, and his novel, Paradise Postponed, which was also made into a television series.

Thomas Allen

Internationally acclaimed, the leading lyrical baritone is noted for his skill not only as a singer, but also for his acting. In this programme, Allen takes a masterclass with trainees from the National Opera Studio, looking at scenes from Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro and Britten’s Billy Budd. He also talks in interview about his career and his approach to opera.

Underground Art

Since it opened in 1863, the London Underground has been a source of fascination for a colourful assortment of writers, artists, musicians and film-makers. It has been in its time a testing ground for a new form of traction power – electricity, a shelter for thousands during the Blitz, and a setting for films and television programmes. This imaginative journey through its labyrinthine tunnels looks at some of the creative by-products of this subterranean world.

V.s Naipaul

West Indian author, V. S. Naipaul, acclaimed for books such as A House for Mr. Biswas and In a Free State, talks in interview about his writing, in particular his autobiographically-based novel, The Enigma of Arrival. He contrasts the inspiration he found for this work in the English countryside, where he now lives, with the Caribbean, African and Indian influences that dominate his fiction and travel titles. The programme is illustrated with readings from his work.