Main content

Singer Olly Alexander, Veteran documentary filmmaker Frederick Wiseman, Can a critic call an actor overweight?

Olly Alexander talks about and performs a song from Years and Years' new album Palo Santo, which chronicles his life as a gay man, has a sci-fi setting, yet remains catchy pop.

Theatre criticism has been in the dock recently after a reviewer was publicly reproached for mentioning an actor's weight. Critics Sarah Crompton and Quentin Letts debate whether reviewers should feel free to assess an actor's body as well as their performance.

Olly Alexander from Years and Years discusses the band's new album, Palo Santo, which combines a sci-fi setting with a visceral account of his life as a gay man. And he performs a song from the new release.

Veteran American documentary filmmaker Frederick Wiseman delves into the world of the New York Public Library in his 42nd documentary, EX LIBRIS. The honorary Oscar winner tells Stig Abell about film-making at 88 years of age, and why he chooses to do all of the research, shooting and editing himself.

Presenter: Stig Abell
Producer: Julian May

Main Image: Olly Alexander. Credit: Years and Years.

Available now

30 minutes

Last on

Wed 11 Jul 2018 19:15
麻豆社 Radio 4

More episodes

Previous

10/07/2018

Next

Eve Myles, Bernie Taupin, This Class Works exhibition

See all episodes from Front Row

Clip

Olly Alexander

Olly Alexander
'Palo Santo鈥�, the second album from is available now.听听
Image:听 Olly Alexander.听 Credit Years and Years.

Frederick Wiseman

Frederick Wiseman

'Ex Libris 鈥� The New York Public Library' will open in UK cinemas on 13 July 2018.
More information about .听
Photo:听 Frederick Wiseman.听 Credit: Wolfgang Wesener.

听

Credits

Presenter Stig Abell
Interviewed Guest Sarah Crompton
Interviewed Guest Quentin Letts
Interviewed Guest Olly Alexander
Interviewed Guest Frederick Wiseman
Performer Olly Alexander
Producer Julian May

Broadcast

  • Wed 11 Jul 2018 19:15
    麻豆社 Radio 4

麻豆社 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