Front Row - Diversity at the Oscars and Baftas; plays and the cost of living; children's books; Phyllida Barlow

Diversity at the Oscars and Baftas; plays and the cost of living; children's books; Phyllida Barlow

Download Diversity at the Oscars and Baftas; plays and the cost of living; children's books; Phyllida Barlow

The conclusion of the Oscars marks the end of the film awards season, so Front Row took the opportunity to look at the progress made on representation in film and at awards. Tom is joined by the film critic Amon Warmann, Katherine Pieper of LA's Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, which looks at equalities at the Oscars, and Marcus Ryder of the Lenny Henry Centre For Media Diversity.

Plus, with a host of new productions exploring the cost of living crisis, we look at how playwrights are tackling this. Writer Emily White talks about her new play, Joseph K and the Cost of Living, being staged as part of a three-part project at the Swansea Grand Theatre, and the writer and critic Sarah Crompton discusses theatre's response to social and political issues on stage.

Bex Lindsay, presenter on Fun Kids Radio and children’s books expert, joins us for a round-up of some of the most interesting and engaging new releases for young independent readers.

Books discussed:
Like A Curse by Elle McNicoll
Montgomery Bonbon: Murder at the Museum by Alasdair Beckett-King
Skandar and the Unicorn Thief/The Phantom Rider by AF Steadman
Jamie by L D Lapinski
Onyeka and the Rise of the Rebels by Tola Okogwu
I Spy, A Bletchley Park Mystery by Rhian Tracey
Saving Neverland, by Abi Elphinstone

Presenter: Tom Sutcliffe
Producer: Emma Wallace

Main Image: Michelle Yeoh

Published on Tuesday, 14th March 2023.

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