The Art Of Artists
BBC Radio 2, Monday, 11pm
John Barrowman’s big break came starring as Billy Crocker in Cole Porter’s Anything Goes opposite Elaine Paige in 1989. Since then, he’s starred in countless West End productions including Miss Saigon, Phantom Of The Opera and Sunset Boulevard. As well as a successful solo recording career, Barrowman has made a name for himself on the small screen, playing Captain Jack Harkness in Doctor Who, as well as the internationally successful Torchwood. He speaks to Russell Davies about his art, alongside a soundtrack inspired by his career.
BBC Radio 4, Tuesday, 9am
Barrister Helena Kennedy talks to eminent international lawyers and judges about their work in helping make societies more just. Her first guest is Justice Michael Kirby, the first Australian High Court judge to come out as gay and who argued forcefully, in the face of considerable opposition, for equal rights for homosexuals. Other guests in the series include the first Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Luis Moreno Ocampo, who was given the task of bringing some of the world’s worst criminals to justice.
BBC Radio 4, Wednesday, 6.30pm
No one is safe from being parodied as the award-winning impressions show returns after seven years. Jon Culshaw (right), Jan Ravens, Duncan Wisbey, Lewis MacLeod and Debra Stevenson mercilessly mimic every programme, institution and politician in range.
BBC Radio 2, Thursday, 10pm
With hits such as Welcome to My World, I Love You Because and Distant Drums, Jim Reeves is remembered by millions of people around the world. His style mixed the laid-back approach of crooners like Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby with country material. Terry Wogan marks the life and career of the man who brought country to the masses – “Gentleman” Jim Reeves.
BBC Radio 3, Friday, 4.30pm
Sean Rafferty presents a special In Tune from Glasgow as part of the BBC’s cultural celebration of the 2014 Commonwealth Games, BBC at the Quay, live from the pop-up festival site outside BBC Scotland’s Pacific Quay headquarters on the banks of the Clyde. His guests include Scottish folk band Breabach, who will be performing live and talking about their Commonwealth project to explore links between Celtic, Aboriginal and Maori cultures through language, contemporary music and dance.