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19/08/2010

Animated feature The Illusionist; news of the artists shortlisted for the latest Fourth Plinth commission; Educating Rita and its themes; John Harris on Pink Floyd covers.

With Kirsty Lang.

Oscar-nominated director Sylvain Chomet has resurrected a script by Jacques Tati for his latest animation, The Illusionist. The hand-drawn feature is set in the 1950s and follows a French conjurer who travels from Paris to Edinburgh. Author Denise Mina reviews.

The shortlist of artists for the next commission to go on the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square was announced today. The artists are Allora & Calzadilla, Elmgreen & Dragset, Katharina Fritsch, Brian Griffiths, Hew Locke and Mariele Neudecker. Art critic Rachel Campbell-Johnston discusses the contenders.

This year sees the 30th anniversary of Willy Russell's play Educating Rita, the tale of a young working-class woman seeking to expand her horizons, under the guidance of a middle-aged male academic. So why are its themes still popular? Front Row discusses the cultural legend of female transformation, from Ovid's Metamorphoses over 2000 years ago to the present day, with Willy Russell, novelist Sarah Dunant and comedian and classicist Natalie Haynes.

American band The Flaming Lips have recorded their own complete version of the classic Pink Floyd album Dark Side Of The Moon. John Harris considers this and other re-recordings of the 1973 best-selling disc.

And a tribute to the Scottish poet Edwin Morgan, who has died at the age of 90.

Producer Helen Roberts.

Available now

30 minutes

Last on

Thu 19 Aug 2010 19:15

Chapters

  • THE ILLUSIONIST

    This hand-drawn animation, set in the 1950s, is reviewed by author Denis Mina.

    Duration: 04:58

  • FOURTH PLINTH

    Art critic Rachel Campbell-Johnston discusses the six contenders for the plinth in Trafalgar Square.

    Duration: 06:28

  • POET EDWIN MORGAN

    A tribute to the Scottish poet Edwin Morgan, who has died at the age of 90.

    Duration: 01:40

  • THE PYGMALION LEGEND

    The cultural legend of female transformation, from Ovid's Metamorphoses over 2000 years ago to the present day with Educating Rita.

    Duration: 09:43

  • DARK SIDE OF THE MOON COVERS

    The Flaming Lips recorded their own version of this classic Pink Floyd album. John Harris considers this and other re-recordings of this famous group.

    Duration: 05:14

Broadcast

  • Thu 19 Aug 2010 19:15

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