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Frankie Valli - frontman of The Four Seasons

John Wilson interviews Frankie Valli, frontman of The Four Seasons, and Ali Smith, whose novels Hotel World and The Accidental were shortlisted for the Booker Prize.

With John Wilson.

Frankie Valli, frontman with The Four Seasons - the band whose story is told in the musical Jersey Boys - discusses hit records such as Sherry, Big Girls Don't Cry and Walk Like A Man. He also talks about playing a gangster in the television series The Sopranos, and reveals how a real life mob-boss was 'like a father figure' to him when growing up in New Jersey.

X-Men: First Class is the latest film in the X-Men franchise, in which young mutants are trained to use their powers for the benefit of humanity. Based on Marvel comics, the film stars James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender. Natalie Haynes reviews.

Twice shortlisted for the Booker Prize, Ali Smith discusses her new novel, There But For The, in which a dinner guest locks himself in the host's spare bedroom and won't come out for months.

The Government Art Collection includes more than 13 500 works - and for the first time in its 113 year history, it will feature in a public exhibition. Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, Prime Minister's wife Samantha Cameron and Lord Mandelson are among the selectors for the show. John visits the Collection's store-rooms with the its director, Penny Johnson.

Producer Nicki Paxman

Presenter JOHN WILSON.

Available now

30 minutes

Chapters

  • Frankie Valli

    • Frankie Valli

      An interview with singer Frankie Valli.

      Duration: 10:47

  • X Men First Class

    • X Men First Class

      A review of the film X Men First Class.

      Duration: 04:46

  • Ali Smith

    • Ali Smith

      An interview with writer Ali Smith.

      Duration: 07:05

  • Government Art Collection

    • Government Art Collection

      A report on the Government Art Collection exhibition.

      Duration: 05:11

Broadcast

  • Wed 1 Jun 2011 19:15

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