A weekly magazine of the arts introduced by Christopher Cook

The National Film Theatre starts a season of Mae West films, and Alexander Walker, author of The Celluloid Sacrifice. analyses her appeal.

Tchaikovsky, a Russian spectacular narrated by Laurence Harvey, opens in London. How does it compare with The Music Lovers? Galina von Meck and John Warrack discuss its treatment of the composer's life and music.

Cries from Casement as his Bones are Brought to Dublin, a major work for radio commissioned by the BBC from David Rudkin (author of Afore Night Come), was broadcast on Radio 3 last Sunday. How well does it exploit the art of writing for radio?