Historian, writer and broadcaster Sir Simon Schama hosts a dinner party with a twist - all his guests are from beyond the grave, long-time heroes brought back to life by the wonders of the radio archive.

In his house in upstate New York, Simon is joined by acclaimed singer songwriter Nina Simone, When Harry Met Sally writer/director Nora Ephron, Broadway performer Elaine Stritch, writer and essayist Gore Vidal and master of suspense, Alfred Hitchcock.

In honour of Alfred's film The Birds, Simon prepares roast quail, while the guests discuss the secret of happiness, music and film as political tools, the origins of fear, love, lust - and having an orgasm in public.

There's gourmet food, performance, and the occasional howl from the woods.

Written and presented by Simon Schama
Produced by Sarah Peters and Peregrine Andrews
Researcher: Edgar Maddicott
BBC Archivist: Tariq Hussein
Executive Producer: Iain Chambers

A Tuning Fork and Open Audio production for BBC Radio 4 Show less