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Front Row: Author David Almond interviewed and the art of puppetry

Author David Almond interviewed and the art of puppetry

26/08/2011

BBC Radio 4 - Front Row, Author David Almond interviewed and the art of puppetry

Kirsty Lang talks to children's author David Almond about his first novel for adults.

With Kirsty Lang. Prize-winning children's author David Almond who has now written his first novel for adults; director of Atonement Joe Wright discusses his puppet theatre roots.

With Kirsty Lang

Prize-winning children's author David Almond, creator of Skellig, discusses writing his first novel for adults. Told from the perspective of a young boy, the story explores how the child, born at a time of disaster and war, struggles with good, evil and a very powerful gift.

This year the Little Angel Puppet Theatre in London, described as the home of British puppetry, reaches its 50th anniversary. It was founded by John and Lyndie Wright, the parents of the director Joe Wright whose films include Atonement, Pride and Prejudice and Hanna. Kirsty talks to puppeteer and director at the theatre, Ronnie Le Drew, the Royal Shakespeare Company's Greg Doran and mother and son Joe and Lyndie Wright about the continued success of the theatre and Joe reveals that growing up in a puppet theatre not only moulded the way he directs films but also leads him to treat his actors like puppets. 

The vibraphone - a metallic cousin of the xylophone - rarely finds its way into symphonic music, but it has a rich history in jazz. While it doesn't enjoy the profile of the saxophone or trumpet, many vibes players are passionate advocates for their instrument. Among them are the American Gary Burton, who has just released a new disc, and British musician Orphy Robinson, who relaunched his band this summer at Ronnie Scott's club in London. Kevin LeGendre reports.

Producer Claire Bartleet.

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