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Front Row: Wilko Johnson; William Scott; The Turn of the Screw

Wilko Johnson; William Scott; The Turn of the Screw

25/01/2013

BBC Radio 4 - Front Row, Wilko Johnson; William Scott; The Turn of the Screw

Wilko Johnson on facing death; the life of painter William Scott; The Turn of the Screw.

Wilko Johnson, former Dr Feelgood guitarist, on why terminal cancer has made him feel alive. Plus, the art and life of painter William Scott and The Turn of the Screw on stage.

With John Wilson.

Wilko Johnson, one of Britain's most charismatic guitarists, has terminal cancer, with doctors suggesting that he has less than a year to live. As he prepares for farewell UK concerts in March, he reflects on how his diagnosis has made him feel "vividly alive". And, guitar in hand, he demonstrates the distinctive terse sound which powered the band Dr Feelgood in the 1970s, when they became one of the UK's most influential live acts.

To mark the centenary of the birth of painter William Scott, the Tate St Ives is celebrating his life and art with an exhibition of his most important work. John talks to William Scott's son about his father's life and legacy, and how he influenced Rothko's decision to bequeath his paintings to the Tate.

Henry James' classic horror story The Turn Of The Screw has been adapted by Benjamin Britten into an opera, produced as a ballet by William Tuckett, turned into a film starring Deborah Kerr and become several TV dramas. Now playwright Rebecca Lenkiewicz has created a stage version, co-produced by Hammer Theatre Of Horror - the company's first venture into theatre. Author Kate Saunders joins John to assess just how chilling this new incarnation is.


Producer: Olivia Skinner.

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