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Front Row: Harry Hill on I Can't Sing; George Michael's Symphonica album; A Long Way Down

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17/03/2014

Harry Hill on I Can't Sing; George Michael's Symphonica album; A Long Way Down

BBC Radio 4 - Front Row, Harry Hill on I Can't Sing; George Michael's Symphonica album; A Long Way Down

John Wilson talks to Harry Hill and Sean Foley about their new musical I Can't Sing.

John Wilson talks to Harry Hill and Sean Foley about I Can't Sing, reviews George Michael's Symphonica album, and discusses the adaptation of Nick Hornby's novel A Long Way Down.

I Can't Sing is a new musical based on the ITV talent show, The X -Factor, starring Nigel Harman as the Simon Cowell character. Comedian Harry Hill, who wrote the musical, and its director Sean Foley discuss bringing the talent show format from the TV screen to the stage.

George Michael has released his sixth studio album Symphonica, recorded during his 2011-12 tour. The last work of legendary producer Phil Ramone, it features orchestral versions of songs by George Michael, Sting, Rufus Wainwright and Nina Simone.

Nick Hornby's novel A Long Way Down has been made into a film starring Breaking Bad's Aaron Paul, Toni Collette, Pierce Brosnan and Imogen Poots. Set on New Year's Eve, the story focuses on four people brought together as they face a difficult crossroad in their lives. Larushka Ivan-Zadeh reviews.

Plus Neil Hannon from The Divine Comedy on composing a piece for the Royal Festival Hall's newly renovated organ. Called To Our Fathers in Distress, the work is inspired by Hannoh's childhood as the son of a Church of Ireland Bishop.

Produced by Claire Bartleet.

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