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BBC Radio 3 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced Third Programme.

BBC Radio 3

Radio 3

The Essay Podcast

The Essay

Discussion & Talk

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

Essays from leading writers on arts, history, philosophy, science, religion and beyond.

Leading writers on arts, history, philosophy, science, religion and beyond, themed across a week - insight, opinion and intellectual surprise.

The Essay: Other People (Hell Is...)

The Essay: Other People (Hell Is...): Episode 1: Strangers

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Episode 1

Episode 1: Strangers

Other People (Hell Is...)

Strangers

BBC Radio 3 - The Essay, Other People (Hell Is...), StrangersClose menu

AL Kennedy reveals why, despite her fear of them, she hugs strangers in the street.

Writer AL Kennedy reveals why, despite her existential fear of them, she has taken to hugging the odd stranger in the street.

Acclaimed writer A L Kennedy muses on the hell that is other people, kicking off with strangers. 

In Jean Paul Sartre's Play 'No Exit' one character declares, 'L'Enfer - c'est les autres' - hell is other people, and A L Kennedy has found herself very much behind this idea. As someone so unable to deal with other people that she works at home, making up imaginary friends, who even then don't always behave, she admits to not necessarily being the best person to dish out advice on relationships. However, in this series she wonders whether she's perhaps been a little harsh when it comes to 'other people'.

Today, she reveals why, despite being a solitary novelist with an existential fear of strangers, she has found herself hugging the odd one in the street. 

Written and read by A L Kennedy, the award-winning novelist, dramatist and broadcaster.
Producer: Justine Willett.

Live music and the arts: broadcasts more live music than any other radio network. Classical music is its core. Genres include world and new music, jazz, speech and drama.

Writer AL Kennedy muses on the hell that is other people

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Episode 1: Strangers

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