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John Wilson

Rachel Simpson

Michael Stipe

Mike Mills

Hannah Rothschild

Pamela Hutchinson

Stephen Poliakoff

Nigel Farnall

Front Row: R.E.M., Illuminated River, Napoleon and Stephen Poliakoff

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07/11/2016

R.E.M., Illuminated River, Napoleon and Stephen Poliakoff

BBC Radio 4 - Front Row, R.E.M., Illuminated River, Napoleon and Stephen Poliakoff

R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe and Mike Mills on the album Out of Time, 25 years after its release

R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe and Mike Mills on their album Out of Time, 25 years after its release, and Stephen Poliakoff discusses his new TV drama, Close to the Enemy.

In 1991, R.E.M. released Out of Time, the album that turned them into international superstars. 25 years on, the album is being re-released. Lead singer Michael Stipe and bassist Mike Mills look back on those classic songs, including Losing My Religion and Shiny Happy People, and reflect on their decision five years ago to disband the group.

Illuminated River is a new scheme that intends to light central London's 17 bridges along the River Thames. As the six shortlisted entries are unveiled we speak to Hannah Rothschild who leads the project.

The Achates Philanthropy Prize is a new annual award which aims to show that anyone can become a cultural philanthropist. Nigel Farnall from Essex talks about winning the inaugural prize for his support for Theatre Royal Stratford East. 

Director Abel Gance's 51/2-hour silent film Napoleon flopped when it was first released in 1927. Silent film expert Pamela Hutchinson reviews a new digitally restored version of Gance's epic which is now regarded as an undisputed cinematic landmark. 

Stephen Poliakoff discusses his new TV drama, Close to the Enemy. Set in 1946, this period tale examines the change in moral certainties which began to emerge in Britain in the year after World War II ended.

Presenter: John Wilson
Producer: Rachel Simpson.

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