Front Row

Original version

BBC Radio 4 LW

Magazines & Reviews

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

Live magazine programme on the worlds of arts, literature, film, media and music.

BBC Radio 4 FM

Front Row: Sam Smith, Turner's Modern World, Cold War Steve, US elections on film

Sam Smith, Turner's Modern World, Cold War Steve, US elections on film

BBC Radio 4 - Front Row, Sam Smith, Turner's Modern World, Cold War Steve, US elections on film

Sam Smith's new album Love Goes, Cold War Steve, American elections on film, JWM Turner.

Sam Smith on their new album; collage artist and satirist Cold War Steve on his political works; films about American elections; a review of Tate's exhibition Turner's Modern World

When the singer Sam Smith came out as non-binary last year it was headline news around the world. After two global number one albums, an Oscar, a Golden Globe, multiple Grammys and 3 Brit awards, the 28-year-old singer is very much an international household name. And yet, as they release their third album, Love Goes, they are still beset by self-doubt. Sam Smith talks to Front Row about fame, heartbreak and songs to put a smile on your face.

Turner’s Modern World, a new exhibition at Tate Britain in London, explores how the painter JMW Turner (1775-1851) responded to the momentous events of his day, from technology’s impact on the natural world to the dizzying effects of modernisation on society. Charlotte Mullins reviews the exhibition which also reflects on the artist’s interest in social reform, especially his changing attitudes towards politics, labour and slavery. 

Satirist Cold War Steve, aka Christopher Spencer, has been described as the ‘Brexit Bruegel’ and ‘A modern day Hogarth’. The collage artist is famous for his provocative look at the state of art and politics, depicting international political figures in uncompromising terms. 

As the drama surrounding next week’s US presidential election reaches fever pitch, film critic Tim Robey picks his choice of the best portrayals of the contest on film, from Betty Boop for President to Primary Colours.

Presenter: Tom Sutcliffe
Producer: Julian May

Main image: Sam Smith
Image credit:
Alasdair McLellan

BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Front Row

Sam Smith, Turner's Modern World, Cold War Steve, US elections on film

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4