The Verb

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The Verb: The Walk

The Walk

BBC Radio 4 - The Verb, The Walk

Ian McMillan, Testament and Ira Lightman explore words and walking.

At a time when exercise has been rationed Ian and guests consider how new light has been shed on the humble stroll. We explore its connection with creativity and new perspectives.

You can talk the talk but can you walk the walk? At The Verb, we do both, as Ian McMillan is joined by guests who consider the deep connection between writing and walking. From the strut to the swagger, the amble to the lope, English has many words to get from A to B - all conveying a slightly different meaning. So where does writing and the physical journey meet?

Jini Reddy talks about the quest for magic in the great outdoors, which is the subject of her Wainwright shortlisted book Wanderland. 

Theatre maker Testament tells us about his work "Black Men Walking" and proves that the inspirations and insights of a walk don't have to be based in the countryside, with a performance of his work City Song, a rap which sees us float through an urban landscape almost in a sleepwalk.  

Ira Lightman has recorded a special reaction to Wordsworth - surely the poet who is most often associated with the restorative powers of a walk - but the relationship with walking and feeling good is more nuanced for Ira. 

And Stuart Maconie gives us his insights into the ramble, stressing that walking should be all about inclusion. He asks us to be wary of language that suggests anyone is not welcome in the outdoors, and considers stepping out as a spur to creativity. 

Presented by Ian McMillan
Produced by Kevin Core

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