Series on the brilliance of the British novel. Sebastian Faulks looks at how the ideas of heroism have evolved over the last 300 years, from Daniel Defoe to Martin Amis. Show more

Simon Armitage undertakes his own Greek adventure, following in the footsteps of one of his personal heroes, Odysseus, at the same time wondering whether he even likes the guy. Show more

Griff Rhys Jones explores the power of verse, dissecting Keats with Simon Armitage, encountering an experimental poem made from beach balls and experiencing a poetry slam. Show more

Simon Armitage goes on a journey to discover the language and landscape of the Arthurian romance, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, and finds modern relevance in its hero's trials. Show more

In a journey that takes him across Britain and to South Korea, poet and gadget lover Simon Armitage explores people's obsession with upgrading to the latest technological gadgetry. Show more

It's 30 years since The Smiths changed the face of British pop with their debut single Hand In Glove. Tim Samuels examines their enduring place in the hearts of their fans. Show more

Roger McGough introduces new poems made out of the oldest stories - Simon Armitage remakes Ezra Pound, and Camille O'Sullivan sings Shakespeare. Show more

Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan, poet Simon Armitage, comedian Andi Osho and TV presenter Richard Arnold take their places on the infamous chair. Show more

Over the course of six short films, Simon Armitage goes behind the scenes of some of his most famous poems to help viewers understand the building blocks that create them. Show more

Simon Armitage introduces a night of poetry and performance from the BBC's Contains Strong Language festival, part of the celebrations for Hull UK City of Culture 2017. Show more

Reflections on loss and consolation. Simon Armitage's adaptation and translation of the anonymous medieval poem Pearl, read by Iain Glen and Grace Doherty. Show more

Andrew Marr is joined by Michael Gove, Angela Rayner, Dr Soumya Swaminathan, Robert Chote, Vicky McClure, Jed Mercurio and Simon Armitage.
Show more

Poet Laureate Simon Armitage takes a walk along Yorkshire’s enchanting, historic frontier with the North Sea. Filmed in January 2020 before Covid restrictions were introduced. Show more

Simon Armitage traces the evolution of the Arthurian legend through the literature of the medieval age and reveals that King Arthur is not the great national hero we think he is. Show more

By Simon Armitage, inspired by Derek Jarman. With Catherine Cusack. Preceded by Jonathan Watts on Jarman and art and accompanied on BBC iPlayer by a new film by Richard Heslop. Show more

Love is put through the toughest Q and A in this comedy of festival manners written by Glyn Maxwell and recorded on location at Hay Festival. Show more

Armed with a newly purchased hat and a homemade stick, the intrepid poet Simon Armitage begins his journey along the South West Coast Path. First stop - Minehead Butlins. Show more

From the seaside resort of Ilfracombe, through Woolacombe and on to a reading in Swimbridge, the wandering poet Simon Armitage busks his way along Britain's coastal fringe. Show more

The wandering poet Simon Armitage reaches Boscastle and heads for his lodgings for the night - the spooky-sounding Museum of Witchcraft. Show more

The poet Simon Armitage has some vodka-fuelled walking companions in Port Isaac and encounters a Frank Sinatra impersonator in Padstow. Show more