The Essay Episodes Available now
Michael Rosen on the exuberance of Dahl's poetry—Roald Dahl at 100
4/5 Michael Rosen celebrates the dazzling language and clever observation of Dahl's poetry.
Laura Dockrill on Dahl's heroine Matilda—Roald Dahl at 100
3/5 Performance poet Laura Dockrill remembers growing up with Dahl's heroine Matilda.
Jeremy Dyson on the delicious lure of Dahl's adult fiction—Roald Dahl at 100
2/5 Jeremy Dyson remembers his 10-year-old self's discovery of Dahl's short stories for adults
Frank Cottrell Boyce on flying and myth-making—Roald Dahl at 100
1/5 Frank Cottrell Boyce on the myth Dahl built around his plane crash during World War II.
Daljit Nagra - On your 'A 1940 Memory'—The Somme
5/5 Daljit Nagra with his poem On your 'A 1940 Memory', in response to the Battle of the Somme
Jackie Kay - Private Joseph Kay—The Somme
4/5 Jackie Kay reads her poem Private Joseph Kay, in response to the Battle of the Somme.
Bill Manhire - Known unto God—The Somme
3/5 Bill Manhire reads his poem Known unto God, written in response to the Battle of the Somme
Yrsa Daley-Ward - When your mother calls you, come—The Somme
2/5 Yrsa Daley-Ward reads her new poem When your mother calls you, come.
Paul Muldoon - July 1st 1916, with the Ulster Division—The Somme
1/5 Paul Muldoon reads his new poem July 1st 1916, with the Ulster Division.
The Earl Grey Whistle Test: Hope I Die Before I Get Old—The Earl Grey Whistle Test
5/5 David Hepworth reflects on what keeps rock stars playing into old age.
