The Essay Episodes Available now
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.
The Earl Grey Whistle Test: It's All About the Drummer, Stupid—The Earl Grey Whistle Test
4/5 Music journalist David Hepworth discusses the only band member who matters: the drummer.
The Earl Grey Whistle Test: The Writer's Wardrobe—The Earl Grey Whistle Test
3/5 Music journalist David Hepworth discusses the dress code for the creative homeworker.
The Earl Grey Whistle Test: Dancing About Architecture—The Earl Grey Whistle Test
2/5 Mark Ellen explores the difficulties of describing music to people who have not heard it.
The Earl Grey Whistle Test: The Indivisible Men—The Earl Grey Whistle Test
1/5 David Hepworth and Mark Ellen discuss other double acts and their own relationship.
A Reflection on Worrying: The Comedy of Worry—A Reflection on Worrying
5/5 Comedian Steve Punt explores how worry has always been a bedfellow of comedy.
