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19/02/2007

Andrew Marr and guests set the cultural agenda for the week.

"I can鈥檛 bear it any more, though I don鈥檛 know what 鈥榠t鈥� is". A brilliant man kills himself mid-career, leaving behind a cryptic suicide note. A new play based on the life of the 麻豆社 correspondent James Mossman searches for the truth behind his bewildering suicide. RICHARD EYRE is directing The Reporter, written by Nicholas Wright, and talks about James Mossman and his style of reporting - ditching deference for a more confrontational approach. The Reporter opens at the National Theatre on Wednesday 21 February.

In a major three-part series, award-winning documentary maker MICHAEL COCKERELL, who has a track record for persuading interviewees to be indiscreet, tells the inside story of Blair鈥檚 controversial ten years at the top. The series features interviews with Downing Street insiders, Cabinet colleagues, rivals and unseen footage revealing new light on key events and on the Prime Minister's complex and contradictory character. Blair: The Inside Story starts on Tuesday 20 February at 9.00pm on 麻豆社 2.

Flick through any newspaper and it soon becomes clear that Middle England is a force to be reckoned with. Politicians are desperate to woo it, asylum seekers had best avoid it, and anyone who sees themselves as an upstanding citizen could do a lot worse than move to it. As part of 麻豆社 4鈥檚 Way We Live Now season, CHRIS ADDISON presents The Hunt for Middle England. The actor and comedian goes in search of Mr and Mrs Middle England by quizzing demographers, statisticians, politicians and members of the Women鈥檚 Institute. The Hunt for Middle England is on 麻豆社 4 on Sunday 4 March at 9.00pm.

BARONESS ONORA O'NEILL is one of Britain鈥檚 most distinguished moral philosophers and writes about ethics and political philosophy. She is also President of the British Academy and is calling for a modern language to be compulsory until at least 16. The British Academy responded formally to Lord Dearing鈥檚 interim Report on Language Policy at the end of last year. After consultation, his final report is due in the next few weeks.

45 minutes

Last on

Mon 19 Feb 2007 21:30

Broadcasts

  • Mon 19 Feb 2007 09:00
  • Mon 19 Feb 2007 21:30

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