Episode details

Radio 4,26 Jun 2026,53 mins
Beth Orton performs live, The 23-year divorce case, DJ Smokin Jo
Woman's HourAvailable for over a year
For three decades, the singer-songwriter Beth Orton has remained one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary music. She鈥檚 developed a devoted audience, winning a BRIT Award and Mercury Prize nominations for albums such as Trailer Park and Central Reservation. She has collaborated with artists such as The Chemical Brothers, Andrew Weatherall and Nick Cave, and she鈥檚 performed at venues including the Royal Albert Hall, Sydney Opera House, Glastonbury Festival and Carnegie Hall. Her 2022 album, Weather Alive, became a major critical breakthrough. Her first self-produced album, it earned widespread acclaim, with The New York Times praising its 鈥渕odal vocal phrases". Beth joins Anita to discuss her new album The Ground Above, and to perform live. Schools across England and Wales have faced major disruption this week as extreme heat forces closures and early finishes. 麻豆社 analysis suggests more than 2,400 schools have either shut or been disrupted as temperatures climbed. It鈥檚 raised fresh questions about whether the education system and its buildings are prepared for hotter summers. 麻豆社 Education reporter Vanessa Clarke explains the impact the heat has had alongside Harry Paticas, architect and Founder of RAFT, non-profit community organisation focussing on reducing emissions in schools and communities. Varsha Gohil鈥檚 23 year case against her ex-husband changed the law for anyone whose spouse hides their wealth in divorce proceedings. It is thought to be the one of the longest-running financial disputes in English family law. Varsha tells Anita Rani about a two-decade battle that included gaining a law degree and representing herself in court. DJ Smokin Jo has been a trailblazer in an industry largely dominated by men. A resident at the legendary Trade parties in London in the early 90s she was soon playing the world鈥檚 biggest clubs and was the first - and still only - woman to be named DJ Magazine鈥檚 DJ of the year. Jo joins Anita to discuss her memoir which details the highs and lows of her career, from finding her community on the dancefloor to rehab, misogyny and what has and hasn鈥檛 changed for women in dance music. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Simon Richardson
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