Podcast · 114 episodes
This Cultural Life
by BBC Radio 4 · English
In-depth conversations with some of the world's leading artists and creatives across theatre, visual arts, music, dance, film and more. Hosted by John Wilson.
Latest episodes
Joel MeyerowitzPhotographer Joel Meyerowitz discusses how he “makes” photographs from street chaos, influenced by Robert Frank and Peter Paul Rubens, and his career milestones from early color street work to…24 Sep 2026 · 43 min
Ray WinstoneRay Winstone discusses influences on his creativity, moving from East London childhood and boxing into acting, and how specific films and directors shaped his approach to performance and character…17 Sep 2026 · 43 min
Nicholas HytnerNicholas Hytner discusses his four-decade directing career and the creative influences behind it, plus major changes in British theatre.11 Sep 2026 · 43 min
All episodes
Joel MeyerowitzPhotographer Joel Meyerowitz discusses how he “makes” photographs from street chaos, influenced by Robert Frank and Peter Paul Rubens, and his career milestones from early color street work to…24 Sep 2026 · 43 min · 20 chapters
Ray WinstoneRay Winstone discusses influences on his creativity, moving from East London childhood and boxing into acting, and how specific films and directors shaped his approach to performance and character…17 Sep 2026 · 43 min · 20 chapters
Nicholas HytnerNicholas Hytner discusses his four-decade directing career and the creative influences behind it, plus major changes in British theatre.11 Sep 2026 · 43 min · 16 chapters
Mitsuko UchidaMitsuko Uchida’s life and creative influences, from wartime family history and early piano training to her European musical formation, Mozart-centered career, and her score-and-manuscript approach to…3 Sep 2026 · 44 min · 19 chapters
Sebastian FaulksAuthor Sebastian Faulks discusses how family culture, reading, mental health, and experiences in France shaped his historical fiction, especially Birdsong, Human Tracers, Engelby, and the France-set…27 Aug 2026 · 43 min · 18 chapters
Tania BrugueraCuban-born performance and conceptual artist Tania Bruguera discusses freedom of speech, political oppression, and social justice, describing how her participatory artworks blur art and audience—and…9 Jul 2026 · 43 min · 20 chapters
Anish KapoorSculptor Anish Kapoor discusses influences on his creativity, arguing that art creates “space” for viewers to complete meaning, rooted in Buddhism, childhood displacement, and recurring themes of…2 Jul 2026 · 43 min · 19 chapters
Frank Cottrell-BoyceFrank Cottrell-Boyce discusses how early-years reading, accessibility, and shared attention shape children’s lives and creativity, arguing that reading should be decoupled from “attainment” and…25 Jun 2026 · 43 min · 16 chapters
Kiefer SutherlandKiefer Sutherland discusses the creative influences behind his acting and songwriting, focusing on family, early theater exposure, and specific films/people that shaped his approach to characters…18 Jun 2026 · 43 min · 18 chapters
Liam YoungAustralian-born artist/filmmaker Liam Young discusses “world building” through speculative architecture and science-fiction art to provoke debate on climate change, energy, migration, technology, and…11 Jun 2026 · 43 min · 26 chapters
Kristin Scott ThomasKristin Scott Thomas discusses how her childhood grief (two Royal Navy air crashes killing her father and stepfather) shaped her acting, her Francophile upbringing, and her transition into…4 Jun 2026 · 43 min · 22 chapters
George SaundersGeorge Saunders discusses how compassion, “kindness,” and paying close attention shape his fiction, especially his Booker Prize novel Lincoln in the Bardo and his later novel Vigil, both set around…28 May 2026 · 43 min · 19 chapters
Felicity LottDame Felicity Lott reflects on her life and career as a British soprano, choosing influences including her parents, France, and Richard Strauss, while discussing her advanced-stage cancer diagnosis…21 May 2026 · 42 min · 19 chapters
Michael FraynAuthor Michael Frayn discusses the influences behind his writing across genres—comedy, novels, journalism, translation, and major stage works—linking childhood reading, school encouragement,…14 May 2026 · 43 min · 19 chapters
Lubaina HimidLubaina Himid discusses her artistic influences and experiences on This Cultural Life, linking her theatre-design training and painterly practice to narratives of race, history, and identity.7 May 2026 · 43 min · 18 chapters
Robert IckeRobert Icke explains why theatre matters now, how he builds “alive” productions, and how his approach is shaped by music, Peter Brook, and early experiences seeing Shakespeare.30 Apr 2026 · 43 min · 19 chapters
David SzalayDavid Szalay discusses the influences behind his writing, moving from early literary obsessions (T.S.23 Apr 2026 · 43 min · 20 chapters
Danielle de NieseDanielle de Niese discusses why opera matters, her creative influences, and how she built a career bridging baroque opera, musical theatre, and performance outreach.16 Apr 2026 · 44 min · 30 chapters
Don McCullinDon McCullin discusses how his poverty, exposure to violence, and accidental entry into photography shaped a career spanning working-class London and major conflict zones (Cyprus, Beirut, Vietnam,…9 Apr 2026 · 43 min · 18 chapters
Julian BarnesIn this episode of *This Cultural Life*, host John Wilson interviews Julian Barnes, a renowned British novelist, essayist, and critic.19 Feb 2026 · 43 min · 18 chapters
Imogen CooperDame Imogen Cooper, esteemed concert pianist12 Feb 2026 · 44 min · 19 chapters
Jonathan PryceIn this episode, award-winning actor Sir Jonathan Pryce shares insights into his career and cultural influences with host John Wilson.5 Feb 2026 · 43 min · 18 chapters
Katie MitchellTheatre and opera director Katie Mitchell discusses her career, influences, and innovative approaches to storytelling, emphasizing her feminist perspective and contemporary adaptations of classic…29 Jan 2026 · 43 min · 22 chapters
Annie LeibovitzAnnie Leibovitz, renowned American photographer22 Jan 2026 · 43 min · 20 chapters