BBC Radio 4 gives arts and theatre centre stage in new shows as the station bids farewell to Midweek

Update on this announcement here

As part of the changes, Radio 4 will be giving theatre centre stage in a new programme presented by Libby Purves, who is well-known to Radio 4 listeners. Libby was the youngest ever Today presenter, currently hosts Radio 4's Midweek and has also served as The Times chief theatre critic.

Libby's new monthly show will start in April and will hear Libby explore the vitality of theatre all around the UK, bringing stories and developments to Radio 4 listeners in a dedicated show. In addition to her new theatre programme, Libby Purves is in discussion about further presenting commitments on Radio 4.

Libby Purves says: "It is certainly important that Radio 4 should cover more fully the remarkable variety and adventurousness of British theatre at all levels around the country, and I am glad to be a part of its move towards this."

Radio 4’s arts and culture offering will be further enhanced by a new high-profile long form interview series welcoming prominent figures from the arts world to Radio 4 in an illuminating, authoritative and enquiring format.

The presenter-free show will feature half-hour interviews between leading artists – including writers, musicians and poets - exploring creative decisions and processes in depth. Each interview will have a specific purpose and enquiry at its heart, and the series will work as a chain, with most interviewees becoming the interviewer for their chosen guest. Commissioned for four series of six episodes throughout the year, the programme will be broadcast on Wednesday mornings at 9am, sharing the slot with other arts and factual commissions.

This means that Radio 4 will be saying goodbye to Midweek as the programme comes to an end in March 2017, with its farewell show broadcast on Wednesday 29 March 2017. Midweek, in the format it is known today, launched in 1982 and Libby has presented it for 33 years, since 1983.

Radio 4’s Controller Gwyneth Williams says: “Midweek, presented by the formidable broadcaster, Libby Purves, has provided countless memorable moments over many years. I want to thank all the guests and excellent producers who have brought such a degree of surprise and pleasure to our Wednesday mornings. Most of all my thanks, both personal and on behalf of listeners to Libby, for the outstanding job she has done as presenter for so long.

“The Radio 4 schedule has to evolve at the right moments in the station’s history and I want to bring the most compelling mix of programmes to our discerning listeners. I am proud to introduce a long-form arts interview series for Wednesday mornings as well as a new monthly show dedicated to theatre as part of our Saturday line-up.

“Theatre is having a golden moment and Libby is the perfect person to bring that story to the Radio 4 audience with her knowledge and passion, and I’m delighted that she will stay with us on Radio 4."

The new half an hour theatre show will be broadcast once a month on Saturdays followed by a repeat during the week. Further details of the show, as well as the long form interview series on Wednesday mornings, will be confirmed in due course. Both will come from BBC Radio Productions, current makers of Midweek.

Radio 4 will continue to broadcast numerous weekly magazine and conversation programmes, including Saturday Live, Loose Ends, Start the Week and Woman’s Hour.

SW