10 things we learned at the Hay Festival 2016
6 June 2016
As the sun sets on the Hay Festival, we look back on 10 days of ideas, insight and inspiration in the company of authors from across the literary spectrum, as well as comedians, film directors, economists and historians.
1. Victoria Wood's hilarious email to Sarah Millican
Sarah Millican's email from Victoria Wood
The comedian reads an email she received from the late Victoria Wood.
2. Why Sam Mendes won't be directing the next Bond movie
Sam Mendes: It's time for a new James Bond director
Sam Mendes reveals he will not be directing the next James Bond movie.
3. Growing up as a gay person was tough when there wasn't an internet
Susan Calman on growing up gay
The Scottish comedian discusses her sexuality
4. What Monty Python could have been called
Michael Palin: How we named Monty Python
Michael Palin explains the inspiration for the name of the famous comedy sketch group.
5. Social media is like being in the pub on a Friday night
Caitlin Moran: 'Social media is like being in the pub on a Friday night'
Caitliin Moran on why social media acts like a toddler.
6. Information technology is dissolving capitalism's ability to adapt
Paul Mason: 'A whole new way of doing things'
The economist on the challenges capitalism faces from information technology.
7. Young women threatening suicide over love have no place in modern Shakespeare adaptations
Russell T Davies on young women and suicide
The Midsummer Night's Dream adaptor on why he left certain lines out of his production
8. Even the CIA had to respect Josey Wales
Marlon James reads from A Brief History of Seven Killings
Josey Wales meets Jamaica's new CIA attache in 1978 in this scene from the novel.
9. Why Margaret Thatcher could be admired despite Thatcherism's 'dark cloud'
Yanis Varoufakis on Margaret Thatcher
The Greek economist reveals why he admired the former British Prime Minister
10. The most flattering thing you can do for another person
Ruby Wax on the most flattering thing you can do for another person
The comedian and author talks about discovering answers in her study of mindfulness.
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