Programme Details

Paul Allen examines the war diary. Written to bear witness, to relieve boredom, or as acts of defiance in the face of unprecedented horror or evil, these chronicles can present a unique picture of conflict. As a new anthology, The Secret Annexe, is published spanning 3 centuries and with extracts from almost 200 diaries, Paul asks how changes in war have led to changing war diaries.

Night Waves has the first review of legendary choreographer Mark Morris's British premiere of The Hard Nut - the Nutcracker as you've never seen it before.

And as the RSC begins its search for an architect to remodel its main stage in Stratford Paul talks to actress Fiona Shaw and director Dominic Dromgoole about whether the stage matters.

Night Waves, live on BBC Radio 3 at 9.30pm


Presenter: Paul Allen
Producer: Kirsty Pope


Additional Information

1) The Secret Annexe by Alan and Irene Taylor is published by Canongate.
2) The Second Coming - the exhibition of new work by Marlene Dumas - is at the Frith Street Gallery, London, until the 23rd December. It is also possible to see her work at Tate Liverpool.
3) The Hard Nut - a reworking of The Nutcracker by Mark Morris - is at Sadler's Wells, London, until 27th November.