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This Cultural Life

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.

Radio 4,143 episodes

Episodes

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Guillermo del Toro
Oscar-winning Mexican film-maker Guillermo del Toro reveals his cultural influences.
08 Jan 2026,43 mins
Ricky Gervais
Comedian and writer Ricky Gervais reveals his formative creative influences.
01 Jan 2026,42 mins
Jennifer Lawrence
Oscar-winning actor Jennifer Lawrence reveals her creative inspirations.
06 Nov 2025,42 mins
Rufus Wainwright
Singer-songwriter and composer Rufus Wainwright on his creative influences.
30 Oct 2025,43 mins
Mark Ronson
Music producer and songwriter Mark Ronson reveals his creative influences and experiences.
23 Oct 2025,42 mins
Rose Tremain
Author Dame Rose Tremain reveals her formative creative influences.
16 Oct 2025,43 mins
Thomas Adès
Composer and conductor Thomas Adès reveals his formative creative influences.
09 Oct 2025,43 mins
Jonathan Anderson
Fashion designer Jonathan Anderson on his creative influences and inspirations.
02 Oct 2025,43 mins
Jackie Kay
Poet, writer and former Makar Jackie Kay reveals her formative creative influences.
25 Sep 2025,43 mins
Kerry James Marshall
American artist Kerry James Marshall reveals his most significant cultural influences.
18 Sep 2025,43 mins
Alicia Vikander
Academy Award-winning actor Alicia Vikander on her formative creative influences.
11 Sep 2025,43 mins
Alison Balsom
Trumpeter Alison Balsom reveals her most significant cultural influences and experiences.
04 Sep 2025,43 mins
Eric Idle
Comic writer, musician and actor Eric Idle reveals his creative influences.
28 Aug 2025,43 mins
Anselm Kiefer
Artist Anselm Kiefer discusses his cultural influences.
03 Jul 2025,43 mins
Katherine Rundell
Author Katherine Rundell reveals her cultural influences and inspirations.
26 Jun 2025,43 mins
Steve Reich
Composer Steve Reich reveals his formative musical influences.
19 Jun 2025,43 mins
Jenny Saville
Painter Jenny Saville talks to John Wilson about her formative influences.
12 Jun 2025,43 mins
Alan Menken
Oscar-winning composer Alan Menken reveals his formative cultural influences.
05 Jun 2025,43 mins
Gillian Anderson
Actor Gillian Anderson on her most significant creative influences and experiences.
29 May 2025,43 mins
Pete Townshend
Pete Townshend, songwriter, guitarist and co-founder of The Who on his cultural influences
22 May 2025,43 mins,
James Rhodes
Pianist James Rhodes talks to John Wilson about his formative influences and experiences.
15 May 2025,44 mins
Doris Salcedo
Colombian artist and sculptor Doris Salcedo reveals her formative cultural influences.
08 May 2025,43 mins
Sheku Kanneh-Mason
Cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason reveals his formative cultural influences.
01 May 2025,43 mins
Wayne McGregor
Choreographer Sir Wayne McGregor reveals his creative inspirations.
24 Apr 2025,43 mins
Simon Russell Beale
Actor Sir Simon Russell Beale reveals his cultural influences and inspirations.
17 Apr 2025,43 mins
Maggie O'Farrell
Author Maggie O'Farrell reveals the influences that have shaped her writing.
10 Apr 2025,43 mins
Abi Morgan
Screenwriter and playwright Abi Morgan shares her creative influences.
03 Apr 2025,43 mins
Theaster Gates
American artist Theaster Gates reveals his formative creative influences.
13 Feb 2025,43 mins
David Hare
Playwright, screenwriter and director Sir David Hare on his formative cultural influences.
06 Feb 2025,43 mins
Cynthia Erivo
Actor and singer Cynthia Erivo reveals her formative creative influences.
30 Jan 2025,43 mins