Use BBC.com or the new BBC App to listen to BBC podcasts, Radio 4 and the World Service outside the UK.

Find out how to listen to other BBC stations

Episode details

Radio 4,26 Nov 2010,30 mins

Bryan Ferry and novelist Anne Enright

Front Row

Available for over a year

Despite the rumours of a Roxy Music reunion CD, Bryan Ferry's new release is a solo album, though it does feature contributions from three members of the band, including Brian Eno. Bryan Ferry discusses his latest project and reveals how he once taught ceramics in a school, despite knowing very little about the subject. Man Booker Prize-winning novelist Anne Enright has compiled a new collection of Irish short stories by authors born in the 20th century. She discusses how the Irish short story has charted the history of social change in the country. From January next year, all sets and scenery for the Royal Opera House Covent Garden stage will be created in a purpose-built workshop in Purfleet in the Thames Gateway. The opening of the building, part of the High House Production Park, will be marked by the world premiere of The Purfleet Opera, Ludd and Isis, inspired by the history of Purfleet and Thurrock. Paul Reeve, the ROH Director of Education, explains the reasons for the new workshop, and Will McKee, chairman of the Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation, gives Kirsty a tour of the High House site. And Status Quo's latest tour is called Quid Pro Quo. David Quantick considers the reasons for giving a tour a name - and assesses what makes a memorable moniker. Producer Jerome Weatherald.

Programme Website
More episodes