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Episode details

Radio 4,16 Jun 2011,30 mins

Mildred Pierce review and author Andrew Miller

Front Row

Available for over a year

With Kirsty Lang. Kate Winslet takes the title role in Mildred Pierce, a new TV series based on the 1941 novel by James M Cain, which was also the source for an Oscar-winning film with Joan Crawford. Crime writer Denise Mina reviews. Andrew Miller discusses Pure, his latest novel, which is set in late 18th century Paris, when its overflowing cemetery was contaminating parts of the city. The novel follows an engineer given the macabre job of clearing it. Andrew Miller reveals what drew him to the bones of Paris and discusses how he has blended fact and fiction. Gerard Depardieu and Catherine Deneuve team up once again on the big screen in Potiche, released this week. Directed by Francois Ozon, this screwball comedy about a trophy wife who takes over her husband's umbrella business has been a huge box-office hit in France. Critic Agnes Poirier reviews. The Bush Theatre in London is inviting audiences to test-drive its new home by attending three short plays with three different seating configurations. During the evening audience members give their feedback not only on the seating arrangements, but on the bar, backstage area and even the toilets. Kirsty reports on their responses. Producer Claire Bartleet.

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