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 4,16 Dec 2015,30 mins

Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Roman poet Horace, Christmas TV

Front Row

Available for over a year

Star Wars: The Force Awakens reviewed. Thirty years after defeating the Galactic Empire, Han Solo (played by Harrison Ford) and his allies face a new threat in the seventh instalment in the franchise. For centuries great writers and powerful people have translated the work of the Roman poet Horace. With the publication of a new edition of all his poems - including versions by Elizabeth I, William Gladstone and poets ranging from Sir Philip Sidney to Ezra Pound - Samira talks to the editor, Paul Quarrie, and comedian and classicist Natalie Haynes about the enduring attraction of the old Roman bard. With a visit to the museum or gallery gift shop increasingly being an integral part of the visitor experience, and one it is often hard to avoid, Elinor Morgan from MIMA in Middlesbrough, Jennifer Harris from The Whitworth in Manchester, and Rosey Blackmore from Tate, discuss the economic importance of the gift shop and how selective galleries need to be in what they choose to stock. And what to watch this Christmas? Critic Boyd Hilton provides his guide to must-see TV. Presenter Samira Ahmed Producer Ella-mai Robey.

Programme Website
More episodes