Radio 4 Extra

We like to think politics is about pragmatism. But what if it's always really been about utopia? Top political comedian Matt Forde convenes his Focus Group in front of a live theatre audience with a sharp and varied panel — journalist and broadcaster Jo Coburn, former Cabinet minister Michael Gove and comedian Ahir Shah - to ask whether the dream of a perfect society is the secret engine of political life. From new towns built from scratch with names designed to start arguments, to a Home Secretary who wants the eyes of the state on every citizen at all times, and why we're still working five days a week when Keynes promised us we'd be living a life of leisure and writing poetry by now — this is an episode about vision and ambition, and the considerable gap between the two. Written and presented by Matt Forde With additional Material from Karl Minns, Ruth Husko and Richard Garvin Produced by Richard Garvin Sound Design and Edit: David Thomas Executive Producers: Jon Thoday and Richard Allen Turner An Avalon production for BBC Radio 4