Comedian Nish Kumar, Acoustics in architecture, 2018 Costa Children’s Book Award winner Hilary McKay

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The comedian Nish Kumar on why his latest stand up tour is his most political yet, and the challenge of keeping his satirical topical news television show, The Mash Report, fresh in these febrile times. The look of a building has always been an essential element in architectural design, but less conspicuous are its acoustic properties. Specialists in acoustic design are frequently engaged to enhance the aural experience of people in a room or a building. Their work ranges from blocking out unwanted noise, such as from passing trains, to providing the optimal sound for the audience and musicians in a concert hall. Stig Abell visits a virtual sound laboratory, and hears from Trevor Cox, professor of acoustic engineering, about the history and importance of sound in building design. The winner of the 2018 Costa Children’s Book Award is Hilary McKay. She talks to Stig about her novel, The Skylarks’ War. This is set during the First World War and follows three children growing up at a time when girls had to fight for an education and boys, as soon as they were able, went off to fight. Presenter: Stig Abell Producer: Julian May