Episodes
1. Episode 1
January 26, 2006
What is the public's favourite piece of British design since 1900? The Great British Design Quest aims to find out with everything from the Mini to the mini-skirt being considered. Plus Gwyneth Paltrow on her new film Proof and hip-hop star 50 Cent on why he's branching out from music into merchandising. With Verity Sharp.
2. Episode 2
February 2, 2006
With Da Vinci Code author Dan Brown heading for the courts accused of plagiarism, the arts show asks if the bestselling book was a rip-off. Sarah Waters discusses The Night Watch, her new novel of lesbian love in wartime England, while director Werner Herzog talks about his latest film Grizzly Man. Plus the gothic work of Fuseli and William Blake , the controversy over performers who mime and the future of public libraries. Hosted by Verity Sharp.
3. Episode 3
February 9, 2006
At the Winter Olympics in Turin, an accompanying "snow show" brings together the likes of Yoko Ono and Norman Foster to make monumental - albeit inevitably short-lived - creations of snow and ice. The show also explores why Britain is getting a new National Theatre, and goes on tour with comedians the Mighty Boosh. Andrew Graham-Dixon hosts.
4. Episode 4
February 16, 2006
As part of the strand's Great British Design Quest, Verity Sharp reveals the top ten British creations of the last 100 years as voted for by the public. The overall winner will be announced on 16 March. Plus Matthew Sweet on a century of ventriloquists and end-of-pier performers, and the man billed as the first great new composer of the 21st century: Osvaldo Golijov.
5. Episode 5
February 23, 2006
Two big Hollywood names are interviewed: director Robert Altman , who at the age of 80 is about to direct his first play on the London stage: and actor Philip Seymour Hoffman , Oscar nominee for his title role in the film Capote. Plus a look at Richard Rogers 's new building for the Welsh Assembly and the latest on the search to find Britain's favourite piece of 20th-century design. With Verity Sharp.
6. Episode 6
March 2, 2006
George Clooney discusses politics and film-making. There's a report from Amsterdam on Caravaggio and Rembrandt, and a look at Welsh rock music. Mark Kermode awards his alternative Oscars, and Saira Khan of The Apprentice reports on the Festival of Muslim Culture. Charles Hazlewood reveals the final contenders for our favourite design. And can DBC Pierre repeat the success of Vernon God Little?
7. Episode 7
March 9, 2006
A rare television interview with acclaimed graphic novelist Alan Moore - author of V for Vendetta, Watchmen and From Hell. Plus, the elaborate world of Victorian country house theatricals, the drawings of Michelangelo and cult rock band Mystery Jets. Presented by Andrew Graham-Dixon.
8. Episode 8
March 16, 2006
Which iconic creation has been voted victor of the Great British Design Quest? Plus Spike Lee talking about two decades of politically charged film-making, an interview with British singer/songwriter Richard Hawley and the latest on a long-running row between the Government and conservationists over Stonehenge. Presented by Verity Sharp.
9. Episode 9
March 22, 2006
Dawn French and singer Alison Moyet talk about their roles in the emotionally charged play Smaller, currently touring the UK. Plus the secrets behind Bernard Herrmann 's stunning film scores. And crime writer Elizabeth George researches the latest Inspector Lynley novel. Hosted by Charles Hazlewood.
10. Episode 10
March 30, 2006
The first TV interview for over a decade with reclusive music icon Scott Walker - a hero to both 1960s contemporaries such as David Bowie and modern pop pioneers including Alison Goldfrapp and Jarvis Cocker. What does Walker's first album for over ten years have in store? Plus Matthew Sweet assessing Merchant Ivory's contribution to period film drama, a profile of influential children's author Allan Ahlberg , and an examination of the modernist credentials of the fitted kitchen. With Andrew Graham-Dixon.
11. Episode 11
April 6, 2006
Author and acclaimed travel writer Jan Morris talks about her forthcoming novel, Hav, while Brian Eno discusses his latest artistic venture, a piece of audio-visual software called 77 Million Paintings. On the centenary of Samuel Beckett 's birth, top comedy figures, including Alistair McGowan , reveal the debt that they owe the Irish playwright. Plus a debate over skyscrapers in London, a dance group trying to overhaul the outdated image of morris dancing, and sex, salsa and laughs courtesy of the Cuban Brothers. Lawrence Pollard presents.
