18/08/2009

Synopsis

With Jane Garvey.

Sometimes they're innocents who've been possessed by malignant external forces, sometimes they're monsters who can't help the way they are and sometimes they're just plain bad. Time and again, film directors have presented us with compelling images of evil children. As the new horror film Orphan is released, Jane is joined by folklorist Diane Purkiss and film writer Michelle LeBlanc to investigate why the idea continues to fascinate us.

Philippa Gregory's new novel The White Queen tells the story of Elizabeth Woodville, the mother of the two royal brothers who became known as the Princes in the Tower. Accused of having a sham marriage and also of being an enchantress, Elizabeth was twice forced to seek sanctuary in Westminster Abbey. Jane speaks to Philippa Gregory about how this remarkable woman has been remembered.

Cath Kidston's floral prints can be found adorning everything from table cloths to aprons, mobile phones to lap top bags. Her retro designs seem to have touched a chord with many of us. It's been suggested that economic uncertainty may make a bit of nostalgia particularly appealing. Whatever the reason, her company's profits are up and Cath is continuing to open new shops. She talks about her inspiration, her first shop and the way in which she re-interprets classic designs.