Synopsis

Christopher Frayling, former head of the Arts Council, joins Matthew Sweet to reflect on the government's announcement today of the Comprehensive Spending Review - and what the proposed cuts will mean for the UK's arts and culture.

It is 50 years since the novel Lady Chatterley's Lover sparked a trial of Penguin Books under the Obscene Publications Act. The trial returned a 'Not Guilty' verdict leading to greater freedom in the publication of explicit material in the U.K. Matthew is joined by the critics Peter Kemp and John Sutherland to discuss other instances when a novel has led to real change.

The early twentieth century writer HP Lovecraft's work drew on the gothic tradition of Edgar Allen Poe but also created an entirely new brand of fantasy horror fiction. His work is enjoying a revival of interest, with the publication of a graphic novel and theatrical adaptation, as well as a new film in production from Guillermo Del Torro and James Cameron. Matthew Sweet is joined by novelist China Mieville and journalist Suzi Feay to reassess Lovecraft's legacy.

Susannah Clapp joins Matthew Sweet for a first night review of Tribes, the much awaited new play from Nina Raine. Like Rabbit, her award winning debut, Tribes explores how families are both protective and suffocating. Billy is deaf, born into a successful literary family who love words, but appear incapable of listening to his particular needs.