Sue Perkins, Brett Anderson, and Arbitrage reviewed

With Mark Lawson.

Sue Perkins is the writer and star of the new TV sitcom Heading Out about a gay vet who is struggling to come out to her parents. She reflects on the process of creating a character for herself to play.

Richard Gere's new film is the thriller Arbitrage. He plays a hedge-fund magnate whose world falls apart on his 60th birthday, when a deal goes wrong and he desperately needs $400m to cover his losses. Susan Sarandon co-stars as his wife. Rachel Cooke gives her verdict.

Twenty years after their eponymous debut album and a decade after their last recording, Suede have finally returned to the studio with Bloodsports. Lead singer Brett Anderson discusses Britpop, reunions and comebacks.

Most struggling writers long for the book that will make them a literary star, but how many consider the danger of writing a book so good they can never escape from its shadow? Erich Kästner is best known for Emil and the Detectives. As Going to the Dogs, one of his less famous titles, is republished, Professor John Sutherland reflects on the dangers of creating a classic.

Producer Dymphna Flynn.