Crisis in theatre, Stuart Evers new novel, Eurovision the film, Bristol’s Colston statue

Redundancies at the Theatre Royal Plymouth - over 100 jobs have been announced at risk as income falls by over 90 per cent due to the pandemic. We hear about the devastating impact on staff and the region, the threat to the theatre’s existence, and the warning bell it sounds to the future of theatre across the country. Stuart Evers on his new novel, The Blind Light – a story of two families from across the class divide and across the decades, living in the shadow of nuclear fear and political events of the past 60 years. The statue of Edward Colston - now it's been fished out of Bristol harbour, what is happening to it now? Fran Coles is the conservationist in charge of preserving the statue, and the graffiti which is also part of its story. She tells Samira Ahmed about this work, and the important discovery found tucked in the bronze fold of Colston’s frock. Eurovision, the film - a new film comedy, starring Will Ferrell and set at the Eurovision Song Contest looks affectionately at the glorious ridiculousness of the annual kitschfest. Eurovision veteran, the BBC’s Paddy O’Connell, has been to every one since 2004 and joins us to review the new Netflix film. Presenter: Samira Ahmed Producer: Emma Wallace Studio Manager: Tim Heffer