Shadow chancellor and former economist Rachel Reeves, who was a national chess champion aged 14.
3/18/2023
14:27
Lesley Paterson
Scottish screenwriter Lesley Paterson’s debut film, All Quiet on the Western Front, has won seven BAFTAs and has nine Oscar nominations, including Best Adapted Screenplay. It took her and co-writer Ian Stokell sixteen years to get their script to screen, with Netflix and German director, Edward Berger.
On the way, Paterson competed in extreme off-road triathlons, winning five world titles and putting the prize money towards the adaptation rights for the novel. Now the movie is winning awards and provoking debate among critics.
Timandra Harkness talks to family, friends and colleagues about Paterson’s childhood going to ballet classes with knees still muddy from rugby, her journey from Stirling to Hollywood, and how her drive to win has got her through every challenge.
Presenter: Timandra Harkness
Production team: Sally Abrahams, Georgia Coan and Nathan Gower
Editor: Simon Watts
Sound engineer: Neva Missirian
3/11/2023
14:24
Angela McLean
Born in Jamaica to parents who were both doctors, Professor Dame Angela McLean was fascinated by science from a young age. After studying maths at university, her PhD thesis involved pioneering work on measles. She’s also done ground-breaking research into HIV/AIDS. During the coronavirus pandemic, Dame Angela played a key role drawing up advice for the government.
Mark Coles speaks to friends, family and colleagues to find out more about the ‘no-nonsense’, straight-talking scientist who loves theatre, birdwatching and campfires.
Presenter: Mark Coles
Producers: Sally Abrahams and Georgia Coan
Editor: Simon Watts
Production Co-ordinator: Sabine Schereck
Sound Engineer: Rod Farquhar
3/4/2023
14:53
Shirley J. Thompson
Born in London, to Jamaican parents who came to Britain as part of the 1950s Windrush generation, Shirley J. Thompson fell in love with music from a very young age – and it has remained her life’s passion. She’s created music for film, TV, orchestras and opera. Mark Coles talks to family and friends to find out what influences her work.
Presenter: Mark Coles
Producers: Sally Abrahams and Georgia Coan
Editor: Simon Watts
Production Co-ordinator: Sabine Schereck
Sound Engineer: James Beard
2/25/2023
14:42
Barry Keoghan
Irish actor Barry Keoghan spent most of his childhood in foster homes, losing his mother to addiction issues when he was just 12-years-old. He found his passion for acting after answering a casting notice for a short indie film in his local shop window.
Keoghan was so determined to succeed that he’s often made his own audition tapes to send to studios. Praised by directors for his natural talent, Keoghan has risen from starring in the Irish drama series ‘Love/Hate’ as a ‘cat killer’ in 2013, to the current hit ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’. His moving performance as the comical yet heart-breaking Dominic is wowing critics.
So can Barry Keoghan take home all the awards this year? Mark Coles speaks to his friends, colleagues and teachers about his rise from the streets of Summerhill in Dublin to success in Hollywood.
Credits
Ireland Unfiltered with Dion Fanning
In the Envelope: The Actor’s Podcast
The Banshees of Inisherin
Director and writer: Martin McDonagh
Searchlight Pictures
Between the Canals
Director and writer: Mark O’Connor
High Fliers Films
Dunkirk
Director: Christopher Nolan
Warner Bros.
Hairspray
Director: Adam Shankman
Warner Bros.
Presenter: Mark Coles
Producers: Diane Richardson, Beth Ashmead-Latham and Georgia Coan
Editor: Simon Watts
Production Co-ordinator: Sabine Schereck
Sound Engineer: Rod Farquhar