Radio Times

Review by:

Emma Sturgess

JK Rowling will publish her first novel for adults tomorrow. So far, she’s revealed its title, The Casual Vacancy, a striking, retro red cover design and enough of the plot to intrigue. A parish councillor dies: the fictional town of Pagford holds an election. In this Culture Show special, in conversation with film-maker, writer and reporter James Runcie in her home town of Edinburgh, Rowling will reveal more about the book and the pressure of writing post-Potter.

Runcie himself anticipates that it will be a highly personal book that
will shock many of her fans. We fear a lack of Quidditch – unless they
could play a tournament to settle the Pagford election?

About this programme

5/10. Jules Hudson hears wartime stories from the Midlands, including how American paratroopers befriended the people of Nottingham. He also learns how a small band of women helped keep essential supplies moving along the region's canals, and discovers the wide range of items produced in the factories of Birmingham.

Cast and crew

Cast

Presenter

Jules Hudson

Crew

Executive Producer

Simon Barnes

Series Producer

Simon Miller

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