Radio Times

Review by:

Chris Gardner

Death — it’s the taboo subject most readily swept under the carpet. Here, bravely it might seem, Bridget Kendall invites writer Diana Athill, poet Paul Muldoon and surgeon Pauline Chen to mull over our own mortality. For Athill, aged 94, the key to accepting one’s demise is to think about it regularly.

But what if your death is untimely? Muldoon’s sister died at 53 having already chosen her own grave, a solace in her final weeks. Meanwhile, Chen believes it’s imperative that the terminally ill get a chance to tell, or at least reflect on, their life story. What could’ve been a dour half-hour is honest, intelligent and even light-hearted.

About this programme

New series. Bridget Kendall returns with the philosophical show inviting experts to discuss their thoughts on weighty subjects. She begins by asking literary editor Diana Athill, liver transplant and cancer surgeon Pauline Chen and Irish poet Paul Muldoon to consider the best way to approach death.

Cast and crew

Cast

Presenter

Bridget Kendall

Contributor

Diana Athill

Contributor

Pauline Chen

Contributor

Paul Muldoon

Crew

Producer

Emily Kasriel

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