This Cultural Life

Arts

About

In-depth conversations with some of the world's leading artists and creatives across theatre, visual arts, music, dance, film and more. Hosted by John Wilson.

Episodes

  • Lubaina Himid

    Lubaina Himid, a Turner Prize-winning artist, talks about her formative influences and her role in the British black arts movement. Her work often explores race, history, and identity, and she will represent Britain at the Venice Biennale…

  • Robert Icke

    Robert Icke, a renowned theatre director and writer, discusses his formative creative influences. He is known for his radical new versions of classic plays, including "Oresteia," "Hamlet," and "The Doctor."

  • David Szalay

    David Szalay, a Booker Prize-winning author, talks about his creative influences. He discusses his novels, which include "London and The South East," "All That Man Is," "Turbulence," and "Flesh," covering themes such as masculinity and int…

  • Danielle de Niese

    This episode features an interview with Australian opera singer Danielle de Niese. She discusses her career, from her early debut to her international breakthrough and performances in leading roles globally. She is the recipient of the 202…

  • Don McCullin

    Sir Don McCullin, an award-winning photographer, talks about his cultural influences and formative experiences. He discusses his career, which includes documenting working-class lives, war photography in conflict zones, and focusing on nat…

  • Julian Barnes

    Julian Barnes, the acclaimed British novelist, essayist, and critic, discusses his career and cultural influences with John Wilson. He shares insights into his notable works, literary awards including the Booker Prize, and his recognition…

  • Imogen Cooper

    Imogen Cooper, a renowned concert pianist, shares insights into her career, including her mentorship by Alfred Brendel and her interpretations of classical works. She also discusses her upcoming retirement from live performance in early 20…

  • Jonathan Pryce

    Jonathan Pryce, an award-winning actor, shares insights into his cultural influences and career journey on "This Cultural Life." He discusses his notable roles in productions such as "Comedians," "Hamlet," "Miss Saigon," "Brazil," and "The…

  • Katie Mitchell

    Katie Mitchell, a renowned theatre and opera director, talks with John Wilson about her career and formative influences. She is known for her experimental storytelling, feminist perspective, and contemporary reframing of classic plays.

  • Annie Leibovitz

    Annie Leibovitz, American photographer, talks about her career and cultural influences. She is known for capturing rock stars, actors, and politicians, and for her elaborately designed shoots.

  • Guillermo del Toro

    Guillermo del Toro joins John Wilson to discuss his cultural influences and career. He talks about his films, which blend fantasy, horror, and Gothic romance, and his Academy Award-winning work including "Pan's Labyrinth" and "The Shape of…

  • Ricky Gervais

    Ricky Gervais discusses his creative influences and inspirations with John Wilson, covering his career from The Office to his stand-up specials. He details the impact of early comedic influences and the inspiration behind his writing proce…

  • Jennifer Lawrence

    Jennifer Lawrence discusses her acting career, including her early life on a Kentucky farm and her inspirations from other actors and directors. She talks about her breakthrough roles and her work in major film franchises.

  • Rufus Wainwright

    Rufus Wainwright, singer-songwriter and composer, talks about his musical journey, including his folk music roots, classical compositions, and influence of artists like Judy Garland. He also shares his experiences with opera and film, and…

  • Mark Ronson

    Mark Ronson, a Grammy and Academy Award-winning artist, shares his journey from a teenage DJ in 90s New York to a renowned producer. He discusses his collaborations with artists like Amy Winehouse and his work on film soundtracks, as well…

  • Rose Tremain

    Dame Rose Tremain, a celebrated British writer, shares insights into her extensive career, inspirations, and personal journey in writing. She discusses her 17 novels and five short story collections, her awards including the Whitbread Priz…

  • Thomas Adès

    Thomas Adès, a celebrated British classical musician, discusses his career, including his operas Powder Her Face and The Tempest, and his award-winning compositions. He shares insights into family influences, particularly his mother's expe…

  • Jonathan Anderson

    Jonathan Anderson, creative director at Dior, Loewe, and JW Anderson, shares his journey in fashion, from his Northern Irish upbringing to his current influential roles. He also discusses the challenges and importance of creative freedom w…

  • Jackie Kay

    Jackie Kay, a Scottish poet and novelist, talks with John Wilson about her upbringing in Glasgow, her inspirations including poets and activists, and her journey to understanding her dual identity. She shares insights into her life and car…

  • Kerry James Marshall

    Kerry James Marshall, a renowned American painter, is featured on This Cultural Life. Marshall's large-scale, vivid paintings evoke African-American life, incorporating symbolism and historical references. His work has been exhibited inter…

  • Alicia Vikander

    Alicia Vikander, known for roles in "Ex-Machina" and "The Danish Girl," talks about her acting journey. She shares insights from her early stage productions to her recent film work, including "Tomb Raider" and "The Glorias," and her upcomi…

  • Alison Balsom

    Classical trumpeter Alison Balsom speaks with John Wilson about her career inspirations. She has released 17 studio albums and received awards including Gramophone Artist of the Year and three Classical Brit Awards.

  • Eric Idle

    Comedian, writer, musician, and actor Eric Idle talks to John Wilson about his creative influences. He is a founding member of Monty Python and created the musical Spamalot.

  • Anselm Kiefer

    Anselm Kiefer, a prominent contemporary artist, delves into his work, which frequently explores German history, fascism, and conflict. He is recognized for his monumental paintings, sculptures, and installations.

  • Katherine Rundell

    Children's author Katherine Rundell discusses her books, literary influences such as C.S. Lewis and John Donne, and the impact of her childhood experiences in Zimbabwe on her writing. She also reflects on the importance of encouraging chil…

  • Steve Reich

    Steve Reich, an influential modern composer, discusses his career, inspirations, and impact on musical minimalism and rhythm. He shares how different recordings and musical studies shaped his compositions.

  • Jenny Saville

    Jenny Saville, known for her large-scale portraits of women, discusses her artistic journey including influences like Lucien Freud and Willem de Kooning. She also touches on her early career, her work being featured in the Sensation exhibi…

  • Alan Menken

    Alan Menken, a highly awarded composer for Disney films like The Little Mermaid and Aladdin, and Broadway shows such as Little Shop Of Horrors, discusses his career. He shares his creative journey, including his partnership with lyricist H…

  • Gillian Anderson

    Gillian Anderson, known for roles in The X-Files, The Crown, and Sex Education, shares her career journey and cultural inspirations. She discusses her early life, acting education, and the impact of figures like Meryl Streep and Marina Abr…

  • Pete Townshend

    Pete Townshend, songwriter and guitarist for The Who, discusses his career, influences from his musical parents, and formative experiences like seeing Bill Haley and The Comets. He also shares how his art school tutor and a book by Jorge L…

  • James Rhodes

    James Rhodes, a classical pianist, discusses his career trajectory, including his start at 30, signing with Warner Brothers, and his works. He shares how music, particularly Bach's Chaconne, provided solace during challenging times, includ…

  • Doris Salcedo

    Doris Salcedo, recipient of the 2025 Art Icon award, discusses her art with John Wilson. She talks about the influence of Goya's "The Third of May 1808" and the poetry of Paul Celan on her work, which focuses on conflict and political viol…

  • Sheku Kanneh-Mason

    In this episode, cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason shares his musical upbringing, influences including his grandfather and reggae artist Bob Marley, and career highlights such as performing at the Royal Wedding and winning BBC Young Musician Of T…

  • Wayne McGregor

    Choreographer Sir Wayne McGregor discusses his career, from his childhood inspiration to his work with the Royal Ballet and collaborations across various artistic and scientific fields. He also touches on how technology, including AI, has…

  • Simon Russell Beale

    Sir Simon Russell Beale, acclaimed actor, shares insights into his career, including his roles at the National Theatre and RSC, and his Tony Award for The Lehman Trilogy. He also discusses his childhood, musical background, and love for Sh…

  • Maggie O'Farrell

    Maggie O'Farrell, author of nine novels including "Hamnet," discusses her creative influences, such as Tove Jansson, Michael Donaghy, and David Hockney. She shares insights into her writing process and the inspirations behind her work.

  • Abi Morgan

    Abi Morgan, screenwriter for "The Split" and "Eric," details her 25-year career, mentioning "Sex Traffic," "The Hour," "The Iron Lady," "Suffragette," and her book "This Is Not A Pity Memoir." She shares insights into her theatrical family…

  • Theaster Gates

    Theaster Gates, an acclaimed artist, discusses his upbringing, diverse artistic output, and community redevelopment efforts in Chicago. He explores the Black experience through his art, including ceramics, painting, and installations, and…

  • David Hare

    David Hare, known for plays like Plenty and his political writing, talks about his background, key influences like Raymond Williams and Kate Nelligan, and his wife Nicole Farhi. He also discusses how his personal life and politics are inte…

  • Cynthia Erivo

    Cynthia Erivo, a British actress and singer, reflects on her journey from London's musical theatre to Broadway and Hollywood. She discusses key influences, mentors, and the emotional depth of her roles, including her work in "The Color Pur…

  • Marin Alsop

    Marin Alsop, the first woman to lead major orchestras in the UK, South America, and the United States, talks about her career. She discusses her inspirations, including her parents and mentor Leonard Bernstein, and how Carl Jung's theories…

  • Robert Harris

    Robert Harris, known for historical fiction including "Fatherland" and "Precipice," shares his inspirations, such as historian A. J. P. Taylor and author George Orwell. He discusses how these influences shaped his approach to writing about…

  • James Ivory

    James Ivory, co-founder of Merchant Ivory Productions, talks about his filmmaking career and major films, including "A Room With A View" and "Call Me By Your Name," for which he won an Academy Award. He also discusses his early life, influ…

  • Isabel Allende

    Isabel Allende, author of "The House Of the Spirits," discusses her life and career, including her upbringing, inspirations, and experiences with political upheaval in Chile. She shares insights into her writing process and how personal tr…

  • Thelma Schoonmaker

    Thelma Schoonmaker, an acclaimed film editor, discusses her extensive collaboration with director Martin Scorsese, spanning over five decades and including numerous iconic films. She also shares insights into her role in restoring classic…

  • Bill Nighy

    Bill Nighy, a British actor with a fifty-year career, discusses his work in film and theater, including his roles in popular movies and collaborations with playwright David Hare. He also touches upon his early career influences and experie…

  • Julie Taymor

    Julie Taymor, director of The Lion King and other works, discusses her career and influences. She shares insights into her creative process and experiences with various productions.

  • Hanif Kureishi

    Hanif Kureishi, acclaimed novelist and screenwriter, discusses his career, including his Oscar-nominated screenplay "My Beautiful Launderette" and bestselling novel "The Buddha Of Suburbia." He also talks about his memoir "Shattered," deta…

  • Nile Rodgers

    Nile Rodgers, a successful songwriter, producer, and arranger, reflects on his 50-year career. He shares insights into his creative process, collaborations, and the lasting influence of his musical partner, Bernard Edwards.

  • Margaret Drabble

    Dame Margaret Drabble, a novelist, biographer, and critic, discusses her literary career, including her 19 novels and non-fiction works. She shares insights into her upbringing and influences such as her sister, A S Byatt, and Doris Lessin…