The Verb - Maggie Gee, Paul Heaton, Paul Muldoon, John Bevis

Ian McMillan presents Radio 3's cabaret of the word, featuring the best poetry and new writing. Ian's guests this week include Maggie Gee who performs a work in progresss, a monologue written for the ear. This is a new direction for the novelist who's recently been inspired to move towards drama. And, the singer songwriter Paul Heaton, formerly of The Housemartins and The Beautiful South, reflects on forging a solo career. The poet Paul Muldoon takes Ian McMillan through the job of building his new collection Maggot, line by line. And, John Bevis who has written a lexicon of bird sounds and songs explores why the words of birds are so inspiring to writers, singers and the rest of us. Producers: Erin Riley and Dymphna Flynn.