Front Row - 09/10/2009

Crime writer Val McDermid reviews The Force, a new TV documentary series following real police officers over a three year period as they attempt to solve some of the most serious and violent crimes. Comedienne and former pyschiatric nurse Jo Brand announces the shortlist for the newly-created Wellcome Trust Book Prize, which aims to stimulate interest and debate around medicine and literature. Leading choreographers Wayne McGregor, Russell Maliphant and Javier de Frutos talk about the new works they have created to mark the centenary of Diaghilev's world famous Ballets Russes company. Playwright Lucy Kirkwood had her first professional commission from the National Theatre Studio when she was still at university. Now 25 years old, she has two plays opening tonight in London, one about sex-trafficking and the other a horror piece. She talks to Kirsty Lang about the new wave of young female dramatists and her work with real-life prisoners and victims of abuse.