Loose Ends - 08/01/2011

Peter Curran is in the Loose Ends chair this week, and next, with an eclectic mix of conversation, music and comedy. Joining Peter is the American comic, singer and writer described as a true force of nature, Sandra Bernhard. Combining rock 'n' roll, comedy and controversy she returns to London's West End with her live show based on her album, Whatever It Takes. We have another political comedy firebrand in the form of Mark Thomas. He's taken up Extreme Rambling. No mere Land's End to John O' Groats for him. He has walked the full length of the 750 kilometre Israeli Separation Barrier - and got jokes out of it for his new tour. He's also bringing the latest instalment of his Manifesto to BBC Radio 4. Emma Freud talks to the actress Sian Phillips about her evening of songs, Crossing Borders, coming to Wilton's Music Hall in London. Music comes in the form of the sensual broodings of Anna Calvi, shortlisted in this year's BBC's Sound of 2011 poll. And breezy acoustic pop from Pearl and the Puppets. Producer: Cathie Mahoney.