Loose Ends - 11/09/2010

Clive Anderson and guests with an eclectic mix of conversation, music and comedy. Clive is joined by one of Britain's favourite satirists, the author, columnist, one time Grumpy Old Man and Shooting Star Will Self. Will pushes memoir to the limits of invention with his latest novel, Walking to Hollywood. Peter Hain is not only the current MP for Neith, and held many prominent positions for the last Labour government, but is well known as an anti-apartheid campaigner. He adds to a string of books on the apartheid era and Africa with his latest, a biography of the great leader Nelson Mandela. From Alan Bennett's The History Boys to the highly praised Being Human Russell Tovey has become a popular face on screen. He returns in the new BBC Three series Him and Her to play Steve, a man with simple pleasures in life and even fewer goals. What possesses a right-minded comedian to quit the day job, set the alarm clock for 4.30am and become a Breakfast DJ? Phill Jupitus did just this when he took the helm of the 6music breakfast show for the fledgling years of the digital station. He talks to Gideon Coe about his love for radio, what makes the nation tick in the morning and his radio DJ years. There's music from the Dublin born rockabilly songstress Imelda May, whose flawless performances, fifties style and blues and rock 'n' roll have won plaudits across the board. Plus a welcome return to Loose Ends top Jazz vocalist Ola Onabule showcases a track from his seventh studio album, 'Seven Shades Darker'. And fresh from the Edinburgh Fringe, there's stand up comedy from Josh Widdicombe, who after only two years on the circuit was crowned the Leicester Comedy festivals comedian of the year 2010. Producer: Jane Thurlow.