Woman's Hour - 27/04/2009

The government is publishing the widely-anticipated Equality Bill, nearly forty years after the passage of this country's first Equal Pay Act. Woman's Hour discusses the implications for women. What are the proposed measures? Will they narrow the gender pay gap - which still stands at 17.1 per cent? In these times of economic uncertainty many people are re-evaluating their career and goals in life. But taking the plunge and changing your situation can be a daunting prospect, especially if the years have rolled by in a steady job, there's a mortgage to pay and mouths to feed. The Woman's Hour panel discusses how to realise your dreams, what steps to take, and why it could be the best or worst decision you've ever made. Jane is joined by the philosopher and author of The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work, Alain de Botton, entrepreneur Sahar Hashemi, and co-founder of careershifters.org, Catherine Roan. The English Touring Opera is celebrating their 30th anniversary by presenting a concert performance of Norma, Bellini's classic bel canto. Set in Roman-occupied Gaul, it is a tale of betrayal, jealousy, near-infanticide and druid sacrifice. The protagonist, Norma, is played by Yvonne Howard, who was recently celebrated by the international press for her role in the film of John Adams' opera The Death of Klinghoffer and the title role in Beethoven's Fidelio. Yvonne talks to Jane about her role as the druid priestess in what is considered to be one of the most difficult in the soprano repertoire. Jan Ravens has been doing impressions of people ever since she was at school. She was a founder member of the Dead Ringers team, and few females in the public eye have avoided her comic attention. Fiona Bruce, Sophie Raworth, Ellen MacArthur, The Queen and Ann Widdecombe have all featured in the comedy series and now Jan is taking her impressions on a national tour. She talks to Jane about the art of the impressionist.