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South Pacific Review, Author Miroslav Penkov

A revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein's South Pacific reviewed; new films on today's music scene; Bulgarian writer Miroslav Penkov; and using music to sell books. With Kirsty Lang.

The award-winning Broadway production of South Pacific, now starring former EastEnder Samantha Womack, has just had its British debut. Until its recent American revival this Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, famous for songs such as I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair, hadn't been staged on Broadway since its original 1949 run. Critic David Benedict offers his verdict.

Three forthcoming films aim to capture the rock 'n' roll experiences of clubland, festivals and being in a band just about to hit the big time. The familiar settings of Ibiza, warehouse raves and muddy fields are accompanied by loud soundtracks. But can such works ever be authentic? Adil Ray gives his assessment.

Miroslav Penkov, an expatriate Bulgarian writer now resident in Texas, explains why in his new collection of short stories, East of the West, he hopes to tell the world about the rich history of his mother country and paint a picture of Bulgarians away from the clichés involving car thieves and prostitutes.

And Kirsty Lang reports on an independent bookshop in Bath which is finding new ways to engage readers in author events, including the creation of The Bookshop Band. The shop's owner Nic Bottomley got together with local musicians to create original music inspired by books.

Producer Jerome Weatherald.

Available now

30 minutes

Chapters

  • South Pacific

    • South Pacific

      David Benedict reviews a revival of South Pacific at the Barbican Theatre

      Duration: 05:05

  • Miroslav Penkov

    • Miroslav Penkov

      Kirsty Lang talks to the Bulgarian writer, Mirosla Penkov about his new book

      Duration: 08:32

  • Rock & Roll Films

    • Rock & Roll Films

      Ray Adil review two films set in music festivals, Powder and You Instead

      Duration: 06:01

  • Book Shop Band

    • Book Shop Band

      An independent bookshop in Bath has found a novel way of engaging readers

      Duration: 07:48

Broadcast

  • Thu 25 Aug 2011 19:15

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