Bill Nighy Takes on the Role of the Agony Uncle You Never Knew You Needed
This Week's Highlight
Ill-Advised By Bill Nighy
Bill Nighy steps into the shoes of the agony uncle you never knew you needed as he responds to queries from the audience in his latest program. This understated pleasure to hear his louche suggestions on topics ranging from lipstick application to decluttering a record collection. Wisdom is being dispensed – despite his self-deprecating protestations.
Widely available, episodes weekly
First Conviction
Ruth Negga, hailing from Limerick, voices this audio series about a couple convicted of performing FGM on their small child. Subsequently, they were acquitted but there are ongoing proceedings linked to the case. This sensitive investigation reveals extensive, tragic failings by official bodies.
Widely available, episodes weekly
Fela Kuti: Fear No Man
It’s hard not to be wowed by the line-up of individuals honoring one of the greatest African musicians ever in this series about his impact. Ayo Edebiri, Barack Obama, Paul McCartney, Jay-Z, Flea … the highly passionate accolades accumulate. Until you’re wrongfooted by a compelling story about his pianist's parent being killed due to his convictions – and how Kuti courageously supported his family. It’s a fascinating, passionate biography.
Widely available, episodes weekly
The Devil You Know
Cyndi Lauper, legwarmers and, er … Satan! This audio show presented by Sarah Marshall skillfully balances between entertainment and oral history, as it examines how satanic panic shaped the 80s zeitgeist. Marshall delves into the people and artefacts that helped it to snowball in that era and after, among them a controversial memoir.
Broadly available, weekly episodes
Paradise Turned Nightmare
A young, rich American couple move to Costa Rica to build a nature reserve and their ideal house. “Tragically, one will die and the other tried for murder – three times,” says journalist Becky Milligan, introducing an astonishing series about the real story of what happened to Jon and Ann Bender in 2010 after they’d embarked on creating a utopia.
Available widely, with weekly updates
