Ian McMillan presents a 'memorisable' cabaret of the word. Acclaimed biographer, historian and critic Jenny Uglow celebrates the language and rhymes of one of the most memorable poets in the English language, the 19th century artist and creator of nonsense rhymes Edward Lear. Rachel Parris and Amy Cooke-Hodgson are our improvisation 'queens' - they have worked together in award-winning improvisational theatre company 'Austentatious', and bravely take on an extreme memory challenge (inspired by Lear's poem 'The Owl and the Pussycat'). Martin Bommas from the University of Birmingham explores the importance of memory to the Ancient Egyptians (especially mummies ), and one of our best loved actors, Julian Glover, considers the role of memory and discusses strategies for remembering in the theatre.

Part of Radio 3's weekend of programming in partnership with Wellcome Collection: 'Why Music? The Key to Memory'.