The Verb

Philip Pullman, Hollie McNish, Francesca Martinez and David Denison join Ian McMillan

A masterclass in using 'tense' for writers. Philip Pullman, author of the 'His Dark Materials' series, explains why the fashion for the present tense can limit writers of fiction and celebrates the 'classical tone' of Philippa Pearce. Francesca Martinez delights in the present tense of comedy, whilst Hollie McNish introduces Erin Fornoff and her poem of 'back and forth' tenses. Linguist David Denison reveals how the 'simple present' tense in English is being 'marginalised' by the progressive. We're loving it.

Comedian, songwriter, lyricist and composer Tim Minchin sits down at the piano for a special programme - an extended conversation with Ian McMillan.

Over 45 minutes they discuss the influences on his language, exploring the writing process behind the music and lyrics from his acclaimed musicals (the Tony award winning 'Matilda' and the more recent 'Groundhog Day'), and the pleasure he takes in letting the sounds of word lead his writing in his comic songs. He also talks about publishing his first children's book, 'When I Grow Up' (Scholastic), inspired by the hit song from Matilda, and illustrated by Steve Antony, and explains how pictures can play a similar role to music.

Ian and Tim discuss his fascination with the clash (particularly in satirical songs) of content and form, and 'the balance between dark and light' elements. For Tim, the satisfaction of song-writing is similar to that of solving puzzle, particularly when he plays with the effect of internal rhyme. He also considers the debt he owes to Roald Dahl, whose subversiveness he emulated as a young boy, and he admiration for Kurt Vonnegut's ear for ordinary speech. Ian also asks Tim about his interest in science writing - and his notion that 'science is simply the word we use to describe a method of organising our curiosity'.

Producer: Faith Lawrence.

It's fifty years since the publication of 'The Society of the Spectacle' by the French writer and situationist Guy Debord. It's a book which continues to inspire artists and writers.

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'.

Ian McMillan presents The Verb , Radio 3's cabaret of the spoken word with a host of international poets from Latvia, America and Poland, including Michael Dickman, Bodhan Piasecki and Orbita. Ian also explores the Trinidad Talking Doorsteps project with Joe Hakim .

Recorded in front of a studio audience as part of Contains Strong Language, a season of Poetry and Performance from Hull.

Producer: Faith Lawrence.

Ian McMillan presents Radio 3's The Verb broadcasting live from Contains Strong Language, a season of Poetry and Performance from Hull, with a look at the poetry inspired by the city, including the 2017 new ' washing line' poems with Dean Wilson and Vicky Foster, and Imtiaz Dharker's new piece for the JoinedUp dance company.