'Life at the Top’ reading

Press, 6 October 1980, Page 14

'Life at the Top’ reading

The sequel to John Brains, novel, “Room at the Top,” is| the book which will feature: in the National programme’s] afternoon reading slot over; the next two weeks at 1,45 j p.m. “Life at the Top” looksj at the life of Joe Lampton,; who married Susan Brown, the boss's daughter, and thus got into the firm of Brown and Company. Ten years later Joe has a son, Harry, and a young daughter, Barbara. He has wealth and a position of sorts, but is he happy? The reading is by James Bolan, the actor who played Jack Ford in television’s “When the Boat Comes In.” Archive sounds Brian Salkeld has compiled “Active Archive” from! his own and Radio New Zealand’s archive collections. In tonight’s programme, featured on the National programme at’ 8 p.m., he delves into the “Theatrical File.” He introduces recordings by

, Ellaline Terris and Seymour [Hicks; one of . the ” mere ; famous “Gaiety Giris” from (Edwardian London. Gertie l Millar; Gertrude Lawrence and Beatrice Lillie; and a [rare recording of Paul Robleson singing in a 1928 production of “Show. Boat.” Just to show an archive piece is not necessarily old, he will include a recording of one of today’s theatrical stars, Hermione Gingold, in tonight’s programme, ‘Age and Death’ “Age and Death” is the theme .taken tonight in the Concert programme series of New Zealand prose and poetry which forms an anthology examining different facets'of our way of life. The themes and excerpts have been chosen by Dora Somerville and this programme was produced by ; Fiona Kidman and Fergus Dick. “New Zealand Voices,” Concert programme, 8 p.m.

The Scholars

I The English vocal en-] Isemble, The Scholars, who! {toured New Zealand for the' i Music Federation earlier in j ' the year, can be heard on! the Concert programme froma recording made by Radiol New Zealand at an Auckland; concert. They sing songs byRobert Walker, “The Sun on the Celandines,” “In Lighter Mood,” and traditional songs. ‘Orpheus’ The leading present-day English poet, Ted Hughes, has cast the Greek legend of Orpheus and Eurydice into a contemporary mould in a play that is a complex blend of music, voices, and effects. The music allows the dialogue. poetry and action to be subtly integrated. “Orpheus,” a production .for Radio New Zealand by- Stephen Riley, was recorded

with multi-track stereo facilities in Auckland, and the music was specially commissioned from Andrew Hagen and Morton Wilson, local musicians best, known for their work with the band, “Schtung.” Concert programme, 6.15 p.m.

‘Change of Pace’ One of the most versatile musical talents in Britain today is Richard Rodney Bennett. He and his regular partner, the American-born Marian Montgomery, perform a wide variety of music from Bennett’s own serious music to the music of Gershwin, Kern, Porter, and Sondheim. This unique partnership features in “Change of Pace” on the National programme at 9.15 p.m. when Ray' Harris introduces a recording of Bennett and Montgomery at the 1979 Wavendon Festival,

Hardy reading This week's late-night! book reading is Thomas! Hardy's tragic novel, “Fel-{ low Townsmen,” which has! been adapted into five epi-1 sodes. Barnet and Downei both live in a seaside town.] Barnet is somewhat richer than Downe, who is a solicitor. But Barnet, unlike Downe, is unhappily married. When Downe’s wife dies in a boating accident, Barnet suggests his own former sweetheart, Lucy as a governess for the Downe) children. When Barnet’s own; wife dies he instantly thinks ■ of Lucy. However, he soon; learns that Lucy is engaged; to be married to Downe. This recording was made by Jack Watson for the 8.8. C. National programme, 10.30 { p.m. [

— '■ . ■■■ * Listening