Main content

Francesca Annis; the allure of candlelight; how much does neighbourliness matter?

Francesca Annis takes on her first musical role for more than 40 years. Her first experience was so terrifying she hasn't sung since, so what has persuaded her to tackle Sondheim?

Presented by Jenni Murray. Francesca Annis takes on her first musical role for more than 40 years. Her only other experience at age 20 was so terrifying she hasn't sung since, so what has persuaded her to tackle the role of Joanne in Stephen Sondheim's Company? How well do you know your neighbours or even their names? Not well, if we're to believe the many surveys that claim neighbourliness is on its way out. How much does neighbourliness matter? Scented candles are one of the most popular Christmas gifts for women. Yet the first candles were reed wicks dipped in stinking animal fat. The rich could light their homes with candles of wax and for them the candle was more than merely a source of light - it was also a symbol of their wealth. Today candles continue to symbolize celebration, mark romance, soothe the senses, define ceremony, and accent home decors. But what is the history, and the allure of candlelight?

Available now

45 minutes

Last on

Fri 9 Dec 2011 10:00
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4

More episodes

Previous

French ban on prostitution? Music from Lotte Mullen

Next

Sue Lawley, Mary Berry and music from Lotte Mullan

See all episodes from Woman's Hour

Chapters

  • Francesca Annis

    Talks to Jenni about her new role in Sondheim's Company.

    Duration: 09:45

  • Neighbourliness

    Jenni is joined by Liz Richardson from Manchester University who has looked at the importance of neighbours and by Helen Hibberd, of Chorlton Good Neighbours.

    Duration: 11:29

  • Abortion & Mental Health

    Prof Tim Kendall and Jenni Bristow join Jenni Murray to discuss the findings of a review of abortion's impact on women's mental health.

    Duration: 08:57

  • Ice Hotel

    Anne Kostalas visits an ice hotel in Quebec at the height of the wedding season.

    Duration: 04:12

  • Candlelight

    Candle Chandler Rachel Vosper, and lighting historian, Maureen Dillon, join Jenni to discuss the allure of candlelight.

    Duration: 06:58

Broadcast

  • Fri 9 Dec 2011 10:00
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4

Follow us on Instagram

Get all the pictures, videos, behind the scenes and more from Woman’s Hour

Podcast

  • Woman's Hour

    Women's voices and women's lives - topical conversations to inform, challenge and inspire.