Swansea culture in the national media spotlight

A national radio show is set to visit Swansea this Thursday (20 June).

BBC Radio 4’s Bookclub will be recorded in front of an audience at the Dylan Thomas Centre.

Presenter James Naughtie is due to talk with Welsh author Owen Sheers, who will answer audience questions about his recent novel, I Saw A Man.

Robert Francis-Davies, the council’s cabinet member for Investment, Regeneration and Tourism, said: “We are delighted to welcome Radio 4’s Bookclub back to the Dylan Thomas Centre.

“It’s good news that the show will be highlighting Welsh talent in such a beautiful setting.

“As Swansea celebrates its first 50 years as a city it’s right that we enjoy the national spotlight.”

Owen Sheers is a novelist, poet, playwright and Professor in Creativity at Swansea University.

His BAFTA-nominated film-poem The Green Hollow was published by Faber. They also published his BBC film-poem to mark the 70th anniversary of the NHS, To Provide All People.

I Saw A Man was published by Faber in June 2015.

It’s the story of a man, Michael, who’s struggling to cope with the death of his wife, Caroline, killed in a drone strike while making a documentary about Pakistani jihadists.

At the same time, he has become friendly with his new neighbours, wealthy banker Josh Nelson and his perfect family.

The Nelsons are soon doting on Michael, showing him off at parties, allowing him to babysit their bright young daughters, before a shocking event that changes their lives forever.

This edition of Bookclub is due to be broadcast on BBC Radio 4 at 4pm on Sunday August 4, repeated at 3.30pm on Thursday August 8.