Taking Risks

The Verb explores writing and language on the appeal of risk.

• 43 mins

The Twentieth Anniversary Verb

Ian McMillan and guests celebrate 20 years of poetry and performance on The Verb!

• 44 mins

15/04/2022

Ian McMillan's cabaret of the word, featuring the best poetry, new writing and performance

• 44 mins

Ancient and Modern

Ian McMillan is joined Lucy Mercer, Glyn Maxwell, Nick Chater and Tice Cin.

• 43 mins

The Sea

Ian McMillan talks to Maggie Gee about her new novel The Red Children.

• 44 mins

Books and Pens

Ian McMillan's guests Emma Smith, Naush Sabah and Gerry Cambridge celebrate books and pens

• 47 mins

Hidden

With Mick Herron, Kayo Chingonyi, Hannah Lowe and Sarah Howe.

• 44 mins

The Queen's Library, Windsor Castle

Ian McMillan with Simon Armitage, Grace Nichols, Stella Panayotova and Theresa Lola.

• 44 mins

The Verb at Hay

Ian McMillan's guests are Lemn Sissay, Monica Ali, Tishani Doshi and Daniel Morden.

• 44 mins

The Verb at Hay

Ian McMillan is joined by Jennifer Egan, Gurnaik Johal and Allie Esiri.

• 44 mins

Music and Words

From Sir Paul McCartney to Fat White Family - when words and music collide.

• 43 mins

Man Talk

Ian McMillan explores the language and complexities of male friendship.

• 43 mins

Old Age

Ian McMillan and guests explore the language, poetry and perceptions of old age.

• 44 mins

Michael Longley

An extended interview with poet Michael Longley at his home in Belfast.

• 44 mins

Games Day

Ian McMillan hosts games day with Rhianna Pratchett, Philip Terry and Louise Blain.

• 43 mins

From Contains Strong Language

with Linton Kwesi Johnson, Isabelle Baafi, Romalyn Ante, Luke Kennard and Linda France

• 44 mins

Birmingham Contains Strong Language

Ian McMillan's cabaret of the word, recorded at Birmingham Contains Strong Language.

• 43 mins

40 years of Apples and Snakes

The Verb celebrates 40 years of spoken word poetry with Apples and Snakes.

• 44 mins

Harvest

An ode to autumn with Melissa Harrison, Amy Jeffs, Rebecca May Johnson and Joelle Taylor.

• 44 mins

Benjamin Zephaniah

Ian McMillan presents an extended interview with poet and writer Benjamin Zephaniah.

• 44 mins

Liberation Narratives

What does it mean to be free? Ian McMillan and guests consider Liberation Narratives.

• 44 mins

Verbatim Speech

Ian McMillan and guests celebrate the rhythms of everyday speech.

• 44 mins

The Verb Narrators

Ian McMillan and guests explore the voice of the narrator.

• 44 mins

BBC Centenary - Radio and Poetry

Celebrating 100 years of poetry on the BBC with Ian McMillan's cabaret of the word.

• 44 mins

Playwrighting

This week on The Verb Ian McMillan raises the curtain on playwriting.

• 44 mins

First Drafts

Joining Ian at the drawing board are Denise Mina, Toby Litt, Paul Tran and Polly Paulusma.

• 44 mins

Ghost Writers

Ian McMillan explores ghostly presences in writing.

• 44 mins

The Festive Verb

Join Ian McMillan and his guests for a festive edition of The Verb.

• 43 mins

Breath

Ian McMillan and his guests take in the literary air.

• 44 mins

The Verb TS Eliot Prize

Join Ian McMillan for a celebration of the collections shortlisted for the TS Eliot Prize.

• 44 mins