Opening Lines
BBC Radio 4Producer and writer John Yorke has worked in television and radio for 30 years, and he shares his experience with Radio 4 listeners as he unpacks the themes and impact behind the books, plays and stories that are being dramatised in Radio 4's weekend afternoon dramas.
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 131 | Founded | 3 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | ArtsBooks | |||
Listen to this Podcast
Latest Episodes
John Yorke examines Portrait of the Artist as a Young Dog, ten semi-autobiographical short stories in which Dylan Thomas looks back and observes himself growing into the artist – the writer – that he became in adult life. The stories highlight Thomas... more
Writer Penelope Lively’s enduring themes are the connections and interplay between memory, history and time. Nowhere is this more compelling than in Moon Tiger, published in 1987 and widely regarded as one of her best novels. It won the Booker Prize ... more
John Yorke explores why Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes has had such a profound influence on storytelling in the 400 years since it was published in 1605.
‘Like Shakespeare, Cervantes is inescapable for all writers who have come after him,’ accor... more
John Yorke explores why Don Quixote has had such a profound influence on storytelling in the four hundred years since it was published. The first European novel, it’s an epic work of comic - and tragic - genius. Quixote embodies an ideal of heroic re... more
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Reviews
- Helps me
If it’s about an old favorite, I find new ways of looking at it, and probably rereading. But most of these titles are unfamiliar to me. This podcast helps me decide what to read next. I’m very tired of popular fiction, and I’m always looking for something worthy of my limited attention.
Apple Podcasts5Helpersonety
United States6 months ago - Skip it
Don’t you hate movie reviews that simply summarize the plot, spoilers and all? Well, usually that’s what happens in Opening Lines. Sigh
Apple Podcasts1Nitram99United States2 years ago
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Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #126 |  United Kingdom/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #216 | United Kingdom/Arts |
Apple Podcasts | #75 |  Hong Kong/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #153 | Hong Kong/Arts |
Audience Metrics
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
| Listeners per Episode | Gender Skew | Location | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interests | Professions | Age Range | |||
| Household Income | Social Media Reach | ||||
Frequently Asked Questions About Opening Lines
What is Opening Lines about and what kind of topics does it cover?
A thoughtful, literature-focused show that blends close readings of classic novels and stories with historical and biographical context. Episodes frequently explore themes such as memory, race, nostalgia, and the social forces shaping a work's reception, often tying fictional worlds to real-world history and culture. The host guides discussions with scholarly guests and readers, often featuring biographers, professors, and dramatists who illuminate how a text has influenced radio adaptations, literature, and broader cultural conversations. A notable strength is the ability to connect literary analysis with media history and public perception, making it valuable for listeners who want deep, context-rich discussions.
What stands out: the pro... more
Where can I find podcast stats for Opening Lines?
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How many listeners does Opening Lines get?
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What are the audience demographics for Opening Lines?
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How many subscribers and views does Opening Lines have?
To see how many followers or subscribers Opening Lines has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.
Which podcasts are similar to Opening Lines?
These podcasts share a similar audience with Opening Lines:
1. Take Four Books
2. A Good Read
3. Bookclub
4. This Cultural Life
5. World Book Club
How many episodes of Opening Lines are there?
Opening Lines launched 3 years ago and published 131 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact Opening Lines?
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Where can I see ratings and reviews for Opening Lines?
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View all the reviews in one place instead of visiting each platform individually and use this information to decide if a show is worth pitching or not.
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What guests have appeared on Opening Lines?
Recent guests on Opening Lines include:
1. Hermione Lee
2. Gayle Wald
3. Kenneth Janken
4. Sarah Churchwell
5. Rachel Joyce
6. Elizabeth Bradley
7. Greg Foot
8. Jordan Abel
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.