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 | 126 | Founded | 3 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | BooksArts | |||
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Latest Episodes
Tom Stoppard was of course best known for his work writing for stage and screen - but the dramas he created for radio were also an extremely important part of his career and his development as a writer. Across five decades he continued to return to a... more
Flight by Walter White, published in 1926, asks questions about race and identity when its central character chooses to ‘pass’ as a white woman. In this second episode about the book, John Yorke asks if this is why the book has largely been forgotten... more
Flight was the second novel by one of twentieth century’s America’s most influential figures, Walter White. Published in 1926, it asks questions about race and identity when its central character chooses to ‘pass’ as a white woman. A prime mover in t... more
John Yorke explores themes of loss, longing and the founding of America, in Willa Cather’s innovative novel, My Ántonia. A milestone in American literature, the novel’s heroine is - unusually for the time - a Czech immigrant, Ántonia Shimerda, seen t... more
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- 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 States3 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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Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #163 |  United Kingdom/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #127 |  Australia/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #197 | Australia/Arts |
Apple Podcasts | #18 |  Indonesia/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #34 | Indonesia/Arts |
Apple Podcasts | #43 |  Switzerland/Arts/Books |
Audience Metrics
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| 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?
Explores how classic literature, drama, and adaptation intersect with culture, history, and society, often centering on race, memory, and myth-making. Episodes frequently feature literary scholars, critics, and writers who dissect themes, historical contexts, and the enduring impact of beloved works, alongside conversations about how adaptation and storytelling shape public discourse. The format tends to blend close readings with context about authors, publications, and their cultural legacies, offering thoughtful critique as well as accessible entry points for new and seasoned readers alike. A notable strength is the roster of guests who bring deep scholarly and literary insight, paired with a thoughtful host who guides complex discussions... more
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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. Bookclub
3. A Good Read
4. World Book Club
5. Front Row
How many episodes of Opening Lines are there?
Opening Lines launched 3 years ago and published 126 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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What guests have appeared on Opening Lines?
Recent guests on Opening Lines include:
1. Hermione Lee
2. Kenneth Janken
3. Gayle Wald
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.