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Artwork for Opening Lines

Opening Lines

BBC Radio 4
The Raiders
Daphne Du Maurier
The Trial
S.R. Crockett
Franz Kafka
1715
Robert Burns
Siddhartha
Hermann Hesse
Heart Of Darkness
The Shell Seekers
May Maxwell
Patrick Heron
Scotland
Tam O'shanter
Scottish Identity
Counterculture Of the 1960s
Cane
Don't Look Now
The Little Photographer

Producer 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.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes120Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
BooksArts

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Artwork for Opening Lines

Latest Episodes

In the series that takes a look at books, plays and stories and how they work, John Yorke continues his exploration of Margaret Mitchell’s epic Civil War romance, Gone with the Wind.

In the 90 years since it was published it has sold more than 30 mi... more

In the series that takes a look at books, plays and stories and how they work, John Yorke explores Margaret Mitchell’s epic Civil War romance, Gone with the Wind.

It was the bestselling American novel of the 20th century, it has sold 30 million copi... more

During the mid-19th century America was undergoing unprecedented change. New railroads and canals allowed people and goods to criss-cross the country, as the old agrarian economy was replaced by a fast-paced industrialised one. This rapid market expa... more

The headless horseman who haunts Sleepy Hollow in Washington Irving’s ghost story has become an iconic figure in American popular culture, thanks to many film and TV adaptations, ranging from a 1922 silent movie to an episode of Scooby Doo.

John Yo... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Sarah Churchwell
Professor of American Literature at the University of London
University of London
Episode: Gone with the Wind - Episode 1
Rachel Joyce
Dramatist for Radio 4
BBC Radio 4
Episode: Gone with the Wind - Episode 1
Elizabeth Bradley
Literary expert and editor of two editions of Irving's work
Episode: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Greg Foot
Show host of Sliced Bread on BBC Radio 4
BBC Radio 4
Episode: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Jordan Abel
NISCA writer, poet and professor at the University of Alberta
University of Alberta
Episode: The Last of the Mohicans - Episode Two
Natalie Haynes
Writer and classicist who is a fan of Goldman's novel and film adaptation
Episode: The Princess Bride
Stephen Keyworth
Writer and director who adapted The Princess Bride for radio.
Episode: The Princess Bride
Rebecca Romney
Author of Jane Austen's Bookshelf
Episode: Northanger Abbey - Episode One
Emma Clery
Editor of the 2008 edition of The Castle of Otranto.
Episode: The Castle of Otranto

Host

John Yorke
Producer and writer with 30 years of experience in television and radio, focusing on literature and drama.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 27 ratings
  • 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 Podcasts
    5
    Helpersonety
    United States2 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 Podcasts
    1
    Nitram99
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Critics feel the content often summarizes plots excessively, detracting from insightful analysis. Many listeners desire more in-depth discussions rather than plot recaps.
Some appreciate the variety of perspectives presented in each episode, particularly when experts share unique insights into literary themes.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#105
United Kingdom/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#223
United Kingdom/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#102
Australia/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#183
Italy/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#58
New Zealand/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#156
Denmark/Arts/Books

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Household IncomeSocial Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Opening Lines

What is Opening Lines about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Focusing on the intricate themes, historical contexts, and character developments of notable literary works, this podcast offers deep analyses of beloved novels and plays. Each episode typically features expert guests who contribute their insights, making complex literary discussions accessible to a broader audience. Episodes often explore not only the text itself but also the societal implications and personal experiences tied to the narratives, creating a rich tapestry of discussion surrounding classic literature.

With a blend of narrative analysis and scholarly critique, the content is likely to appeal to literature enthusiasts, students of the arts, and anyone interested in the interplay of story and society. The presence of both seaso... 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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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. Bookclub
2. Great Lives
3. Backlisted
4. Desert Island Discs
5. This Cultural Life

How many episodes of Opening Lines are there?

Opening Lines launched 3 years ago and published 120 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. Sarah Churchwell
2. Rachel Joyce
3. Elizabeth Bradley
4. Greg Foot
5. Jordan Abel
6. Natalie Haynes
7. Stephen Keyworth
8. Rebecca Romney

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.

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