4 h. ago ‘Two more broomsticks please!’ Was Robin Blades the greatest percussionist ever?

He played china mugs, bells, rattles and car horns for everyone from Alfred Hitchcock to Benjamin Britten – and once got Laurence Olivier to bang a broomstick. We go behind the scenes of a Radio 3 celebrationSaturday night and the Britten Studio at Snape Maltings is filling up with 300 chattering punters. We are about to record a show that will go out “as live” on BBC Radio 3. This is a one-shot wonder: for one night only, in this drama-documentary, we are exploring the work of percussionist James Blades. Our setup neatly combines the most stressful elements of a live show, plus the key aspect of audience participation which we have – obviously – no proper chance to rehearse. Nerves are fraying. How did it get to this? And who is James Blades anyway?Born in 1901, Blades was one of the great percussionists of the 20th century, whose life spanned the century itself – he died in May 1999. His blazing talent combined with a startling capacity for hard work took him to the top of his pro...

Politics

4 h. ago ‘Two more broomsticks please!’ Was James Blades the greatest percussionist ever?

He played china mugs, bells, rattles and car horns for everyone from Alfred Hitchcock to Benjamin Britten – and once got Laurence Olivier to bang a broomstick. We go behind the scenes of a Radio 3 celebrationSaturday night and the Britten Studio at Snape Maltings is filling up with 300 chattering punters. We are about to record a show that will go out “as live” on BBC Radio 3. This is a one-shot wonder: for one night only, in this drama-documentary, we are exploring the work of percussionist James Blades. Our setup neatly combines the most stressful elements of a live show, plus the key aspect of audience participation which we have – obviously – no proper chance to rehearse. Nerves are fraying. How did it get to this? And who is James Blades anyway?Born in 1901, Blades was one of the great percussionists of the 20th century, whose life spanned the century itself – he died in May 1999. His blazing talent combined with a startling capacity for hard work took him to the top of his pro...

Politics

15 h. ago Robin Hood pantomime may be too much fun for snowflakes warns theatre

Bosses at Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham have warned people should think twice before booking tickets for the seasonal show because they may be offended

Events

24 h. ago Robin Hood stars share hopes for season 2 as Sean Bean series hailed 'a 10/10'

The first season of the adventure series will air for 10 episodes, with the grand finale dropping on December 28

Politics

25 h. ago Robin Hood stars open up on season 2 hopes as they tease 'interesting' ending

EXCLUSIVE: Robin Hood's Jack Patten and Lauren McQueen remain positive about the series.

Politics

42 h. ago Blades, drugs and cash seized after police chase through Stockport

Three people have been arrested

Events

67 h. ago Householders who spot a robin in the garden told to 'take action'

As winter approaches, the small red-breasted birds need our help

Politics

3 d. ago Man accused of killing American Idol exec and her husband ruled incompetent to stand trial

Raymond Boodarian, 22, has been ruled incompetent to stand trial for the murder of American idol executive Robin Kaye and her husband Thomas Deluca.

Events

3 d. ago Strictly star 'always wanted to do' I'm A Celebrity before death as Lisa Riley vows to do it for them both

The Emmerdale actress was left devastated last year when her best friend, dancer Robin Windsor, died

Events

3 d. ago Emmerdale legend Lisa Riley shares heartbreaking reason for doing I'm a Celebrity

Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley opens up to the Mirror about going into the jungle - and how the death of her mum, and Strictly best pal Robin Windsor inspired her to sign up

Politics

3 d. ago Patrick Bamford set for awkward Chris Wilder reunion after leading X

Former Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford has moved to Sheffield United just a few months after helping deny Chris Wilder's Blades promotion to the Premier League

Events

4 d. ago He held a samurai sword to his wife's lips then said, 'I'd rather kill you with my bare hands'

Ryan Yanez, 42, told his wife, as he brandished the blade: 'You're not worth anything and everyone would be happier if you were gone'

Events

4 d. ago Killer out on bail for stabbing gets just five years for knifing love rival through the heart after hiding blade down side of sofa

Kai Sainz-Stafford, 24, attacked carpenter Sam Siviter, 35, with a knife he had hidden down the back of a sofa. A neighbour dialled 999 but he died in the ambulance on the way to hospital.

Events

4 d. ago Eddie Murphy reveals Robin Williams tried to talk him out of Oscar speech calling out lack of Black nominees

Murphy presented the Best Picture trophy at the 1988 Academy Awards

Politics

4 d. ago Father, 46, was trying to save his son, 17, who was suddenly swept out to sea before pair both drowned off coast of Australia, inquest hears

Robin Reed, 46, and his son Owen, 17, from Caerphilly in south Wales, were on a day trip to a beach in Queensland on April 13 this year.

Events

4 d. ago Dad trying to save son in sea ends in tragedy after conditions 'changed'

Robin Reed, 46, and Owen Reed, 17, tragically died on a family holiday in Australia after the teenager had gotten into difficulty in the sea and his dad rushed in to rescue him

Politics

5 d. ago Shocking moment a stolen pickup truck smashes into a Tesco store before driver steals more than £3000

Driver Robin Vaughan stole more than £3,000 in cash as well as a bag of parcels, at around 12,40am on June 16.

Events

5 d. ago Police found that man who collapsed on Larkhall street had been carrying knife

Alexander Gibb admitted possession of a bladed item without reasonable excuse in Raploch Road, Larkhall, on October 12.

Events

6 d. ago The Edinburgh chapel built for a Scots solider and his last story now told

There is a corner of Edinburgh that is forever Lieutenant Robin Tudsbery.

Politics

6 d. ago The Edinburgh chapel built for a Scots soldier and his last story now told

There is a corner of Edinburgh that is forever Lieutenant Robin Tudsbery.

Events