Two Big Egos in a Small Car

Ahead of their annual visit to Edinburgh, Charles and Graham wonder if the revived Edinburgh International Film Festival can revive the magic in its 76th year.

How big is the real audience for this year's crop of new albums and this year's Mercury Prize nominees?

Graham gives his thoughts on what two of the most successful British novels of the last 30 years (Ian McEwan's Amsterdam and Martin Amis's Time's Arrow) say about British writers.

Graham and Charles begin by looking at two of this summer’s blockbusters: Mission Impossible -Dead Reckoning Part One - the seventh film in the franchise - and then Barbie, which has now become part of a double-header moment in the revival of mass cinema attendance, alongside Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, with some audiences choosing to see both. The arrival of Blur’s second comeback album, Is the Ballad of Darren a welcome return to form? Graham reports on his experience at Harrogate’s Theakston’s Old Peculiar Crime Writing Festival - the twentieth anniversary edition and wonders what makes crime writers so different from other types of writer.

Charles and Graham discuss Glastonbury and its headliners, including the allegedly last UK appearance of Sir Elton John. Charles reports on the decision by Curzon Group to close its cinema at Ripon and the duo discuss the health of independent cinema. Graham gives his verdict on Wes Anderson's latest, Asteroid City and the launches into the local comedy scene in Harrogate and how it reflects current trends. Charles urges listeners to listen to the latest track by Dexys.

Having seen Alison Goldrapp at Manchester International Festival over the weekend at new venue Factory International. Graham gives his verdict on the £200m that it cost to prepare for his arrival as well the gig for solo Alison.

Charles and Graham discuss how new albums are making a comeback this year or was it all the fault of HMV's stocking policy in the first place?

Graham asks if Tom Cruise has saved Hollywood for the second year running or is it a mission impossible?

Edinburgh International FIlm Festival is saved! This year's programme has been published with a new generation of film fans at the helm, Graham looks at what this means for its future existence and then reports on his meeting with Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves. Charles has dried off and lived to tell the tell of seeing the revitalised Pulp live at Scarborough Open Air Theatre. Graham is looking forward to his first visit to Factory International - or is that the name? The new multi-purpose venue in Mancheaster, as aprt of Manchester International Festival. Finally, Graham reports on the work of a talented young female Scottish artist who curated last year's Alan Davie exhibition in Edinburgh, Siobhan McLaughlin.

Graham reports on a Beatles event with Beatles historian, Mark Lewisohn and then presents part two of the book, A History of India in 50 Lives. Charles discusses the Ultimate Punk Celebration - an event at Crystal Palace this July. Graham recounts his meeting with artist Martin Creed.

Graham introduces a new book, Incarnations - A History of India in 50 Lives by Sunil Khilnani and what it says about India and Britain. Graham’s stint as an MC and DJ at BedFest - the all day music event in the baking sun of Knaresborough. Charles looks back at a solo gig he saw this week by US musician Steve Earle.

Charles and Graham interview Kate Bramley, artistic director of York-based rural touring theatre company, Badapple Theatre On Your Doorstep, who are celebrating 25 years.

Graham discusses Paul Simon's new magnum opus, Seven Psalms, versus Ed Sheeran's Subtract, and ponders Simon then and now. Charles wonders how Simon's veteran work stands up against Bob Dylan’s latest recordings.

Charles catches Little Richard: I Am Everything at City Screen Picturehouse, York, wherein documentary maker Lisa Cortes states his case to be the true King of Rock‘n’Roll. Is she right?

Graham updates on Chris Simpson's cult band Magna Carta and their putative link to a new Guy Ritchie film about Swinging Sixties London that never happened. Look out for a new Magna Carta compilation on Repertoire Records, by the way.

Charles reviews Richard E. Grant on tour at the Grand Opera House, York, York, promoting his latest book, A Pocketful Of Happiness, and Graham considers whether Grant is a link to a bygone screen age when actors had charm and raconteur skills.

Graham discusses Paul Simon's new magnum opus, Seven Psalms, versus Ed Sheeran's Subtract, and ponders Simon then and now. Charles wonders how Simon's veteran work stands up against Bob Dylan’s latest recordings.

Charles catches Little Richard: I Am Everything at City Screen Picturehouse, York, wherein documentary maker Lisa Cortes states his case to be the true King of Rock‘n’Roll. Is she right?

Graham updates on Chris Simpson's cult band Magna Carta and their putative link to a new Guy Ritchie film about Swinging Sixties London that never happened. Look out for a new Magna Carta compilation on Repertoire Records, by the way.

Charles reviews Richard E. Grant on tour at the Grand Opera House, York, York, promoting his latest book, A Pocketful Of Happiness, and Graham considers whether Grant is a link to a bygone screen age when actors had charm and raconteur skills.