Reinventing fairy tales for the 21st century

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Actor Ashley Walters, who previously starred in the acclaimed series Adolescence and Top Boy, on his feature directorial debut Animol, a harrowing drama about youth crime and humanity, set in a juvenile detention centre, which draws on Walters' own experience as a younger man. We discuss the reinvention and subversion of the fairy tale genre, with comedian and author Daniel Foxx. whose new book Fairytales for Privileged Children: Little Red Riding Hood Blows Her Trust Fund & Other Premium Tales skewers the wealthy and elite in today's society, and with Michelle Anya Anjirbag, whose Cinderella: A Cultural History is published this week. How have writers across the centuries used often ancient plots to explore contemporary themes such as justice, gender and sexuality? And in the latest of our interviews with the writers shortlisted for this year's Booker Prize, we speak to author Elizabeth Strout about The Things We Never Say, a spare and economical tale set in the American state of Maine, about marriage, secrets and kindness. And there's been a spate of theatre closures across the country this year. What's behind this, and did Chancellor John Healey's budget today offer any support for the sector? Presenter: Kirsty Wark Producer: Mark Crossan