The Stage

Radio - light programme

Published Monday 30 April 2007 at 10:25 by Lisa Martland

With all the technical spin-offs available to radio listeners nowadays, it is easy to take the presence of a genuinely entertaining DJ for granted. However, while tuning in to Radio 2 and BBC6 Music at the weekend, I was reminded of how much difference a natural charm and talent can make.

I have been listening to Elaine Paige’s weekend collection of stage and film music since she joined Radio 2 in 2004, and there is no doubt the actress has become more relaxed and confident on the air. But I have come to the conclusion that it is by far the music that brings me back to the programme on a regular basis and not her lightweight presenting style.

To suggest that Paige lacks charisma in this role is, of course, tantamount to blasphemy for her hordes of loyal fans, but I can only take so much of her relying on a script and calling every track “fantastic”. And while there is no need for great doses of film or theatre trivia, the performer rarely gives the impression that she has any particular depth of knowledge in the area, or has been involved in the musical choices made. News snippets about forthcoming productions and interviews are included, but often these opportunities are wasted and there is a distinct lack of imagination about the whole affair.

While writer and actor Stephen Merchant often played material completely outside my musical radar, I had a much better time in his company later on that same afternoon. Delightfully un-PC at times, Merchant admitted to being so relaxed on air that he was bound to get in trouble and offend somebody. This seems unlikely though, for his style is infectious, he has a quick wit and charm. He also demonstrates an interest, not only in the songs chosen, but in promoting the work of up and coming bands.

Concerned that the programme has become a little male dominated - he regularly has a crew of chums to banter with - Merchant has been searching for a ‘She-J’. Sammi from Newcastle was the first to be invited on, and despite being asked, all kinds of bizarre questions fitted in well.

Both Paige and Merchant are better known for their work beyond the world of radio, but it is the latter who shines as a DJ. Big names are such a pull that it is natural that station controllers are tempted to bring the likes of Paige on board, but the results do not always live up to expectations.

Who knows what expectations Kanya King set herself when she initially ran a small business from her bedroom, but just over a decade later the founder of the prestigious MOBO awards has plenty to be proud of. Her dream of creating an event which celebrates and promotes artists involved in music of black origin is now regarded as a significant date in the international music calendar.

In One Woman’s Struggle - The Story of the MOBO Awards, one of King’s colleagues suggested it was a mixture of “romanticism and steely determination” that had seen her survive the emotional and financial pressures of launching and developing the event within an industry so difficult to penetrate. One of nine children growing up in Camden, King had entrepreneurial skills at a young age and was even interested in showcasing talent when still at school. There was much of interest in this all too short programme. If there had been time I would have liked to have heard more details about King’s early life, as well as contributions from a wider selection of artists about what the awards meant to them.

When Another Case of Milton Jones got under way, it seemed like here was another Radio 4 comedy which would be vaguely amusing but nothing more. How pleasing was the result as the world renowned barrister became embroiled in a historical case centred around the origins of the tapestry. Try to imagine Indiana Jones meets Jeeves and Wooster (Milton has the trusty Anton) with a surprise helping of Wind in the Willows thrown in. What a difference Jones and James Cary’s story, however silly, made to the proceedings, together with a fine cast and some good old-fashioned one-liners and wordplay.

One gentleman who was a wonderful wordsmith and a joy to listen to was American writer, performer and broadcaster Dick Vosburgh who sadly died on April 18. His passion for musical theatre, combined with a delightful wit and sense of humour, always left a great impression on me and he will be missed by many of us.

DETAILS

Elaine Paige on Sunday - R2, Sunday, April 29

Stephen Merchant - BBC 6 Music, Sunday, April 29

One Woman’s Struggle - The Story of the MOBO Awards - R4, Tuesday, April 24

Another Case of Milton Jones - R4, Tuesday, May 1