Stephen Fry's Showstoppers
Stephen Fry joins Mark Forrest to talk about classical music and The Prince’s Trust
Last updated 12th Oct 2020
Join Stephen Fry on Scala Radio this Sunday (27th September) from 1pm as the writer, actor, comedian, broadcaster and all-round national treasure talks to Mark Forrest about his passion for classical music and the transformative work of The Prince’s Trust.
What is The Prince’s Trust?
During the programme, Fry – an Ambassador for the Trust - will highlight the work of the forty-five year-old charity that works with disadvantaged young people to turn their lives around. It deploys a range of different initiatives to bring about impactful change - from running programmes to helping unemployed young people gain the skills and confidence they need to find a job or training opportunity, and even set up their own business.
"There’s no bad music or good music, there's only music that gives you pleasure.”
Weekday drivetime presenter Mark Forrest regularly invites listeners to decide what closes his radio show with daily polls for showstopping music.
For this special Showstopper show, Mark asks Stephen to select his choices for five different Showstopper categories: Favourite Classical Pieces, Film Scores, Musicals, Underrated Pieces and Music to Start the Weekend. Mark invites Stephen to dig a little deeper into his passion for the music, and explains why, in his own words, they are ‘damn good tunes’.
Classical music lover Fry will act as a trusted guide, introducing the newcomer to a world that sometimes presents itself as a little daunting.
“There's no bad music or good music, there’s only music gives you pleasure. And I've always felt that all through my life. It just so happens that some of the music that gives me pleasure is under the bracket of 'classical music' and has names like Wagner or Puccini attached to it, that some people think are instant turn offs. But once you get over that - my goodness. It's like diving into a soufflé of joy and passion and thrill that will reward you for the rest of your life.”
About Scala Radio
Scala Radio is a brand-new entertainment radio station that breaks the mould of classical music in the UK. Presenters include Simon Mayo, Angellica Bell, Alexis Ffrench and Mark Kermode. Alongside familiar masters such as Mozart, Beethoven and Bach, you can expect to hear contemporary works including film, TV and video game scores, showtunes from musicals and instrumental re-workings of pop and rock songs by the likes of Justin Timberlake, Led Zeppelin and Dua Lipa.
Featuring music that may be a surprising discovery or re-discovery, championed by presenters with personalities, Scala Radio showcases classical music through the lens of modern life.