The Arts Show - Season 5 / Year 2017

Comedian Tim McGarry investigates the 'stage Irish' stereotype, and rugby star Paddy Jackson talks about his favourite culture. Plus, features on both the BP Portrait Awards and British and Irish Children's Laureates, as well as music from Jealous of the Birds.

On the 75th anniversary of Citizen Kane, actor Simon Callow investigates Orson Welles's early career in Ireland, artist Jim Fitzpatrick, creator of the famous Che Guevara image, talks about his life's work, and Derry pianist Ruth McGinley performs.

One hundred years after the Battle of the Somme, The Arts Show looks at the role of the war artist as an interpreter and witness to conflict. Presented by Marie-Louise Muir.

Classical maestro Andre Rieu shares the art that blew his mind, film-maker John Waters talks about his life and career and poet Stephen Connolly reads his latest work.

Presented by Marie-Louise Muir.

Why is there such an explosion of Ulster crime-writing? Join Marie-Louise Muir as she gets under the skin of 'Ulster Noir'. In advance of his Christmas concert at the Odyssey Arena André Rieu invites us into his castle.

Ron Hutchinson, Lisburn's Emmy-winning screenwriter who turned down Gladiator, tells us about growing up in a witch's house, and Michael Longley takes a journey into his memories of Belfast's Lisburn road. With music from piano maestro Michael McHale

On this month's Arts Show, legendary director John Boorman, on what inspired him to write his debut novel at the age of 83. 'Belfast's Bob Dylan', Andy White on the streets that inspired him and internationally renowned pianist Barry Douglas on why Groundhog Day is his favourite film. Plus we float producer Ryan Vail up the Foyle and Sinead Morrissey reads an unpublished poem.

The Arts Show kicks off 2017 with a special programme filmed in front of a live audience, featuring Duke Special, Ulaid, poet Michael Longley and Wireless Mystery Theatre.

This month's show is a performance special with audience featuring live music from The Darkling Air, Gavin Ferris and Hannah McPhillimy, with readings and visual arts.

Phill Jupitus, Bob Geldof, film director and writer Neil Jordan and illustrator Peter Strain are just some of the names on this month's Arts Show, presented by Marie-Louise Muir.