New Programmes It would be easy enough to be happily
derisive about The Pleasure's Mine, a new programme in which Mr. Wilfred Pickles introduces poetry to the Light Programme listeners ; but I fancy that looking down one's nose would, in this case, give one a some- what stupid and squinting appearance. The programme is clearly designed for those who have very little acquaintance with poetry. It is a proselytising job. If you call it " Poetry without Tears," you may be right ; but there is no need to be condescending. It may very well lead unpoetical persons into new paths ; and Mr. Pickles is easily justified in his homely approach by the Pauline doctrine of " If by any means I can gain some. . . ." It is, in essence, the counterpart to the Plain Man's Guide to Music. He broke the series in gently, with strong Masefield rhythms and suchlike. As the series continues, he will (I hope) wean his public to food more' difficult to chew. The Light Programme's other new series, Spot the Winner, brings amateurs (comedians, singers and the rest) to the microphone—which might unkindly be called a work of super- erogation, there being so many employed already under professional disguise.
When We Beg to Diller took to the air, as a battle of discussion between the sexes, it was light and likable. Is it possible that now, with serious questions from listeners to answer, it is in danger of falling between two stools ? Asked to debate questions of deep and dark importance (such as mothers-in-law), the teams do not quite know whether to be entertaining or profound. The Brains Trust is one thing ; a Featherbrains Trust has its dangers.
LIONEL HALE.
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