Front Row

Helen Mirren discusses taking on the role of notorious Russian empress Catherine the Great, Russia’s longest-ruling female leader for a new TV miniseries. She talks about the preparation for the role, her habit of binge-watching TV and why she admires Madonna.Joker, the new film exploring the origins of DC comic book villain The Joker, Batman’s nemesis, is proving controversial before it’s even opened. Starring Joaquin Phoenix and directed by Todd Phillips, the movie has already been deemed ‘problematic’ by some. Critics Isabel Stevens and Mark Eccleston discuss whether a backstory for a villainous character excuses or explains them.Mary Shelley takes centre stage in a new production of Frankenstein where the action of the Gothic masterpiece unfolds around its creator. Playwright Rona Munro explains why she wanted to foreground the 18-year-old Shelley who was totally in control of her creative powers.Presenter: Nikki Bedi Producer: Timothy Prosser