Readings from the Pavilion End

Bill Ricquier
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Short readings of interesting poems and prose, read by Bill Ricquier. To request a reading, contact Bill at: billpavilionend.com/contact/

  1. 3D AGO

    S7E4: The Snail by William Cowper

    Today's poem is apt for the day of rest - a cute poem by William Cowper (pronounced Cooper), one of the most popular English poets in the 18th century. In 'The Snail', Cowper meditates on the snail's solitary, hermit-like life whilst parodying its self-containment, pre-figuring today's anxieties about urban isolation. If Cowper were living today, perhaps he might write about 'The Screen'.

    2 min

  2. APR 12

    How Do I Love Thee? — Sonnet 43 by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

    After a long hiatus, we return with a love poem. Elizabeth Barrett Browning's Sonnet 43 is a classic love poem from the Victorian era. The penultimate poem in her series of 44 sonnets, sonnet 43 catches the audience's attention instantly with its memorable opening line, "How Do I Love Thee?" How, indeed? The speaker's conversational opening rises into mythical proportions as she enumerates the countless dimensions of her love — its depth, breadth, and height. Moving from the quiet, everyday to passionate devotional love, the poem, though simple, also gives us a glimpse into the depth and breadth of the speaker's emotional world.

    2 min

  3. 12/31/2025

    S7 Ep3: Inside the Ashes Swing - a travesty of Test Cricket

    Bill and Akshob discuss the latest Ashes action from the thrilling Tests in Adelaide to a disappointing Boxing Day match in Melbourne. They discuss standout performances from Alex Carey, Travis Head and Nathan Lyon, critique selection choices and spin options for England, and reflect on the fine margins that decided matches. The hosts also cover the financial and fan fallout from two short Tests and debate the controversial day-night pink‑ball plan for the 150th anniversary Test at the MCG in 2027.

    27 min

  4. 12/25/2025

    S7 Ep 2: Scrooge's Christmas Miracle

    A Christmas Carol in Prose: Being a Ghost Story of Christmas by Charles Dickens Scrooge surprises everyone by changing his stingy ways after a transformative Christmas. He raises Bob Cratchit's salary, becomes a loving friend and second father to Tiny Tim, and commits to keeping Christmas in his heart forever. May this christmas classic remind us to be joyful and generous; Merry Christmas everyone!

    5 min

  5. 12/24/2025

    S7 Ep1: Christmas by John Betjeman

    Today, Bill reads his favourite Christmas poem by John Betjeman. Find more Advent readings in the archives, such as this one published last year on Christmas Eve.

    3 min

  6. 12/21/2025

    Adelaide Oval Day 4: Ashes Drama, Crawley's Stand vs Australia's Dominance

    Bill reports from Adelaide after day four of the Third Test as Australia post 349 and England mount a gritty response led by Zak Crawley and Joe Root. The target of 435 (never previously attained in Test history) was always going to be too much of a challenge but England can look back on the achievement (4 wickets) as some small positives. Travis Head's superb innings and Ben Stokes' bowling late in the Australian innings shaped the contest.

    7 min

  7. 12/19/2025

    Adelaide Oval Day 3: Australia's total command

    Bill and Colin review day three of the third Ashes Test in Adelaide where Travis Head's unbeaten 146 and disciplined Australian batting left England trailing. The hosts discuss England's poor bowling and fielding, Australia's total command, and what must change ahead of the Melbourne Test.

    8 min

  8. 12/18/2025

    Adelaide Oval Day 2: England Stumble

    On a scorching day at the Adelaide Oval Australia finished on 371 with Mitchell Starc making a vital fifty while Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon ripped through England’s top order early after lunch. England slipped to 71 for 4, recovered partially thanks to Ben Stokes, but still trail by about 180 with three days to play. The episode covers heated on-field controversies over DRS and reviews, concerns over Stokes’ fitness, and the bleak choices facing England’s selectors. Australia look comfortably placed to press for a result while England must find runs and resilience to keep the series alive.

    10 min
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About

Short readings of interesting poems and prose, read by Bill Ricquier. To request a reading, contact Bill at: billpavilionend.com/contact/

Information

  • Creator
    Bill Ricquier
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    73
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Readings from the Pavilion End