With Mark Lawson. Jonathan Pryce tackles the title role of Shakespeare's King Lear for the first time, in Michael Attenborough's new production at the Almeida Theatre in London. Novelist Kamila Shamsie reviews. Thomas Heatherwick reflects on his design for the London 2012 Olympic Cauldron. Unveiled at the climax of the opening ceremony in July, its 204 copper petals were carried into the stadium by competing teams to join up into one flame which burned throughout the Olympics and Paralympics. As it is dismantled, each country is taking home one of the petals. The contenders for the Barclaycard Mercury Prize for album of the year are revealed today. Chair of Judges Simon Frith discusses the 12 acts in the running, which range from guitar bands to folk and rap acts. Last year's winner was P J Harvey, who is the only artist to have won twice. Producer Nicki Paxman.