[DanaC]

Generally speaking they try and get a balanced panel. Views from across the spectrum, including centre, and usually a local famous face or interested party.* The show comes from a different town each week, and the audience is first come first served, apply for tickets on the bbc website.

What makes it quite special, imo, is that there is usually a cabinet minister or other prominent member of the ruling party on the panel. And there's usually a member of the shadow cabinet, or other leading member of the opposition.


* several issues will come up on each show so there aren't experts on every subject. Usually if there's a major issue on the go, like a new bill being debated and causing controversy, they'll have the minister responsible for the bill, and the opposition spokesperson speaking against it.