Alan Cumming's Shelves

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In Alan Cumming's house you'll find some shelves. Well, lots of shelves in fact, and on these shelves are curiosities, rarities, and oddities, that Alan has collected throughout his varied and colourful career. Artefacts if you will from the museum of Alan's life. In each episode of this podcast Alan reaches for one of these items, to tell the story behind it, ruminating on the memories it brings up.  However, Alan does not do this alone. His guests range from Cyndi Lauper and a pair of white leather gloves to Geri Halliwell and (lots and lots of) Spice Girls merch, and even Sir Ian McKellen and a hemp dog collar. We've also got Monica Lewinsky and a Creative Coalition Award, Fay Ripley and a Red Carpet Photo, and Jane Horrocks and a polaroid from Second Best.  Not all guests will be famous though. Alan's life has taken many a twist and turn, and so there will be guests you don’t know yet, but their stories are brilliant.  Part of the Acast Creator Network. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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    • Apr 22, 2022 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 36m AVG DURATION
    • 37 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Alan Cumming's Shelves

    Introducing: SOLAR (starring Alan)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2022 50:15


    Dear Alan Cumming fans, if you can't get enough of Alan, we have a new show we think you'll love. Alan Cumming stars in SOLAR alongside Stephanie Beatriz, Academy Award winner Helen Hunt and Jonathan Bangs, in a journey to the heart of the solarsystem that explores the vastness of the human spirit. Disconnected from Earth and trapped on separate parts of their spacecraft, crew members must fight for survival following a disaster on board the ill-fated Aethon, a manned solarresearch probe sent to explore temporal distortion around the sun. As painful memories, forgotten dreams, technological challenges and blunt realities collide, they must work together to keep their hope alive in the face of growing darkness. SOLAR is a CurtCo Media production in association with WorkHouse Media. Created by Chris Porter. Directed by Jenny Curtis and Chris Porter. Listen and follow - Available everywhere you listen to podcasts. For full credits and to learn more, visit solarthepodcast.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Susie Gorgeous and a Mickey Mouse Alarm Clock

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2021 36:37


    To close Season 1 Alan speaks with Susie Gorgeous, one of his dearest and oldest friends.Alan Cumming's Shelves is all about Alan Cumming and his shelves. There's lots of things on these shelves, oddities and artefacts from across Alan's life, and so each week he takes one of the curiosities off his shelf, and tells you all about it, with the help of some friends. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Caroline Thompson and a stolen Butter Dish

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2021 54:33


    Today Alan talks to his old pal, and incredible director and screenwriter, Caroline Thompson. It gets rather horsey!Alan Cumming's Shelves is all about Alan Cumming and his shelves. There's lots of things on these shelves, oddities and artefacts from across Alan's life, and so each week he takes one of the curiosities off his shelf, and tells you all about it, with the help of some friends. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Carla Gugino and a Happy Meal Toy

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2021 41:19


    Ingrid Cortez and Fegan Floop back together again! No one tell Gregorio...Alan Cumming's Shelves is all about Alan Cumming and his shelves. There's lots of things on these shelves, oddities and artefacts from across Alan's life, and so each week he takes one of the curiosities off his shelf, and tells you all about it, with the help of some friends. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Jennifer Jason Leigh and a little Cardboard Box

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2021 40:00


    Another Hollywood legend graces Alan's podcast and peruses his shelves. This time it's his old friend, and co-director, Jennifer Jason Leigh.Alan Cumming's Shelves is all about Alan Cumming and his shelves. There's lots of things on these shelves, oddities and artefacts from across Alan's life, and so each week he takes one of the curiosities off his shelf, and tells you all about it, with the help of some friends. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Cynthia Rowley and a Polaroid of 5 Chimps

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2021 39:13


    Cynthia Rowley is an iconic fashion designer based in New York, she has worked with Alan many times, providing him with so many iconic red carpet looks - and just so happens to be one of his dearest friends too.Alan Cumming's Shelves is all about Alan Cumming and his shelves. There's lots of things on these shelves, oddities and artefacts from across Alan's life, and so each week he takes one of the curiosities off his shelf, and tells you all about it, with the help of some friends. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Bojana Novakovic and a Table Read Polaroid

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2021 45:07


    Bojana and Alan co-starred in Instinct, and this item of Alan's shelf takes them all the way back to the beginning.Alan Cumming's Shelves is all about Alan Cumming and his shelves. There's lots of things on these shelves, oddities and artefacts from across Alan's life, and so each week he takes one of the curiosities off his shelf, and tells you all about it, with the help of some friends. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Iman and a Flight of Garden Stairs

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2021 45:59


    Today we rename the podcast Alan Cumming's Garden as the true legend that is Iman joins Alan to discuss his outdoor renovation.Alan Cumming's Shelves is all about Alan Cumming and his shelves. There's lots of things on these shelves, oddities and artefacts from across Alan's life, and so each week he takes one of the curiosities off his shelf, and tells you all about it, with the help of some friends. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Andrew St Clair and a Lamp Shade Picture

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2021 33:45


    Andrew St Clair is one of Alan's oldest friends, and our first return guest on the podcast. Here the two catch up on how they met, their many adventures, and just what Andrew does with his time...Alan Cumming's Shelves is all about Alan Cumming and his shelves. There's lots of things on these shelves, oddities and artefacts from across Alan's life, and so each week he takes one of the curiosities off his shelf, and tells you all about it, with the help of some friends. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Matthew Bourne and a Disneyland Snap

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2021 53:37


    Sir Matthew Bourne is widely hailed as the UK's most popular and successful choreographer and director. His work includes contemporary dance and dance theatre.From Swan Lake to the Nutcracker, he's had his hand across so many iconic works. He also happens to be Alan's old flatmate...Alan Cumming's Shelves is all about Alan Cumming and his shelves. There's lots of things on these shelves, oddities and artefacts from across Alan's life, and so each week he takes one of the curiosities off his shelf, and tells you all about it, with the help of some friends. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Lulu and a 45

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2021 41:30


    Lulu is a true legend. She won Eurovision and did a James Bond song for goodness sake. Alan tries his hardest not to completely lose it.Alan Cumming's Shelves is all about Alan Cumming and his shelves. There's lots of things on these shelves, oddities and artefacts from across Alan's life, and so each week he takes one of the curiosities off his shelf, and tells you all about it, with the help of some friends. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Nikola Barisic & Jimmy Wilson and a Sesame Street Sign

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2021 34:29


    This week Alan is joined by his Manager Nikola, and old Personal Assistant Jimmy, to discuss a magical day at Sesame Street, and another one at Disneyland...Alan Cumming's Shelves is all about Alan Cumming and his shelves. There's lots of things on these shelves, oddities and artefacts from across Alan's life, and so each week he takes one of the curiosities off his shelf, and tells you all about it, with the help of some friends. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Marisa Berenson and a Jar of Jam

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2021 36:16


    The word "legend" gets thrown around a lot these days, but that's exactly what Marisa Berenson is. Marisa and Alan first worked together on broadway, and that is where the jar of jam comes in to play.Alan Cumming's Shelves is all about Alan Cumming and his shelves. There's lots of things on these shelves, oddities and artefacts from across Alan's life, and so each week he takes one of the curiosities off his shelf, and tells you all about it, with the help of some friends. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Christopher Brosius and Postcards of a naked Alan

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2021 38:10


    This week Alan speaks with Christopher Brosius, a "nose". Yes Christopher is a perfumer and worked with Alan to create Cumming the Fragrance, Alan's very own celebrity perfume that toyed with the idea of celebrity endorsement.Alan Cumming's Shelves is all about Alan Cumming and his shelves. There's lots of things on these shelves, oddities and artefacts from across Alan's life, and so each week he takes one of the curiosities off his shelf, and tells you all about it, with the help of some friends. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Chris Sweeney and a Portable Recorder (A Homo Sapiens Mash Up Episode)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2021 37:19


    Today's episode is an incredibly special episode - and not our usual fare either.Our guest today is the fabulous Chris Sweeney, filmmaker and podcaster, and host of the fantastic Homo Sapiens, alongside our very own Mr C. To mark Alan's final episodes as host of Homo sapiens we have collaborated, and so what you're about to hear is the first of a two part Alan Cumming's Shelves x Homo Sapiens mash up, with Alan and Chris chatting all about podcasting, their time together on Homo sapiens, and how they first started working together.After you have listened to this episode, Part One, you need to head over to the Homo Sapiens feed/channel wherever you get your podcasts, and listen to Part Two, which is cleverly also out now. You should give them a follow too if you haven't already, because the show is absolutely fantastic, with interviews with guests such as Patti Smith, Michael Stipe, and Mel C just to name a few!!You can also follow them on instagram @homosapiensYou can listen to Part Two Here (or head over to the Homo Sapiens Page)Alan Cumming's Shelves is all about Alan Cumming and his shelves. There's lots of things on these shelves, oddities and artefacts from across Alan's life, and so each week he takes one of the curiosities off his shelf, and tells you all about it, with the help of some friends. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Rosario Dawson and a pair of Leopard Print Ears

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2021 44:33


    Joining Alan this week is Rosario Dawson! There's Josie and the Pussycats memories, but Rosario's musical endeavours do not end there...Alan Cumming's Shelves is all about Alan Cumming and his shelves. There's lots of things on these shelves, oddities and artefacts from across Alan's life, and so each week he takes one of the curiosities off his shelf, and tells you all about it, with the help of some friends. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Susie Gorgeous & Andrew St Clair and a Photograph of a Pony(ish)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2021 36:03


    Susie and Andrew are two of Alan's best friends, and the three of them have been on many an adventure. What looked like a pony? Well you'll have to find out...Alan Cumming's Shelves is all about Alan Cumming and his shelves. There's lots of things on these shelves, oddities and artefacts from across Alan's life, and so each week he takes one of the curiosities off his shelf, and tells you all about it, with the help of some friends. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Jane Krakowski and a set of Stone Age Cutlery

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2021 36:41


    Jane Krakowski and Alan go way back to the Stone Age baby. Fortunately for you what happens in Viva Rock Vegas does not stay in Viva Rock Vegas.Alan Cumming's Shelves is all about Alan Cumming and his shelves. There's lots of things on these shelves, oddities and artefacts from across Alan's life, and so each week he takes one of the curiosities off his shelf, and tells you all about it, with the help of some friends. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    David Remfry and a Painting of Alan and Honey

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2021 32:41


    David Remfry is a fantastic artist, and brilliant friend of Alan's. Hear how the pair met, and how their relationship has flourished. We also get to hear some amazing stories from David's career.Alan Cumming's Shelves is all about Alan Cumming and his shelves. There's lots of things on these shelves, oddities and artefacts from across Alan's life, and so each week he takes one of the curiosities off his shelf, and tells you all about it, with the help of some friends. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Kirsty Wark and an old Cassette Tape

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2021 35:40


    Kirst Wark is a Newsreader, TV Presenter, and journalist who is one of the most respected in the world. She's a proud Scot much like Alan, and that's where they go back to - specifically, Glasgow. But just how did Kirsty and Alan first start working together?Alan Cumming's Shelves is all about Alan Cumming and his shelves. There's lots of things on these shelves, oddities and artefacts from across Alan's life, and so each week he takes one of the curiosities off his shelf, and tells you all about it, with the help of some friends. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Rob McGarry and a George W Bush Squeaky Dog Toy

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2021 33:00


    Rob and Alan tell the story of what happened on their cross-country road trip, back when they were a couple. This is the closest the podcast gets to therapy.Alan Cumming's Shelves is all about Alan Cumming and his shelves. There's lots of things on these shelves, oddities and artefacts from across Alan's life, and so each week he takes one of the curiosities off his shelf, and tells you all about it, with the help of some friends. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Bowen Yang and a Test Tube filled with Sperm

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2021 35:07


    SNL Super Star Bowen Yang and Alan have worked together on a variety of projects, but how on earth does a test tube filled with semen bring the two of them together?Alan Cumming's Shelves is all about Alan Cumming and his shelves. There's lots of things on these shelves, oddities and artefacts from across Alan's life, and so each week he takes one of the curiosities off his shelf, and tells you all about it, with the help of some friends. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Ali Selim and a Minnesotan Teddy Bear

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2021 34:07


    Ali Selim is a writer and film director who first worked with Alan on Sweet Land. The production took place in a small town in Minnesota, and the stories are unbelievable.Alan Cumming's Shelves is all about Alan Cumming and his shelves. There's lots of things on these shelves, oddities and artefacts from across Alan's life, and so each week he takes one of the curiosities off his shelf, and tells you all about it, with the help of some friends. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Glenda Bailey and the August 2001 issue of Marie Claire

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2021 37:39


    Dame Glenda Bailey is true fashion royalty, a woman who has had more influence and sway over the industry than pretty much anyone else. Alan and Glenda are great friends, and have got up to all sorts in their pursuit for couture and cocktails.Alan Cumming's Shelves is all about Alan Cumming and his shelves. There's lots of things on these shelves, oddities and artefacts from across Alan's life, and so each week he takes one of the curiosities off his shelf, and tells you all about it, with the help of some friends. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Sam Mendes and an old Boot

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2021 42:56


    Film and Theatre Director Sam Mendes joins Alan to talk all things Cabaret.Alan Cumming's Shelves is all about Alan Cumming and his shelves. There's lots of things on these shelves, oddities and artefacts from across Alan's life, and so each week he takes one of the curiosities off his shelf, and tells you all about it, with the help of some friends. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Eddie Roche and a Picture with Oprah

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2021 32:06


    Alan and Eddie go way way back. They've had many an adventure over the years but today they're talking about one in particular... Eddie's quest to get a picture with Oprah Winfrey. Alan Cumming's Shelves is all about Alan Cumming and his shelves. There's lots of things on these shelves, oddities and artefacts from across Alan's life, and so each week he takes one of the curiosities off his shelf, and tells you all about it, with the help of some friends. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Monica Lewinsky, an Award, and some Bracelets

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2021 43:24


    Monica Lewinsky has not only presented Alan with an award, but also happens to be the gatekeeper of his marriage and you're about to find out why!Alan Cumming's Shelves is all about Alan Cumming and his shelves. There's lots of things on these shelves, oddities and artefacts from across Alan's life, and so each week he takes one of the curiosities off his shelf, and tells you all about it, with the help of some friends. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Jane Horrocks and a Signed Polaroid

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2021 34:29


    Jane Horrocks and Alan go way back. All the way back 1993 in fact. And they're still dancing to this day!Alan Cumming's Shelves is all about Alan Cumming and his shelves. There's lots of things on these shelves, oddities and artefacts from across Alan's life, and so each week he takes one of the curiosities off his shelf, and tells you all about it, with the help of some friends. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Christian Hook and a Painting of Alan

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2021 28:10


    Alan has a picture of himself that Christian painted, one of many paintings Christian has done of Alan. But what's the story behind them? And how does it involve Studio 54, La Wally, and Vodka? Well you're about to find out.Alan Cumming's Shelves is all about Alan Cumming and his shelves. There's lots of things on these shelves, oddities and artefacts from across Alan's life, and so each week he takes one of the curiosities off his shelf, and tells you all about it, with the help of some friends. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Brooks Ogden and a Big Christmas Bauble

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2021 26:56


    Brooks Ogden is not only a travel agent to the stars, she's also Alan's best friend. Today we find out just what they got up to in Washington, and also in Rome.Alan Cumming's Shelves is all about Alan Cumming and his shelves. There's lots of things on these shelves, oddities and artefacts from across Alan's life, and so each week he takes one of the curiosities off his shelf, and tells you all about it, with the help of some friends. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Fay Ripley and a Premiere Picture

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2021 28:08


    Fay and Alan go back years, back all the way to when Fay was affectionately known as Friend.Alan Cumming's Shelves is all about Alan Cumming and his shelves. There's lots of things on these shelves, oddities and artefacts from across Alan's life, and so each week he takes one of the curiosities off his shelf, and tells you all about it, with the help of some friends. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Forbes Masson and a Victor & Barry Cassette Tape

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2021 33:05


    Back to where it all started for Alan and Forbes - as the unapologetically Glaswegian Victor & Barry. Alan Cumming's Shelves is all about Alan Cumming and his shelves. There's lots of things on these shelves, oddities and artefacts from across Alan's life, and so each week he takes one of the curiosities off his shelf, and tells you all about it, with the help of some friends. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Geri Halliwell and a Spice Girls Lunch Box

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2021 27:17


    Alan likes to tell everyone Ginger Spice saw his Hamlet, so now's the time for the full story.Alan Cumming's Shelves is all about Alan Cumming and his shelves. There's lots of things on these shelves, oddities and artefacts from across Alan's life, and so each week he takes one of the curiosities off his shelf, and tells you all about it, with the help of some friends. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Barnaby Harris and an Explicit Yoga Mat

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2021 21:34


    Alan became the poster boy for a Yoga brand. But come on, this is Alan. It's not just any yoga brand. Barnaby Harris is Alan's friend who started the business, hear the full effing story now.Alan Cumming's Shelves is all about Alan Cumming and his shelves. There's lots of things on these shelves, oddities and artefacts from across Alan's life, and so each week he takes one of the curiosities off his shelf, and tells you all about it, with the help of some friends. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Sir Ian McKellen and a Hemp Dog Collar

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2021 38:36


    How did Sir Ian McKellen and Alan end up on a Canadian nudist beach with a hemp dog collar in hand? Well you're about to find out!Alan Cumming's Shelves is all about Alan Cumming and his shelves. There's lots of things on these shelves, oddities and artefacts from across Alan's life, and so each week he takes one of the curiosities off his shelf, and tells you all about it, with the help of some friends. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Cyndi Lauper and a Pair of White Leather Gloves

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2021 35:16


    To open Alan Cumming's Shelves, Alan chats with the amazing Cyndi Lauper about a pair of white leather gloves that he wore when the two of them were in the production of The Threepenny Opera on Broadway.Alan Cumming's Shelves is all about Alan Cumming and his shelves. There's lots of things on these shelves, oddities and artefacts from across Alan's life, and so each week he takes one of the curiosities off his shelf, and tells you all about it, with the help of some friends. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Coming Soon (Trailer)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2021 3:51


    In Alan Cumming's house you'll find some shelves. Well, lots of shelves in fact, and on these shelves are curiosities, rarities, and oddities, that Alan has collected throughout his varied and colourful career. Artefacts if you will from the museum of Alan's life. In each episode of this podcast Alan reaches for one of these items, to tell the story behind it, ruminating on the memories it brings up. However, Alan does not do this alone. His guests range from Cyndi Lauper and a pair of white leather gloves to Geri Halliwell and (lots and lots of) Spice Girls merch, and even Sir Ian McKellen and a hemp dog collar. We've also got Monica Lewinsky and a Creative Coalition Award, Fay Ripley and a Red Carpet Photo, and Jane Horrocks and a polaroid from Second Best. Not all guests will be famous though. Alan's life has taken many a twist and turn, and so there will be guests you don't know yet, but their stories are brilliant. Part of the Acast Creator Network. Launches May 18th. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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