Podcast appearances and mentions of frank cottrell boyce

This week we're speaking to Frank Cottrell Boyce, the children's laureate, who has spent two years visiting schools, libraries, and communities to discover what it means to grow up in Britain today. He's written about it in a new book ‘A British Childhood: How our children live now' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest on this week's Book Club podcast is the Children's Laureate, Frank Cottrell-Boyce, whose new book, A British Childhood: How Our Children Live Now, describes what he discovered from the travels he undertook during his work with BookTrust and the Laureateship.He tells me what he learned about what really happens when a parent reads to a child, why the crisis in childhood reading is down to much more than the rise of screens – and how Heidi can save your life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest on this week's Book Club podcast is the Children's Laureate, Frank Cottrell-Boyce, whose new book, A British Childhood: How Our Children Live Now, describes what he discovered from the travels he undertook during his work with BookTrust and the Laureateship.He tells me what he learned about what really happens when a parent reads to a child, why the crisis in childhood reading is down to much more than the rise of screens – and how Heidi can save your life.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcastsContact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Movie of the Year: 2006Tristram Shandy: A Cock and Bull StoryThe Tristram Shandy Podcast Opens the 2006 BracketThe Tristram Shandy podcast episode kicks off our brand new 2006 bracket on Movie of the Year. After crowning our way through 1971, the Taste Buds turn to a fresh film year. Moreover, we start with one of the strangest comedies of the decade. Michael Winterbottom's Tristram Shandy: A Cock and Bull Story is a film about making a film of an unfilmable book. Consequently, it makes a perfect launch title for a show that loves movies about movies. In this episode, Ryan, Mike, and Greg dig into metafiction, gender, and the prickly chemistry between Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon. Additionally, two new segments make their debut. Above all, we want to set the tone for a wild 2006 season.About the FilmLaurence Sterne published The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman in nine volumes between 1759 and 1767. The novel is famous for being playful, digressive, and nearly impossible to adapt. Notably, the narrator barely manages to get himself born across hundreds of pages. Winterbottom and his team turned that problem into the whole joke. As a result, the movie follows a fictional crew trying to film the book. Steve Coogan plays a vain version of himself, plus Tristram and his father, Walter. Meanwhile, Rob Brydon plays a needling version of himself and Uncle Toby. The screenplay carries the pseudonym "Martin Hardy," although Frank Cottrell-Boyce actually wrote it. Furthermore, the cast includes Keeley Hawes, Shirley Henderson, Dylan Moran, Naomie Harris, Kelly Macdonald, and Jeremy Northam. Gillian Anderson and Stephen Fry also appear as heightened versions of themselves. You can read more at Wikipedia or the original Roger Ebert review.This is the first film episode of our 2006 season. To explore the wider bracket project, visit the Movie of the Year archive. If you enjoy this Tristram Shandy podcast deep dive, our A Clockwork Orange episode from the 1971 run pairs nicely with this conversation about cinematic form.Want to hear how the season began? Start with our 2006 season intro, then dig into the 2006 bracket reveal before this episode.Metafiction and the Unfilmable NovelMetafiction sits at the center of our first discussion. Sterne wrote a novel that constantly reminds you it is a novel. Similarly, Winterbottom built a movie that keeps reminding you it is a movie. The crew breaks the fourth wall, argues about the script, and screens its own dailies. Therefore, the film becomes a hall of mirrors about storytelling itself. The Taste Buds ask a simple question. How do you adapt a book that mocks the idea of adaptation? Furthermore, we trace the lineage from Sterne to modern self-aware comedies. Films like Adaptation and Day for Night come up as obvious cousins. Ultimately, we argue that Winterbottom found the only honest solution. He filmed the failure instead of the book. Consequently, the movie respects Sterne by refusing to tame him.The Battle of the Sexes on ScreenNext, we turn to gender and how the film portrays men and women. The male characters chase status, sex, and screen time with comic desperation. Coogan, in particular, frets about his shoe lifts and his billing. Meanwhile, the women in the film often hold the real power. Kelly Macdonald plays Jenny, who grounds Coogan with calm clarity. Naomie Harris plays Jennie, a production assistant who runs circles around the panicking men. Gillian Anderson arrives late and instantly reshapes the production. By contrast, the men flail and posture. So the Taste Buds debate a thorny point. Does the movie satirize male ego, or does it quietly indulge it? Additionally, we weigh how the battle of the sexes plays inside an 18th-century story. The novel and the film both poke fun at male pride. As a result, the gender comedy spans two very different centuries.Coogan and Brydon Anchor the Tristram Shandy PodcastAbove all, the Coogan and Brydon double act drives this Tristram Shandy podcast conversation. The two comedians play exaggerated, petty versions of themselves. Their rivalry over billing, teeth, and impressions fuels the funniest scenes. Notably, this dynamic later powered the beloved series The Trip. The Taste Buds dig into why their friction feels so real. Brydon needles, Coogan bristles, and the comedy snaps into focus. Furthermore, we discuss how improvisation shapes their banter. The closing Al Pacino impression duel becomes a highlight. Meanwhile, we ask whether the pair actually like each other on screen. The answer stays gloriously unclear. Consequently, their chemistry gives a chilly intellectual film a warm, human pulse.Rushmore: The Mount Rushmore of 2006 TelevisionOur Rushmore segment asks each host to carve a Mount Rushmore of 2006 television. The year was loaded with future classics. For instance, The Wire aired its acclaimed fourth season. Meanwhile, The Office, 30 Rock, and Friday Night Lights were all finding their feet. Additionally, prestige newcomers like Dexter and Heroes premiered to big buzz. The hosts each pick four shows and defend their choices. Naturally, the debate gets heated fast. Listen to the episode to hear which four faces each Taste Bud sets in stone.I Never Metacritic I Didn't LikeThis episode debuts a brand new game called "I Never Metacritic I Didn't Like." The premise is simple and a little dangerous. We pull up a film's Metacritic profile and put the critical consensus on trial. Specifically, we test whether the aggregate score matches our own gut reactions. Tristram Shandy earned strong reviews from critics on release. However, strong scores do not always survive a Taste Buds cross-examination. Therefore, the game lets us argue with the wider critical record in real time. Expect this segment to return throughout the 2006 season. Above all, it gives us a structured excuse to fight about numbers.Why Tristram Shandy Still MattersTristram Shandy still matters because it cracked a problem that had defeated everyone before it. Winterbottom proved you can film an unfilmable book by filming the attempt. Moreover, the movie launched a now-legendary comic partnership. The Coogan and Brydon collaboration grew into The Trip and its many sequels. Additionally, the film remains a sharp, funny lesson in adaptation. Film students and Sterne scholars both still cite it today. Ultimately, the Tristram Shandy 2006 podcast discussion shows why this small comedy punches far above its weight. Notably, it kicks our 2006 bracket off with brains and mischief.Related Episodes from Movie of the Year: 2006The 2006 season is just getting started, so this list will grow each week. For now, revisit the episodes that set up the bracket, plus a favorite from our 1971 run.Movie of the Year 2006: Season IntroThe 2006 Bracket RevealMovie of the Year archiveThe Last Picture Show (1971)FAQ: Tristram Shandy Podcast and FilmWhat is this Tristram Shandy podcast episode about?In this episode, Ryan, Mike, and Greg launch the 2006 bracket by breaking down Michael Winterbottom's comedy. They cover metafiction, gender, the Coogan and Brydon dynamic, and two new segments.What is the movie Tristram Shandy about?The film follows a crew trying to adapt an unfilmable 18th-century novel. As they struggle, the actors' egos and offscreen lives take over the production.Who directed Tristram Shandy: A Cock and Bull Story?Michael Winterbottom directed the film. Frank Cottrell-Boyce wrote the screenplay under the pseudonym "Martin Hardy."Is Tristram Shandy based on a book?Yes. Laurence Sterne wrote The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman across nine volumes between 1759 and 1767. You can read more on Wikipedia.Do Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon play themselves?Yes, mostly. Both actors play exaggerated, fictional versions of themselves, and they also play characters in the film within the film. See the full cast on IMDb.Is Tristram Shandy connected to The Trip?Yes, in spirit. This film first paired Coogan and Brydon with Winterbottom, and that chemistry...

On today's programme, Adrian Chiles is with Steve Backshall the adventurer and naturalist who's captivated all of us with his work, but especially children, millions of them, who he's led wide-eyed into the natural world. Frank Cottrell Boyce is blessed with a similar gift for capturing the imagination of children as well as grownups. The esteemed screenwriter is presently the Children's Laureate. Frank will be appearing on the programme ahead of his appearance at the Children's Laureate Lecture called - The Kids Are Not Alright – which is being held on Thursday the 14th May at The Royal Institution, London. And amazing storytellers though Frank and Steve are, even they might struggle to do justice to the tale of what Natalie Queiroz has been through. Her work campaigning for the victims of crime has earned her a well-deserved MBE.Plus we'll hear the Inheritance Tracks of broadcaster and journalist Nick Robinson. Producer: Gareth Nelson-Davies Assistant Producer: Ribika Moktan Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Andrea Kennedy

Children's Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce launches the Children's Booker Prize and discusses some of the themes of his forthcoming Waterstones Children's Laureate Lecture - The Kids Are Not Alright- which calls for the reading of physical books to made a central part of childhood. Soap writer and aficionado Sharon Marshall on how long-running television dramas are employing bold storytelling techniques to retain and attract audiences.Ukrainian Culture Minister Tetyana Berezhna on how her country's artworks have been targeted by the Russians.Poet, playwright, and musician Kae Tempest on his new novel, Having Spent Life Seeking, which centres on the character of Rothko as they search for a way to be at peace with who they feel themselves to be.Presenter: Kirsty Wark Producer: Front Row Production Team

The children's author Frank Cottrell-Boyce and the author of Wild Swans and Big Sister Little Sister Red Sister Jung Chang choose their good reads.Where Should We Run To by Alan Garner chosen by Frank Cottrell-Boyce Death of A Naturalist by Seamus Heaney chosen by Harriett Gilbert Hans Christian Andersen's Fairytales chosen by Jung ChangProduced in Bristol by Maggie Ayre

Ian McMillan's guests this week are the singer and songwriter Richard Dawson, T.S. Eliot prize winning poets Jacob Polley and Sarah Howe and Children's Laureate Frank Cottrell Boyce - who celebrates Professor John Carey and the art of poetry criticism.Richard Dawson and Jacob Polley light up the past and make the future of energy and community life seem more real - by bringing their different sensibilities to 'Ancestral Reverb' - an album created by north east organisation 'Threads in the Ground' (directed by Adam Cooper). 'Ancestral Reverb' contains music spanning over 100 years, and the words of those connected to coal. DJ and producer Bert Verso sampled historic music for this album, and wove it through with his own new compositions. The records are embedded with fragments of coal. Richard Dawson's latest album is 'End of the Middle' and Jacob Polley's 'Hymn to Water' can be heard on BBC Sounds (www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002mw7t)Sarah Howe's new book is 'Loop of Jade' which beautifully takes on threads from her T.S. Eliot prize winning collection 'Loop of Jade'. Sarah explores a 'Neon Line' for us from the work of the American 20th century poet Elizabeth Bishop - a stand-out line that lets us into a poem. Sarah tells us about the power of the messy first draft, and where it can lead a poet.Children's Laureate, novelist and writer of the 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony - Frank Cottrell Boyce celebrates the wit, generosity, and pithy opening sentences of Professor John Carey, whose distinctive voice as teacher, critic and broadcaster led so many into a deep engagement with poetry.Presented by Ian McMillan Produced by Faith Lawrence

The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says lots of countries are interested in contributing troops to the planned international stabilisation force for Gaza. He did not specify who but insisted that Israel had to be comfortable with those chosen. Speaking at the coordination centre set up to oversee the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, Mr Rubio said talks were continuing on the future governance of Gaza. Also, how warming seas are endangering the lives and livelihoods of South Korean fishermen, and we speak to author Frank Cottrell-Boyce on a new prize for children's literature.(Photo: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks to the media after visiting the Civil-Military Coordination Center in southern Israel, 24 October, 2025. Credit: adel Senna/Reuters)

Clive Anderson brings us Loose Ends from the Hay Festival. Joining Clive in front of a Hay audience are singer Paloma Faith who last year released her most personal album 'The Glorification of Sadness'. She also published her first book 'MILF' (no, not that one), a rousing call to arms for women to take up space, based on her experiences in the music industry, and as a mother. Welsh comedian Mike Bubbins is the star of the sitcom 'Mammoth', in which he plays Tony Mammoth, a PE teacher from the 70's who finds himself in 2024. Writer Frank Cottrell Boyce has an impressively diverse CV, having written films such as 24 Hour Party People, Hilary & Jackie, Code 46 as well as the 2012 London Olympics Ceremony. He's the author of many beloved children's books including Millions, and his latest 'The Blockbusters'. Historian Helen Carr is the author of the best-selling 'The Red Prince: The Life of John of Gaunt, the Duke of Lancaster and her new book 'Sceptred Isle: A new history of the fourteenth century'And there's music from Euros Childs and Kizzy CrawfodPresenter: Clive Anderson Producer: Jessica Treen

We sat down with our beloved Waterstones Children's Laureate, Frank Cottrell-Boyce to discuss the magic of movie sets, the power of Shakespeare, the importance of reading for children and much more as we celebrate his brand new middle grade adventure The Blockbusters! A hilarious, globetrotting adventure, in which a boy bearing a striking resemblance to a huge movie star joins a film crew on location in hope of tracking down his runaway brother....

The London Standard's business editor, Jonathan Prynn, joins us to discuss this year's remarkable rise in the FTSE 100. For an hour or so, the City's famous index of shares in leading British listed companies grew for the first time in history, above the 8900 mark. So, what has driven this sudden reappraisal of the UK and the London stock market?In part two, we're joined by award-winning children's author and screenwriter Frank Cottrell-Boyce to discuss this year's London Book Fair, could AI write a better story? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We continue another Patreon month with a pick from Andrew Henrickson: 24 Hour Party People. Join Mike White, Father Malone, and Axel Kohagen as they dive into Michael Winterbottom's electric chronicle of the Manchester music scene, told through the eyes of the ever-charismatic Tony Wilson, played by Steve Coogan. From Factory Records to the legendary Hacienda, the film brims with unforgettable moments and a who's who of '80s post-punk history, including standout performances by Lenny James, Paddy Considine, and more.We were supposed to speak with screenwriter Frank Cottrell Boyce again for the episode but it didn't happen this time.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

We continue another Patreon month with a pick from Andrew Henrickson: 24 Hour Party People. Join Mike White, Father Malone, and Axel Kohagen as they dive into Michael Winterbottom's electric chronicle of the Manchester music scene, told through the eyes of the ever-charismatic Tony Wilson, played by Steve Coogan. From Factory Records to the legendary Hacienda, the film brims with unforgettable moments and a who's who of '80s post-punk history, including standout performances by Lenny James, Paddy Considine, and more.We were supposed to speak with screenwriter Frank Cottrell Boyce again for the episode but it didn't happen this time.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

Frank Cottrell-Boyce, the UK Children's Laureate, is Today's first guest editor this Christmas. His programme focuses on whether we should rethink our approach to reading - and make reading to young children a public health priority.And he gets the chance to interview none other than Dolly Parton - about why she's turned to writing children's books.GET IN TOUCH: * Send us a message or a voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 4346 * Email today@bbc.co.ukBetween now and the end of the year we're bringing you extended interviews with the Today programme's Christmas guest editors, so hit subscribe on BBC Sounds to make sure you get an alert every time we release a new episode.The Today Podcast is hosted by Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson who are both presenters of BBC Radio 4's Today programme. Amol was the BBC's media editor for six years and is the former editor of the Independent, he's also the current presenter of University Challenge. Nick has presented the Today programme since 2015, he was the BBC's political editor for ten years before that and also previously worked as ITV's political editor.

fWotD Episode 2787: Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang Welcome to Featured Wiki of the Day, your daily dose of knowledge from Wikipedia’s finest articles.The featured article for Saturday, 21 December 2024 is Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang.Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang: The Magical Car is a children's story written by Ian Fleming and illustrated by John Burningham. It was initially published in three volumes, the first of which was released on 22 October 1964 by Jonathan Cape, before being published as one book. The story concerns the exploits of Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang—a car with hidden powers and abilities—and its owners, the Pott family.Fleming, better known as the creator of James Bond, took his inspiration for the subject from a series of aero-engined racing cars called "Chitty Bang Bang", built by Louis Zborowski in the early 1920s. Fleming wrote the book while convalescing after having had a major heart attack; he had created the story as a bedtime story for his son, Caspar. Although Fleming wanted The Daily Mail cartoonist Trog—the pseudonym of Wally Fawkes—as the book's illustrator, the newspaper did not allow him to work on the project, so Burningham was commissioned. Fleming did not live to see Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang published; he died of a heart attack on 11 August 1964 and the book was published two months later.Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang was serialised in the Daily Express and adapted as a comic strip. The book was loosely adapted as a 1968 film of the same name with a screenplay by Roald Dahl and Ken Hughes; a subsequent novelisation was also published. The film was produced by Albert R. Broccoli, the co-producer of the James Bond film series. The story was also adapted as a stage musical under the same name. In April 2011 a BBC Radio 4 Extra adaptation was broadcast with Imogen Stubbs as the voice of Chitty. Three sequels to Fleming's book have been published, all written by Frank Cottrell-Boyce.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 00:51 UTC on Saturday, 21 December 2024.For the full current version of the article, see Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Mastodon at @wikioftheday@masto.ai.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm standard Amy.

British composer Stuart Hancock's most recent work on the animated epic KENSUKE'S KINGDOM Kensuke's Kingdom helps establish the children's book adaptation as one of the year's most sweeping and heartfelt stories. The film is a good old-fashioned adventure rendered in gorgeous hand-drawn 2D animation with a voice cast that includes Sally Hawkins, Cillian Murphy, and Ken Watanabe. The story concerns a boy who is swept overboard during a storm on a worldwide sailing trip with his family and washes ashore on an island in the Pacific Ocean. While there, he realises someone is nearby, aiding him with his survival. The script for the film was by award-winning British scriptwriter Frank Cottrell-Boyce based on the book by celebrated British author Sir Michael Morpurgo, who is most well-known for his book WAR HORSE, also adapted into an acclaimed film by Steven Spielberg. In November 2024, Jason Drury had the pleasure of speaking with Stuart Hancock via Zoom from his home in Leighton Buzzard, England. During the conversation, they discussed his work on KENSUKE'S KINGDOM and the similarities and differences between scoring for commercials and narrative work. You'll also hear numerous selections from KENSUKE'S KINGDOM. Enjoy! —— Special thanks to our Patreon supporters: Matt DeWater, David Ballantyne, Joe Wiles, Maxime, William Welch, Tim Burden, Alan Rogers, Dave Williams, Max Hamulyák, Jeffrey Graebner, Don Mase, Victor Field, Jochen Stolz, Emily Mason, Eric Skroch, Alexander Schiebel, Alphonse Brown, John Link, Andreas Wennmyr, Matt Berretta, Eldaly Morningstar, Jim Wilson, Glenn McDorman, Chris Malone, Steve Karpicz, Deniz Çağlar, Brent Osterberg, Jérôme Flick, Sarah Brouns, Aaron Collins, Randall Derchan, Angela Rabatin, Michael Poteet, Larry Reese, Thomas Tinneny, William Burke, Rudy Amaya, Stacy Livitsanis, Rick Laird, Carl Wonders, Nathan Blumenfeld, Lee Wileman, Daniel Herrin, Scott Bordelon, James Alexander, Brett French, Ian Clark, Ron, Andy Gray —— Cinematic Sound Radio is fully licensed to play music by SOCAN. Support us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cinematicsoundradio Check out our NEW Cinematic Sound Radio TeePublic Store! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/cinematic-sound-radio Cinematic Sound Radio Web: http://www.cinematicsound.net Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/cinsoundradio Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/cinematicsound Cinematic Sound Radio Fanfare and Theme by David Coscina https://soundcloud.com/user-970634922 Bumper voice artist: Tim Burden http://www.timburden.com

Each year the Today programme gives guest editors the chance to explore the issues that matter to them. In this bonus episode one of this year's guest editors, screenwriter and UK Children's Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce, tells Amol what he's planning for his programme. The Today Podcast is hosted by Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson who are both presenters of BBC Radio 4's Today programme. Amol was the BBC's media editor for six years and is the former editor of the Independent, he's also the current presenter of University Challenge. Nick has presented the Today programme since 2015, he was the BBC's political editor for ten years before that and also previously worked as ITV's political editor. To get Amol and Nick's take on the biggest stories and insights from behind the scenes at the UK's most influential radio news programme make sure you subscribe to The Today Podcast on BBC Sounds. That way you'll get an alert every time we release a new episode, and you won't miss our extra bonus episodes either.The senior producer is Lewis Vickers and the producer is Nadia Gyane. Research and digital production by Joe Wilkinson. The editor is Louisa Lewis. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths. Technical production from Daniel Ehrlich.

Mark is joined by screenwriter and novelist Frank Cottrell-Boyce, to discuss being the UK Children's Laureate  , His role in the London 2012 Olympic opening ceremony, Working with Tony Wilson on 24 hour party people  –  and growing up in Liverpool. Get ad-free extended episodes, early access and exclusive content on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod Follow Frank on twitter @@frankcottrell_b Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Screenwriter, author and Children's Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce joins Michael to speak about adapting Michael Morpurgo's novel Kensuke's Kingdom, as well as the art of adaptation, when adaptations go wrong, and his career as a writer of books for children.Kensuke's Kingdom is in UK cinemas now. Find a screening near you: https://www.kensukeskingdom.com/.Subscribe to our Patreon for ad-free episodes and bonus conversations in our Library Cafe series.Follow us on Twitter or Instagram, or drop us an email at ghibliotheque@gmail.com. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a bumper week for reviews, with Mark giving his thoughts on a raft of releases, including ‘Kensuke's Kingdom', Frank Cottrell-Boyce's adaptation of Michael Morpurgo's beloved novel about a young boy swept overboard and stranded on a desert island with a mysterious stranger; ‘My Neighbour Totoro', the classic Japanese animation about two sisters who move to the country to be near their ailing mother only to find themselves in an adventure with the wondrous forest spirits who live nearby; and Sam Raimi's much-loved Spider-Man trilogy, which is back in cinemas this summer.   Simon reveals the results of the World Cup of Tom Hanks, along with the 1984 draw. Will Mark be able to predict the winners?   Plus, a special gift for all you Take devotees; Mark sits down to rewatch one of his absolute favourites, ‘Sex and the City 2'. You're welcome! Mwahahaha!  Timecodes (relevant only for the Vanguard - who are also ad-free!):  Kensuke's Kingdom Review – 7:10  World Cup of Tom Hanks Draw – 18:02  My Neighbour Totoro Review – 27:03  Spider-Man Trilogy Review – 35:58   Sex and the City 2 Review – 47:21  World Cup of 1984 Draw – 59:36    You can contact the show by emailing correspondence@kermodeandmayo.com or you can find us on social media, @KermodeandMayo   EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/take Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!  A Sony Music Entertainment production.     Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow us @sonypodcasts    To advertise on this show contact: podcastadsales@sonymusic.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Benjamin Myers, Frank Cottrell-Boyce and Claire Kohda

This week's guest is novelist and screenwriter Frank Cottrell-Boyce, who tells Simon all about ‘Kensuke's Kingdom', his adaptation of Michael Morpurgo's beloved novel, which sees a boy become stranded on a desert island after being swept overboard during a storm on a sailing trip with his family. The conversation is so good that we've got more in Take 2! Mark will be reviewing the film next week.   The Good Doctor Kermode gives his thoughts on various new releases, including ‘The Echo', a Mexican-German docufiction film, which blends detached observation with incisive commentary to capture the rhythms of life in the traditional Mexican village of El Echo; ‘About Dry Grasses', a Turkish-language drama about a disillusioned teacher in a remote village who, facing allegations of sexual misconduct, meets a colleague who may help make sense of the challenges at hand; and ‘Deadpool and Wolverine', which sees Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman don their superhero costumes and join forces for another Marvel outing in which Wolverine, recovering from his injuries, crosses paths with the loudmouth Deadpool, reluctantly teaming up to defeat a common enemy.   Expect some A+ witterings from Simon and Mark, who bravely and boldly ask: how can we be more ‘Brat' this summer?    You can contact the show by emailing correspondence@kermodeandmayo.com or you can find us on social media, @KermodeandMayo   EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/take Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!  A Sony Music Entertainment production.     Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow us @sonypodcasts    To advertise on this show contact: podcastadsales@sonymusic.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The hit series The Bear is back for a third series. Samira talks to Ebon Moss Bachrach, who plays Richie. His cousin Carmen has been trying to transform their family-run restaurant from a cheap and cheerful operation into The Bear - a serious dining experience. Series 2 ended with a successful but highly stressful first night with Richie as the maitre d' - and tensions are set to rise again in series three of the drama created by Christopher Storer who was inspired by a family restaurant where he once worked. There's live performance in the Front Row studio from Moonchild Sanelly after multiple Glastonbury shows. She talks about her collaborations with Self Esteem and Beyonce and we hear her new single Scrambled Eggs.Dundee Contemporary Arts is in the running for Museum of the Year 2024. We talk to director Beth Bate about this unique space.Frank Cottrell Boyce has been named as the new Children's Laureate. He wants to encourage more of us to read to young children so we hear him reading from one of CS Lewis's Narnia stories. Presenter: Samira Ahmed Producer: Paula McGrath

'Are you sure?' - 'Yep!'Young Marble Giants, Matthew Syed, Rufus Wainwright & David Byrne, Frank Cottrell Boyce, Marshall McLuhan, Generationals, Fin Taylor, The Lost Brothers, George Zimbel, The Grey Sisters, Etta James, Jimmie Rodgers, Eugene Mirman, The Jaynetts, Jeffrey Martin, Davi Não Vê Estrelas, The Fatima Mansions, Maya Angelou

The Queen's Reading Room podcast is a place for book lovers - and those who wish they loved literature a little more - to be inspired by the bookish confessions of global literary heroes. Authors from all over the world have shared their own literary treasures with us; revealing their favourite writers, most treasured books and earliest reading memories. In this episode, we meet screenwriter, novelist and actor Frank Cottrell-Boyce, who is perhaps best known for his children's fiction. Frank generously opened his door to The Queen's Reading Room to discuss how books have shaped his life and to admit how he occasionally steals story ideas from the creative minds of his seven children…Discover the joy of reading with The Queens Reading Room podcast, available weekly on all podcast platforms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

5x15 is delighted to announce a special event with Nina Stibbe, the 'funniest person who owns a computer' (in the words of Ann Patchett), in conversation with acclaimed memoirist Cathy Rentzenbrink. This is not to be missed! Ten years after her beloved and multi-award winning book Love, Nina, Nina is back with Went to London, Took the Dog, a diary of her return to London in her sixty-first year. After two decades away, Nina is back in the city she used to call home, with her dog, Peggy. Together they take up lodging in Camden for a 'year-long sabbatical'. It's a break from married life back in Cornwall, or even perhaps a fresh start altogether. Nina is not quite sure yet... By turns hilarious and irreverent, joyful as well as poignant, Went to London, Took the Dog is 'like spending an endless afternoon in the most sparkling company' (Frank Cottrell-Boyce). Join us for a sparkling evening in Nina's company, and an enlightening conversation on motherhood, independence, the menopause, branching out and growing up. Praise for Nina Stibbe and Went to London, Took the Dog ‘So sharp and funny, blissfully gossipy, enviably well-observed - it's like she has X-ray vision when it comes to human beings. I couldn't stop reading it. I wish it were twice as long. I loved it' - INDIA KNIGHT ‘I don't think I've enjoyed a diary so much since I read Adrian Mole for the first time - it's a pleasure and a privilege to live in her London.... A future classic. ...THIS is the book everyone is going to be quoting to each other over the table on Christmas Day.' - DAISY BUCHANAN 'Funny, warm, enlightening. The reading equivalent of getting the giggles in the back row of a school assembly' - SATHNAM SANGHERA Speakers Nina Stibbe is the author of seven books. Love, Nina won the Non-Fiction Book of the Year Award at the 2014 National Book Awards, and was shortlisted for Waterstones Book of the Year. The book was adapted by Nick Hornby for BBC Television. She is the author of four novels, all of which have been shortlisted for the Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize for Comic Fiction. Her third novel, Reasons to Be Cheerful, is the only novel to date to have won both the Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize for Comic Fiction and the Comedy Women in Print Award for comic fiction. Cathy Rentzenbrink is an acclaimed memoirist whose books include The Last Act of Love, How to Feel Better and Dear Reader. Her first novel is Everyone is Still Alive and Write It All Down is a friendly and down to earth guide to writing a memoir. Cathy regularly chairs literary events, interviews authors, runs creative writing courses and speaks and writes on life, death, love, and literature. Despite being shortlisted for various prizes, the only thing Cathy has ever won is the Snaith and District Ladies' Darts Championship when she was 17. She is now sadly out of practice. Learn more about 5x15 events: 5x15stories.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/5x15stories Facebook: www.facebook.com/5x15stories Instagram: www.instagram.com/5x15stories

Fi is gazing into the middle distance, while Jane reminisces over her long lost German homestay. Award-winning children's writers Nadia Shireen and Frank Cottrell-Boyce join Jane and Fi to talk about their new podcast 'The Island of Brilliant'.If you want to contact the show to ask a question and get involved in the conversation then please email us: janeandfi@times.radioFollow us on Instagram! @janeandfiAssistant Producer: Kate LeeTimes Radio Producer: Rosie Cutler Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris Power is joined by Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Aminatta Forna & Lucy Caldwell

Ellen E Jones and Mark Kermode celebrate the life and career of the much-loved Liverpudlian screenwriter and director Terence Davies, who died earlier in 2023 at the age of 77.From an astonishing trilogy of early short films, to his final feature, 2021's Benediction, Terence Davies seamlessly blended personal recollections with wider essential truths. His subjects ranged from autobiographically inspired portraits of postwar working-class life in Liverpool in films like Distant Voices Still Lives and The Long Day Closes, to intimate portraits of real-life authors, most remarkably the American poet Emily Dickinson in A Quiet Passion. Mark speaks to Scottish actor Jack Lowden, who played poet Siegfried Sassoon in Benediction, about his relationship with Davies. He also talks to critic and historian Lillian Crawford about why the director's work resonates so deeply for so many.And Ellen discusses Davies' relationship to his hometown with two fellow Scousers - author and screenwriter Frank Cottrell-Boyce, and actor Tina Malone, who starred in The Long Day Closes.Producer: Jane Long A Prospect Street production for BBC Radio 4

Shane Meadows talks about his unconventional journey into the British film industry and his vision for more diversity in film, as he prepares to give the David Lean lecture at BAFTA.The founders of independent publishers Oneworld, Juliet Mabey and Novin Doostdar, discuss their Booker Prize hat trick as Paul Lynch becomes the third of their authors to win the prestigious literary prize.Which books will be a hit with the children in your life this Christmas? Children's broadcaster Bex Lindsay has a run down of the outstanding titles she'd recommend. And Front Row goes live to the Turner Prize ceremony at the Towner Eastbourne to find out who has won this year's prestigious prize. Presenter: Tom Sutcliffe Producer: Olivia SkinnerBex Lindsay's recommendations:The Ice Children by MG Leonard Foxlight by Katya Balen Sunshine Simpson Cooks Up a Storm by GM Linton The Football Encyclopaedia by Alex Bellos and Ben Lyttleton Luna Loves Christmas by Joseph Coelho Geoffrey Gets the Jitters by Nadia Shireen The Wonder Brothers by Frank Cottrell-Boyce

Simon and Rachel speak with the author and screenwriter Frank Cottrell-Boyce. "Millions", his debut children's novel, published in 2004, won the CILIP Carnegie Medal. He is also the author of "Noah's Gold", "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Flies Again", "Cosmic", "Framed", "The Astounding Broccoli Boy" and "Runaway Robot". His books have been shortlisted for numerous other prizes, including the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize, the Whitbread Children's Fiction Award (now the Costa Book Award) and the Roald Dahl Funny Prize. Along with Danny Boyle, Frank also devised the Opening Ceremony for the London Olympics in 2012. He has written for the hit TV series "Dr Who" and was the screenwriter for films including "Goodbye Christopher Robin" and "Millions". We spoke to Frank about his career as a screenwriter - moving from soap operas to feature films - his work on the Olympic Opening Ceremony, and his new novel, "The Wonder Brothers". “Always Take Notes: Advice From Some Of The World's Greatest Writers” - a book drawing on our podcast interviews - is published by Ithaka Press on October 12th. You can order it via Amazon, Bookshop.org, Hatchards or Waterstones. You can find us online at ⁠alwaystakenotes.com⁠, on Twitter @takenotesalways and on Instagram @alwaystakenotes. Our crowdfunding page is ⁠patreon.com/alwaystakenotes⁠. Always Take Notes is presented by Simon Akam and Rachel Lloyd, and produced by Artemis Irvine. Our music is by Jessica Dannheisser and our logo was designed by James Edgar.

Welcome to Meets, the podcast where we meet a whole bunch of lovely people! This week, Bex has been chatting to Frank Cottrell-Boyce about his new book, The Wonder Brothers! Frank's eager to chat all things magic, naming his favourite magicians and telling Bex all about his love for Blackpool! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kathryn Ferguson, director of the documentary feature Nothing Compares, pays tribute to Sinéad O'Connor whose death was announced today. The film explores the five years at the start of Sinéad O'Connor's career. Before appearing at the Edinburgh Fringe many performers hone their acts in a series of previews round the country. How does road-testing the shows prepare them for the festival? To discuss, we're joined by experienced comedian Paul Sinha, by Ned Blackburn - producer of a student revue at the Fringe for the first time, and by the artistic director of the Clapham Omnibus Theatre, Marie McCarthy, who is running a season of previews. Frank Cottrell-Boyce's new book The Wonder Brothers tells of two young aspiring magicians who witness the disappearance of Blackpool Tower and vow to get it back. Efua Traoré was frustrated by the lack of diversity in children's books so decided to write her own. In her latest, One Chance Dance, the hero Jomi heads to Lagos to audition for his missing mother's favourite television dance show so she will spot him. Frank and Efua discuss the magical appeal of pre-teen literature. Presenter: Tom Sutcliffe Producer: Harry Parker

Hello you book lovers! This week, Bex is chatting to author Frank Cottrell-Boyce about his new book, The Wonder Brothers. What happens when a magician makes a tower disappear? Well, three cousins have to use their own magic to try and bring it back! Frank tells us his favourite magicians, what he loves about magic, and what he loves about the locations in the book. From Blackpool to Vegas, the kids have been through a lot to get the tower back!  Bex crowns her July Book of the Month, and we've got a new release to recommend to you, featuring a pigeon called David and a multiplying cat... Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We'll talk about a different theme each week....and this week we are taking a look at history books. Today's Chris Mason is joined by special guest Greg Jenner, a historian and historical consultant to CBBC show Horrible Histories, and is the author of four books, including ‘You Are History: From the Alarm Clock to the Toilet, the Amazing History of the Things You Use Every Day'. We will be joined every week of the school summer holidays by the author Frank Cottrell Boyce and librarian Jennifer Horan. Join us next week for books about nature and climate. You can find all of our recommendations on our Twitter @bbcR4Today and Instagram and Threads - both @bbctodayprogramme.

After the controversy around changes made to Roald Dahl's stories, Tortoise speaks to author Frank Cottrell-Boyce about whether children's books are taken seriously enough. Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism. For early access and ad-free listening subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts or join Tortoise for £60 a year.As a member you'll also get our newsletters and tickets to live events. Just go to tortoisemedia.com/slowdown.If you'd like to further support slow journalism and help us build a different kind of newsroom, do consider donating to Tortoise at tortoisemedia.com/support-us.Your contributions allow us to investigate, campaign and explore, and to build a newsroom that is responsible and sustainable. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How did an estimated 900 million people come to witness Her Majesty the Queen apparently parachuting from a helicopter with James Bond? Frank Cottrell-Boyce who wrote the scene for the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games explains how it came about. Josephine McDermott hears how corgis, a clothes line and the Queen's dresser all played important parts. (Photo: The moment the Queen and James Bond appeared to jump out of a helicopter above the Olympic Stadium in London. Credit: Getty Images)

Welcome to our first Backlisted special of 2023. Today we're joined by the award-winning novelist and screenwriter Frank Cottrell-Boyce, an official friend of Backlisted, who returns for the first time since his appearance on the Christmas 2021 episode on The Railway Children by Edith Nesbit, one of our most popular shows. These specials are designed to fill the gap until the show proper returns in April. They differ from the usual Backlisted format in that they feature just one guest choosing a number of books in an area they know and care about. The discussion covers examines what inspired Frank's love of reading when he was growing up, and includes favourite books by T.H. White, Ursula K. Le Guin, Joan Aiken, Tim Hunkin and Richmal Crompton. * To purchase any of the books mentioned in this episode please visit our bookshop at uk.bookshop.org/shop/backlisted where all profits help to sustain this podcast and UK independent bookshops. * For information about everything mentioned in this episode visit www.backlisted.fm *If you'd like to support the show, listen without adverts, receive the show early and with extra bonus fortnightly episodes, become a Patreon at www.patreon.com/backlisted Image Credit: Archives New Zealand from New Zealand, CC BY-SA 2.0

In a special programme to mark the death of Pope Benedict XVI, Edward Stourton and guests discuss the life and legacy of the gentle German academic who became the spiritual leader of 1.3 billion Catholics all over the world. The 95-year-old Pope Emeritus, who stood down almost a decade ago due to his poor health, died at the Mater Ecclesiae monastery within the walls of the Vatican, where he had lived during his final years. He led the Catholic Church for fewer than eight years but is considered by many to be one of the most influential religious leaders of modern times. He defended Catholic teaching fearlessly, speaking out against what he called "the dictatorship of relativism", and produced deeply moving spiritual writings. In a special programme, Edward Stourton looks back at his life and pontificate and assesses the impact of his resignation in 2013 - the first by a Pope since Gregory XII in 1415 - and looks ahead to the impact his death will have on his successor Pope Francis. Edward remembers Pope Benedict's UK visit with the screenwriter Frank Cottrell Boyce, who helped organise it, and one of the young Catholics who met the Pope when he came to Birmingham. And he assesses Benedict's lasting impact on the Catholic Church and the wider world with an expert panel of British Catholics and the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams. Presented by Edward Stourton. Produced by Julia Paul and Katy Booth. Editor: Helen Grady.

Nikki Bedi and Richard Coles are joined by comedian, writer, presenter and disability rights campaigner Sally Phillips whose career covers some of the most successful British comedies of all time, including I'm Alan Partridge and Miranda, as well as Hollywood movies like Bridget Jones. Her new series My Life At Christmas features interviews with big name stars to find out what Christmas means to them. Nadiyka Gerbish joins live from Ukraine to talk about how her country celebrates Christmas, especially with the constant threat of blackouts. Alex Pine tells us about his career as a bestselling crime writer, heavily influenced by his early life as a street trader which featured many brushes with the law. Scotty Mills is the highest-ranking black officer in the history of the Royal Marines and led Britain's Commandos around the world, before going on to a career which has included being an author, inspiring others with his approach to leadership, and advising the England men's football team, playing a huge part in their recent success. This week's Inheritance Tracks come from Hollywood actor Kate Hudson who stars in the new film Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. Kate chooses Bruce Springsteen's The Promise and Bob Dylan's Simple Twist of Fate. And we have a special Thank You from screenwriter and children's author Frank Cottrell Boyce. Producer: Tim Bano and Annette Wells

In the coming weeks and months, the Today programme is trying to do its bit to highlight some of the great children's writing - and we want your help. There was a massive response to that interview with Frank Cottrell Boyce, the author of Millions, on Tuesday, and some of you were in touch to tell us about the Carnegie Medal for Writing. There is also a Carnegie Medal for Illustration. Today's Amol Rajan spoke to Katya Balen, the winner of the 2022 Carnegie medal for children's writing for her book "October, October" (IMAGE CREDIT: Laurence Coss / BBC)

With Christmas fast approaching, many people will be scouring book shops hunting for the perfect gift. However finding a book for a young person may be more of a challenge than people think. This is because of the lack of media attention given to children's books in comparison to books for adults. Todays Mishal Husain spoke to Frank Cottrell Boyce, the author of Millions, along with Robin Stevens, who previously worked in publishing before writing the Murder Most Unladylike children's series. By:Coss, Laurence Credit :BBC Location :GB Copyright : BBC

**Contains outrageous spoilers about the recent Bond film No Time to Die**There are few cultural phenomena that rival the impact, reach and longevity of either The Beatles or James Bond. That both made their first significant impact on the public consciousness on the same day 5 October 1962 — with the release of the Beatles' first record “Love Me Do' and Dr. No the first James Bond film — was a significant enough piece of synchronicity for John Higgs to begin an investigation into the decades-long dance between two very different visions of the world, of Britain, of masculinity of art, of love and — inevitably — of death.Buy Love and Let Die here: https://www.shakespeareandcompany.com/product/6267356/higgs-john-love-and-let-die*SUBSCRIBE NOW FOR BONUS EPISODESLooking for Friends of Shakespeare and Company read Ulysses? https://podfollow.com/sandcoulyssesIf you want to spend even more time at Shakespeare and Company, you can now subscribe for regular bonus episodes and early access to Friends of Shakespeare and Company read Ulysses.Subscribe on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/sandcoSubscribe on Apple Podcasts here: https://podcasts.apple.com/fr/podcast/shakespeare-and-company-writers-books-and-paris/id1040121937?l=enAll money raised goes to supporting “Friends of Shakespeare and Company” the bookshop's non-profit, created to fund our noncommercial activities—from the upstairs reading library, to the writers-in-residence program, to our charitable collaborations, and our free events.*John Higgs is a writer who specialises in finding previously unsuspected narratives, hidden in obscure corners of our history and culture, which can change the way we see the world. In the words of MOJO magazine, “Reading John Higgs is like being shot with a diamond. Suddenly everything becomes terrifyingly clear”. The Times agreed, saying that “Higgs's prose has a diamond-hard quality. He knows how to make us relate.” “A while ago I decided to read anything Higgs writes,” said Frank Cottrell Boyce, “He seems to be able to take any subject — pop music, Watling Street, conspiracy theories, robotics — and poke at it until it yields up its secrets.” Russell Brand described him succinctly as “a great writer […] who pulls shit together in an interesting way.”Adam Biles is Literary Director at Shakespeare and Company. Buy a signed copy of his novel FEEDING TIME here: https://shakespeareandcompany.com/S/9781910296684/feeding-timeListen to Alex Freiman's Play It Gentle here: https://open.spotify.com/album/4gfkDcG32HYlXnBqI0xgQX?si=mf0Vw-kuRS-ai15aL9kLNA&dl_branch=1 Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RETRO RHLSTP #51 Googling Colin Firth - Richard is back at the Liverpool Playhouse, making his annual proclamation to fight any University lecturer in the vicinity. His guest is screen-writer, author and Olympic ceremony writer, Frank Cottrell-Boyce, who may be the most charming and awe inspiring man who has ever lived and also seems to be obsessed with robots (pervert).They chat about art theft, how to keep writing with seven kids, how big breaks can come by chance on coffee breaks, impressing priests in Cannes, the amazing destiny of every Duke of York, why the Amish hate buttons, the killer instinct that led to one of the greatest University Challenge performances of all time, writing one of the best loved (as well as one of the least loved) episodes of Doctor Who, plus the amazing story of how the Queen appeared in the opening ceremony of the Olympics and how the Scum nearly ruined the surprise.A truly illuminating and inspiring chat between one of the greatest writers in the UK and the winner of the Carnegie medal.SUPPORT THE SHOW!Check out our website http://rhlstp.co.ukSee details of the RHLSTP tour dates http://richardherring.com/gigsBuy DVDs and Books at http://gofasterstripe.com Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/rhlstp. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Written by Frank Cottrell Boyce and produced by Andrew Eaton, Code 46 stars Tim Robbins as William Geld, a fraud investigator who travels to Shanghai to interview the employees of The Sphinx, a company that produces letters of transit. Meanwhile, Samantha Morton plays Maria Gonzalez, the forger of these papers. The two have a connection... a very deep connection... which will eventually doom their relationship. Jedidiah Ayres and Dylan Davis join Mike to discuss this interesting science fiction tale.

Written by Frank Cottrell Boyce and produced by Andrew Eaton, Code 46 stars Tim Robbins as William Geld, a fraud investigator who travels to Shanghai to interview the employees of The Sphinx, a company that produces letters of transit. Meanwhile, Samantha Morton plays Maria Gonzalez, the forger of these papers. The two have a connection... a very deep connection... which will eventually doom their relationship. Jedidiah Ayres and Dylan Davis join Mike to discuss this interesting science fiction tale.

Professor Joseph Nye, who served in the Clinton and Carter administrations, came up with the term 'soft power' over thirty years ago, to describe a means of increasing international influence not through military or economic force but through attraction and persuasion. At that point, with the Cold War coming to an end, the United States was undoubtedly the world's true soft power super-power, pushing its political values across the globe through a mixture of diplomacy and both popular and consumer culture. Since then, of course, much has changed, and Professor Nye considers how instances such as the invasion of Iraq in 2003, the isolationism of Donald Trump and the widespread reporting of mass shootings have tarnished America's soft power, while other countries both democratic and authoritarian have sought to push their own soft power credentials through music, sport and language. Nye talks with Gavin Esler about the role of soft power during the dying days of the Cold War, and Tony Blair's efforts to corral the UK's leading cultural figures in a bid to bolster its own soft power potential. Professor Ngaire Woods describes the importance of making sure soft power is implemented effectively in order to maintain a united front against Russia in Ukraine. Maria Repnikova charts the varying fortunes of China and South Korea in their sustained efforts to extend their influence through soft power, and Frank Cottrell Boyce recalls the soft-power messages around, for example, the NHS and same-sex relationships that helped re-invent the image of Britain across the world. Produced by Geoff Bird

Frank Cottrell-Boyce is a screenwriter and novelist. He is best known for his screenplays for 24 Hour Party People, Welcome to Sarajevo and others, his award–winning children's books, including Millions, and for being the writer of the 2012 Olympic opening ceremony, one of many collaborations with his friend, Danny Boyle. He speaks about his sacramental faith, the place of forgiveness in society, and what he sees as the writer's calling. We had a few sound issues with this recording but we hope you agree it is still well worth listening to. Read the full transcript here: https://www.theosthinktank.co.uk/comment/2022/05/04/frank-cottrellboyce-on-wonder-forgiveness-and-the-writers-calling

Celebrated screenwriter and author Frank Cottrell-Boyce sits down with Danny and Phil this week, and reveals a completely remarkable fact about his body that has caused concerned strangers to stop him in the street. He also covers what it’s like having fantastic biceps, being the shortest man in his family, and the day he knew he’d never be a professional athlete. Something both Danny and Phil knew the day they were born. As ever, email us on hello@assemblehere.co.uk, find us on Twitter @assemblehere and if you review us, let us know the thing about your body you’d give five stars! Don’t forget you can subscribe to our twice-weekly newsletter, packed with stories and useful stuff, at assemblehere.co.uk.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.