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Episode 65 (01/05/25) On this episode - Greg's pal starring in the new reality dating show ‘Cheat: Unfinished Business', an attempt to name all the Star Wars movies in chronological order, the history of the Blue Riband bar, the second episode of our new Chat GPT generated radio play ‘The Depot', Greg's grandad's contribution to WW2, a guess the Blue Peter animal quiz, the disgusting right wing conspiracy news publication “The Light”, the works and life of Pauline Quirke in ‘Barry's Masters of Comedy'(with “impressions”), our improvised soap opera ‘Aylesbury Market', a dead celebrity seance, recommendations, Future Greg and a whole lot more!
Matt and Luke board the TV Time Machine for one final time in 1999 to review 4 not so festive treats from December. Firstly, Martin Clunes stars in an off-kilter comedy drama about the inner workings of a shock TV show entitled 'Sex And Death' Then, there's the only Christmassy-sounding show, in BBC One's sort of family drama Last Christmas starring Pauline Quirke and Ray Winstone. Then, the pair examine the evolution of Graham Norton by looking back at his first Christmas Show as part of So Graham Norton on Channel 4. Lastly, the barely known comedy duo Matt Lucas and David Walliams get their first shot at TV with UK Play's Rock Profile in which the pair play over-the-top versions of Pop stars such as George Michael, the lads from Steps and Michael Jackson and his ever-loyal friend Elizabeth Taylor. Also, Matt tests Luke's music knowledge for the final time with the Christmas Chart of December 99 where Cliff Richard's The Millennium Prayer is still hanging around!
In this podcast episode, we dive into the iconic British sitcom Birds of a Feather, which first aired in 1989 and became an instant hit with audiences across the UK. The show follows the lives of Sharon and Tracey, two sisters who find themselves living together in Essex after their husbands are imprisoned for armed robbery. We'll explore how the show became a staple of British television, delivering laughs and warmth over the course of more than 12 years on air, plus a reboot. Pauline Quirke and Linda Robson brought undeniable chemistry and comedic timing to the show, making their characters feel relatable and beloved. We'll delve into how their roles evolved over the series, capturing the complexities of sibling relationships and life's ups and downs. The episode also examines the role of their posh, eccentric neighbor, Dorien, played by Lesley Joseph, whose flamboyant lifestyle added a new layer of humor and chaos. Dorien quickly became an audience favorite, with her unapologetic attitude and witty one-liners. Her interactions with Sharon and Tracey provided some of the show's most memorable moments, and we'll analyze how her character broke stereotypes and added a layer of satire to the show's portrayal of suburban life. Talk2TheHand is an independent throwback podcast run by husband and wife, Jimmy and Beth. Obsessed with 90s nostalgia and 90s celebrities, we'll rewind the years and take you back to the greatest era of our lives. New episodes bursting with nostalgia of the 90s released on Tuesdays. Please subscribe to our podcast and we'll keep you gooey in 1990s love. Find us on Twitter @talk2thehandpod or email us at jimmy@talk2thehand.co.uk or beth@talk2thehand.co.uk
With the international break on the horizon, join "The Data Day" for our Premier League Review Matchday 8, as the title race got thrown wide open following late drama at the Emirates with Arsenal taking the victory over Manchester City. Matt Furniss, Ollie Hopkins and Graham Bell dive a little deeper into that game as part of our Premier League Review Matchday 8, as well as looking at the rest of the weekend's action, where it's good times for Chelsea and Everton, but there are some concerns growing for Bournemouth and Sheffield United. And the Pauline Quirke quiz might sound very familiar this week. But trust us, it's a completely different question. And it even goes down to a penalty shootout...but who will out on top? Don't forget to follow Opta Analyst across social media. X (formerly known as Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/OptaAnalyst Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheOptaAnalyst Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/OptaAnalyst TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/OptaAnalyst YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OptaAnalystshorts Also remember to rate, review, subscribe and share 'The Data Day' on your favourite podcast platforms.
Whether it was glut of goals or entertaining encounters, the weekend's action certainly had it all. So join us on the latest episode of "The Data Day" for the Premier League Review: Matchday 6, bringing you all the need to know stories. Matt Furniss, Ali Tweedale and Graham Bell are in the hot seat for our Premier League Review: Matchday 6, looking at the biggest wins in the competition's history and what made Newcastle's 8-0 triumph over Sheffield United unique. We also reflect on the first north London derby of the season and why it's still a tough time for Chelsea and the three newly-promoted sides. The show ends with possibly the best Pauline Quirke quiz yet. Trust us, you'll be scratching your heads to come up with some of the answers. Don't forget to follow Opta Analyst across social media. X (formerly known as Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/OptaAnalyst Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheOptaAnalyst Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/OptaAnalyst TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/OptaAnalyst YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OptaAnalystshorts Also remember to rate, review, subscribe and share 'The Data Day' on your favourite podcast platforms.
Back from the international break, "The Data Day" returns with our Premier League Review: Matchday 5, which heavily features a look at the late goals that have dominated the 2023-24 Premier League season so far. We raised it as a potential "Talking Point" heading into the season but our panel of Matt Furniss, David Segar and Graham Bell probably didn't quite foresee the impact it would have on the games so far. We also take a look at the rest of the action as part of our Premier League Review: Matchday 5, reflecting on "The Good, The Bad and The Quirky". No surprises that Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea feature but in what order? And the Pauline Quirke quiz rounds off another show, it's a particularly tricky teaser but can Graham finally pick up his first victory in the podcast's history? You can look forward to the week's Champions League action with a host of features on Opta Analyst, including the eight hidden gems that you should be keeping your eye on this season. And don't forget to follow Opta Analyst across social media. X (formerly known as Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/OptaAnalyst Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheOptaAnalyst Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/OptaAnalyst TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/OptaAnalyst YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OptaAnalystshorts Also remember to rate, review, subscribe and share 'The Data Day' on your favourite podcast platforms.
In this episode we watch the long running and 129 episode deep Birds of a Feather. Another female led comedy showcasing the acting prowess of Pauline Quirke along side childhood friend Linda Robson and larger than life Lesley Joseph. This series certainly looked to exceed expectations with similarities to some of our best loved shows, but will it be able to keep up the pace through its many series? Listen to our take on this classic to find out
Harriet Watson (Super Swing in Six) co-hosts The West End Frame Show!Andrew and Harriet discuss: The Great British Bake Off Musical (Noel Coward Theatre), The King & I (UK Tour, Wycombe Swan) and Public (Vaults Festival) as well as the latest news about casting for Everybody's Talking About Jamie, the release date for the Wicked movie and lots more. Harriet's theatre credits include: Closer Than Ever (Edinburgh Fringe Festival), Mismatched (Old Red Lion) and The Jungle Book (Tabard) as well as playing Pauline Quirke in Early Birds (Edinburgh Fringe Festival).Harriet recently completed her three-and-a-half year reign with Six The Musical. She originally joined the UK & Ireland tour as dance captain and the alternate Seymour and Parr, but went on to go on for all six queens. After finishing the tour a year ago, Harriet became a universal super swing for both the West End and touring productions, regularly performing in London at the Vaudeville. Harriet is the co-creator of the You're A Gem identity bracelets. Visit @you.re.a.gem on Instagram to put in your orders.Follow Harriet on Instagram: @harrietwatson92Hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.
In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Tony Grounds (@tony.grounds) Tony Grounds (born in East London) is a British playwright and screenwriter, who has worked extensively in television. Described by The Independent as "the best TV writer of his generation", Grounds has written for all four of Britain's main channels. He started writing for the theatre, winning the Verity Bargate Award for Made in Spain. There then followed stints on EastEnders and The Bill before he penned episodes of 'Chancer', which starred Clive Owen. Grounds created and wrote Gone to the Dogs starring Jim Broadbent, Alison Steadman, Warren Clarke and Harry Enfield. It was nominated for a Writers Guild Award. He wrote Gone to Seed, in which Peter Cook made his final dramatic appearance. The single film Our Boy with Ray Winstone and Pauline Quirke won Tony International Acclaim winning the Munich International Drama Award. He wrote Sex and Chocolate for Dawn French before writing the award-winning and BAFTA nominated Births Marriages & Deaths, once again starring Ray Winstone. Grounds wrote a one-off episode for BBC Drama, Our Girl, starring Michelle Keegan. Following its success, the BBC commissioned 5 further episodes. Apart from writing the series, Grounds was also executive producer of the series together with Caroline Skinner. Grounds is special advisor for Save the Children and ran the London Marathon with Lee Evans in 2010. He is also a supporter of West Ham United F.C. and often refers to the East London club in his plays and works. To Support this podcast from as little as £3 per month: www.patreon/ministryofarts For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.orgEmail: ministryofartsorg@gmail.comSocial Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mike Parry and Lesley-Ann Jones return to celebrate liberation day with the latest look at life on Planet Porky!They discuss: having freedoms back, the new pub culture, hugging relatives, Prince Harry taking another swipe at his family, levelling up, the allure of the major cities, Stevie Wonder, being blind, confiding in your cab driver, illicit sexual encounters between married philanderers, Porky's secret hotel liaison, Gladys Eva, Pauline Quirke and Linda Robson's fall out, how headlines can skew the real story, Baroness Boycott, the business acumen of Richard Desmond, and the troubled upbringing of Julian Lennon. Here's to liberation folks! Follow the show on Twitter: @PlanetPorky or Mike is: @MikeParry8 while you can find Lesley-Ann: @LAJwriter.Or you can email us questions or comments to: planetporkypod@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you!
For this episode, we're joined by Andrew Screen, writer of a forthcoming book about Nigel Kneale's anthology series Beasts to talk about that, and its predecessor, Murrain, which is for obvious reasons very close to Howard's heart. Join us for a discussion of how great a terse character description can be, the truth about the farmer's name in Murrain, and what Pauline Quirke has to do with a talking Mongoose called Gef. Andrew was also kind enough to send us pictures (taken by Julian Jones) of the locations from Murrain as they are now, a couple of which you can see here.
As the 2018 Edinburgh Fringe gets under way, Ewan introduces Paul Levy to the team, Paul Levy talks to the team behind the new PQA venue, and friend of the parish Ian Kendall has a traditional tale to tell.
And the secrets are out for the Pauline Quirke Academy in Harrogate… we’re hearing from parents whose children attend on what PQA is REALLY like. https://www.strayfm.com/news/family/2424779/this-could-boost-your-childs-confidence/
Michel Houellebecq's controversial sixth novel Submission is set in 2022 and depicts France ruled by sharia law under an Islamic president who has the stated aim of converting the whole of Europe to Islam. Part satire, part science fiction, does Hoeullebecq remain the "enfant terrible" of contemporary French literature? Oscar and Golden Globe nominated film "Tangerines" is a beautifully eloquent statement for peace and the futility of bloodshed over racial and ethnic division. Set in the 1992 it features two tangerine growing Estonian farmers caught up in the conflict between Georgia and Abkhazian separatists. It is directed by award winning Georgian film maker Zaza Urushadze The Ey Exhibition: The World Goes Pop at the Tate Modern shows how 60's and 70's pop art extended beyond America and Britain and dealt with more issues than consumerism, issues which include social imbalances, censorship, sexual liberation, war and civil rights. Rob Lowe and Pauline Quirke star in a new Sky 1 comedy drama "You, Me and The Apocalypse," where the characters are forced to confront imminent extinction from an 8 mile wide comet hurtling towards earth. What would you do if you were told there were only 34 days before oblivion? And Martin McDonagh's first UK play in ten years, Hangmen, receives its World Premiere at the Royal Court in London, and tells the fictional story of a rival to the well known hangman Albert Pierrepoint. How does Britain's second best-known executioner respond to the news that the British government is abolishing capital punishment?
Wiggle your behind in a rhythmic manner, with YOUR feedback via social media, email and Daisy Duke shorts, Random Acts Of Irrational Annoyance, Kev has a challenge for Mr C, and we mentally download important cultural info from ShortList's Phil Hilton.Go enjoy the gyrations of @iancollinsuk and @sideshow_kev on Twitter - and be an early adopter of @wantsaword - it'll be worth it.
Libby Purves meets actor Pauline Quirke who is probably best known for the BBC comedy series 'Birds of a Feather' playing loveable loud-mouth Sharon Theodopolopodous. Her first acting role was in Dixon of Dock Green and most recently she appeared in 'Emmerdale'. She has also set up the Pauline Quirke Academy, teaching acting to young people. Her book, 'Where Have I Gone?' is published by Bantam Press. Shelley Bridgman is a psychotherapist and stand-up comedian who recently won the first ever Silver Stand Up comedy award for the over 55s at the Leicester Comedy Festival and Palestinian director Amir Nizar Zuabi who is directing 'A Comedy of Errors' as part of the World Shakespeare Festival. Photographer Dennis Morris started taking photographs as a young boy and at eleven had one of his photographs printed on the front page of the Daily Mirror. In his book Growing Up Black, he charts not just the history of the black British experience but Britain itself, capturing intimate moments within the black community and domestic life in 1960s and 70s Hackney, East London, where he lived. Growing Up Black is published by Autograph ABP. Producer: Paula McGinley.
Kirsty Young's castaway is the drama teacher Anna Scher. It's more than forty years since she set up her theatre school and it has launched the careers of Kathy Burke, Martin Kemp, Pauline Quirke and Patsy Palmer to name just a few. It started out as a lunchtime drama club - and very quickly grew. Anna Scher says: "There were enormous classes - about seventy in a class - and a lot of those pupils were non-readers and so I fell into improvisation by chance. I found that it was a very effective way of character training." Producer: Leanne Buckle
Kirsty Young's castaway is the drama teacher Anna Scher. It's more than forty years since she set up her theatre school and it has launched the careers of Kathy Burke, Martin Kemp, Pauline Quirke and Patsy Palmer to name just a few. It started out as a lunchtime drama club - and very quickly grew. Anna Scher says: "There were enormous classes - about seventy in a class - and a lot of those pupils were non-readers and so I fell into improvisation by chance. I found that it was a very effective way of character training." Producer: Leanne Buckle
Frank Emily and Gareth talk survival and find out why Gareth thinks Pauline Quirke is on the up! Plus why Frank may need to start calling David Furnish Mum.
BBC TV's Birds Of A Feather is one of the country's favourite comedy programmes, attracting audiences of 14 or 15 million on a Sunday evening. This week, one of its co-stars, Pauline Quirke, will be cast well away from Chigwell as she prepares to set sail for Radio 4's desert island.Known more famously perhaps as Sharon of Sharon 'n' Tracey, she'll be talking to Sue Lawley about her poor upbringing in London's East End, her first role as a child arsonist at the age of 10 in Dixon of Dock Green and her most recent appearance as a 22-stone putative murderess in The Sculptress.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor Book: Crying With Laughter by Bob Monkhouse Luxury: Shampoo
BBC TV's Birds Of A Feather is one of the country's favourite comedy programmes, attracting audiences of 14 or 15 million on a Sunday evening. This week, one of its co-stars, Pauline Quirke, will be cast well away from Chigwell as she prepares to set sail for Radio 4's desert island. Known more famously perhaps as Sharon of Sharon 'n' Tracey, she'll be talking to Sue Lawley about her poor upbringing in London's East End, her first role as a child arsonist at the age of 10 in Dixon of Dock Green and her most recent appearance as a 22-stone putative murderess in The Sculptress. [Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor Book: Crying With Laughter by Bob Monkhouse Luxury: Shampoo