Podcast appearances and mentions of Steve Punt

A new exhibition at London's National Gallery hopes to shed light on artists in 14th Century Siena, who have often been overshadowed by their Tuscan neighbours in Florence. Samira is joined in the studio by one of the curators, Imogen Tedbury, and by Maya Corry, a Renaissance expert from Oxford Brookes University to discuss the astonishing colours and use of gold by artists like Duccio, the Lorenzetti brothers and Simone Martini. The death has been announced of Bill Dare, the creator of Radio 4's The Now Show and Dead Ringers. He nurtured new writers and performers including David Baddiel, Rob Newman, Hugh Dennis and Steve Punt, of The Mary Whitehouse Experience as well as the comedian Jon Holmes, who explains how they first met. Haitian filmmaker Raoul Peck, best-known for his Oscar and BAFTA nominated documentary about James Baldwin 'I Am Not Your Negro', discusses his latest film 'Ernest Cole: Lost and Found', about the brief life of a young South African photographer who had to flee his homeland in 1968 to publish his book of photos which exposed the horrors of apartheid to the world.The Booker and Oscar-nominated writer Colum McCann discusses his thrilling new novel Twist, a dive in to the dark depths of the modern human condition set on board a ship repairing the fragile cables which connect us on the ocean floor. Presenter: Samira Ahmed Producer: Claire Bartleet

In our Christmas podcast this year we look at the radio episode Bill and Father Christmas which was broadcast between the fifth and sixth radio series.   The gang consider the roles of Hattie, Sid and Hancock in this episode and how they all appear in a role reversal of their usual characterisations.  They discuss the fantastic performance from Hattie Jacques in this, her final Hancock's Half Hour and look at the brilliant contribution from Warren Mitchell. The team consider the deep philosophical references in this episode and discuss, in detail, the use of duck sound effects in Hancock's Half Hour! Don't forget to rate and subscribe to the podcast.  And if you haven't done so already, why not join the Tony Hancock Appreciation Society – full details of how to join are at www.tonyhancock.org.uk   We have events planned – Steve Punt (subject to commitments) will be one of the guests at our event at Hancock's local The Red Barn in the Spring and we are planning an event in Solihull in September 2025.  We'd love to welcome you as a member and see you at our events. In addition, screenings of Hancock's TV episodes on the big screen continue at the Riverside Studios in Hammersmith.   We'll be back in the Spring with more Hancock reviews and special guest stars.  In the meantime, we wish all our listeners a merry Christmas and Happy New Year – do enjoy your turkey feet and chips.  We hope that you will be able to join us again next year.

In this episode, Tim, Jon and Martin look at the fifth television series episode The Two Murderers. The team consider how this episode takes on the feel of a film noir, especially with regards to the lighting, look at the quality of Sid and Tony's acting throughout this episode and discuss the palpable sense of fear that both Hancock and James manage to portray. In a moment of light relief, the gang go on to practice how to eat egg and bacon with a spoon.   Tim, Jon and Martin are delighted to welcome Dick Fiddy, consultant with the British Film Institute (BFI) who discusses Hancock's legacy, BFI's Missing Believed Wiped campaign and considers what programmes have been influenced by Hancock, and the superb writing partnership of Ray Galton and Alan Simpson. Don't forget to rate and subscribe to the podcast.  And if you haven't done so already, why not join the Tony Hancock Appreciation Society – full details of how to join are at www.tonyhancock.org.uk   We have events planned – Steve Punt (subject to commitments) will be one of the guests at our event at Hancock's local The Red Barn in the Spring and we are planning an event in Solihull in September 2025.   In addition, screenings of Hancock's TV episodes on the big screen continue at the Riverside Studios in Hammersmith; we'd love to welcome you as a member and see you at our events. We'll be back with our festive edition with a look at the radio episode Bill and Father Christmas soon.  We hope that you will be able to join us then.  

In this episode, Tim, Jon, James and Martin review the fourth series radio episode The Expresso Bar. The team consider how coffee shops provided a theme for many of the radio episodes and how this theme reflected contemporary developments in the High Street. The Gang of Four explore all of the many topical references in this episode, debate how the episode title should be spelt and consider the brilliant contribution of Kenneth Williams over his five different roles. Don't forget to rate and subscribe to the podcast. And if you haven't done so already, why not join the Tony Hancock Appreciation Society - full details of how to join are at www.tonyhancock.org.uk We have events planned - Steve Punt (subject to commitments) will be one of the guests at our event at Hancock's local The Red Barn in the Spring and we are planning an event in Solihull in September 2025. We'd love to welcome you as a member and see you at our events. In addition, screenings of Hancock's TV episodes on the big screen continue at the Riverside Studios in Hammersmith. We'll be back with a look at the television episode The Two Murderers with our guest Dick Fiddy from the BFI. We hope that you will be able to join us then.

In this episode, Tim, James, Jon and Martin celebrate the 70th anniversary of Hancock's Half Hour with a look at the first series episode The New Car. The team consider how lucky we are that many of the first series survive because they were made available to overseas radio stations and how good a foil for Hancock Moira Lister was. The Gang of Four discuss how the episode provides a fascinating insight into 1950s life and how it showcases the brilliant writing of Galton & Simpson so early in the first series. Don't forget to rate and subscribe to the podcast.  And if you haven't done so already, why not join the Tony Hancock Appreciation Society – full details of how to join are at www.tonyhancock.org.uk  We have events planned – Steve Punt (subject to commitments) will be one of the guests at our event at Hancock's local The Red Barn in the Spring and we are planning an event in Solihull in September 2025.   In addition, screenings of Hancock's TV episodes on the big screen continue at the Riverside Studios in Hammersmith; we'd love to welcome you as a member and see you at our events. We'll be back with a look at the radio episode The Expresso Bar soon.  We hope that you will be able to join us then.

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis are on a mission from Beer to Eternity, in this warm and witty new podcast that celebrates new and half-remembered trivia as they try to find entertaining links between random places, people and things.Could you make your way from The Starship Enterprise to the Air Fryer, armed only with A-Level Economics and a Geography degree? Hugh Dennis is going to have to. While Steve Punt will have to pick his way across Africa, to find what links Machiavelli and Madagascar. Across the series, they'll be joined by guests including Ken Cheng, Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Isy Suttie and Marcus Brigstocke, on a scenic route which takes in Shampoo, The Gruffalo, Watford Gap Services and Yoghurt.Written and hosted by Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis With Jessica Fostekew Produced by Victoria Lloyd Recorded at Maple St. Creative Mixed by Jonathan LastA Listen Production for BBC Radio 4

The Now Show first aired on BBC Radio 4 in September 1998 and this week sees its last ever episode. Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis take a look back over the last 25 years, with help from the voices of Gemma Arrowsmith and Rory Bremner.They are joined by Glenn Moore investigating the Beijing Half Marathon scandal and Harriet Kemsley on the law firm who accidentally divorced the wrong couple. Plus, Jazz Emu looks to the future with an original song accompanied by his band Matt Hutson, Luke Bainbridge and Tom Marlow.The show was written by the cast with additional material from Mike Shephard, Cameron Loxdale, Carl Carzana and Christina Riggs.Producer: Sasha Bobak Executive Producer: Rich Morris Production Coordinator: Caroline BarlowA BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches. Starring Gareth Gwynn deep diving into the archives of the internet, Laura Lexx on Russ Cook's incredible Africa run, and an original song from Jon Long. Voices from Daniel Barker and Gemma Arrowsmith.The show was written by the cast with additional material from Zoë Tomalin, Cody Dahler, Adrian Gray and Peter TelloucheProducer: Sasha Bobak Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Production Coordinator: Caroline BarlowA BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches. Starring Jon Holmes on animals making headlines, Angela Barnes on theft and an original song from Jonny & the Baptists. With voices from Ed Jones and Róisín O'Mahony.The show was written by the cast with additional material from Tasha Dhanraj, Mike Shepard, Alex Bertulis-Fernandes and Peter Tellouche.Producer: Sasha Bobak Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Production Coordinator: Caroline BarlowA BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches. Starring Geoff Norcott on cynical advertising strategies, Rachel Fairburn on our nation's obsession with conspiracy theories and an original song from Rachel Parris. With voices from Jon Culshaw and Laura Shavin.The show was written by the cast with additional material from Cameron Loxdale, Tasha Dhanraj, Pravanya Pillay & Christina Riggs.Producer: Sasha Bobak Executive Producer: Rich Morris Production Coordinator: Caroline BarlowA BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.

Sam Jackson is Radio 3's relatively new controller - he's been in the job for just a year and, at 40, he's much younger than most of the station's listeners. Earlier this month he took the plunge and introduced a raft of changes to the schedule. This week on Feedback, he explains the thinking behind the changes and responds to listeners' comments. And The Now Show is no more. After 25 years, Radio 4's topical comedy staple ended last week. Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis join Andrea in the studio to look back over the past quarter of a century, unpick the nuances of political satire and talk through the BBC's decision to end the show. Presented by Andrea Catherwood Produced by Leeanne Coyle A Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis took their bow from BBC Radio 4's satirical news programme ‘The Now Show' last Friday after 25 years. Steve Punt discusses the last programme, the development and success of this long-running radio comedy show, the impact of our changing news consumption, political bias, radio comedy's evolution and the new podcast format and his plans for the future.“There was a little BBC drinks do afterwards. And as Hugh pointed out, it was literally just crisps. Someone had gone to Marks and Spencers and they bought one of every flavour of crisps. So, he made a little speech thanking the BBC for the magnificent spread.”To support our journalism and receive a weekly blog sign up now for £1.99 per month: www.patreon.com/BeebWatch/membership Or if you'd rather make a one off payment please use our crowdfunding page:https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/roger-boltons-beeb-watch-podcast @BeebRogeremail: roger@rogerboltonsbeebwatch.com Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches. Featuring Lucy Porter on Laura Kenny's retirement, Alasdair Beckett-King on the state of our nation's health and an original song from Mitch Benn. With voices from Ed Jones and Katie Norris.The show was written by the cast with additional material from Cody Dahler, Zoe Tomalin, Katie Sayer and Peter Tellouche.Producer: Sasha Bobak Executive Producer: James Robinson Production Coordinator: Caroline BarlowA BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.

Introducing Stories, Science & Secrets, a podcast by our friends Elaine and Matthew Sweetapple along with the comedian Steve Punt. Our fellow Brits! Follow a dog called Rockford and a boy called Moog on a fantastic adventure and learn all sorts of stuff that is too interesting for school!

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches. Featuring Marcus Brigstocke unpacking screen addiction and Ria Lina on the International Women's Day - Oscars overlap, and an original song from Ed MacArthur.The show was written by the cast with additional material from David Duncan, Aidan Fitzmaurice, Jade Gebbie and Christina Riggs.Voice Actors: Gemma Arrowsmith and Jason Forbes.Producer: Rajiv Karia Production Coordinator: Caroline BarlowA BBC Studios Production for Radio 4

Joining us today is the esteemed actor and comedian you'll no doubt know from shows like Mock the Week, Fleabag, Outnumbered - and even a few scenes of the latest James Bond film. It's the wonderful Hugh Dennis!Before heading back out on tour with Steve Punt for the first time in a decade, Hugh chats to Kate about the joys of letting your career dictate its path, how he found himself in the likes of Fleabag and James Bond, and the importance of finding your tribe.For all the latest news, click here to follow us on Instagram! ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches. Featuring Geoff Norcott looking in the proposal of a Minister for Men, Harriet Kemsley on Kim Jong Un's pleas to North Korea, and an original song from Peter Rugman.The show was written by the cast with additional material from Adrian Gray, Miranda Holms, Rajiv Karia, Cameron Loxdale and Laura Major.Voice Actors: Daniel Barker and Chiara Goldsmith.Producer: Rajiv Karia Production Coordinator: Katie BaumA BBC Studios Production for Radio 4

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches. They're joined by David Eagle unpacking the Advent, Jessica Fostekew looking into the repeal of the New Zealand smoking ban, and an original song from Archie Henderson, performed with Becky CJ.The show was written by the cast with additional material from Alex Garrick-Wright, Jade Gebbie, Rhiannon Shaw, Miranda Holms and Cody Dahler.Voice Actors: Jason Forbes and Lola-Rose Maxwell.Producer: Rajiv Karia Production Coordinator: Katie BaumA BBC Studios Production for Radio 4

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches. They're joined by Ria Lina looking into changes in the NHS, Fin Taylor on the Royals, and with an original song from Ed MacArthur.The show was written by the cast with additional material from Rachel E Thorn, Aidan Fitzmaurice, Joe Bates and Cody Dahler.Voice Actors: Joz Norris and Gemma Arrowsmith.Producer: Rajiv Karia Production Coordinator: Katie BaumA BBC Studios Production for Radio 4

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches. They are joined by Zoe Lyons, with some news of recent rare sightings, Pierre Novellie, exploring the latest in middle class crazes, and Jess Robinson, singing about the real stalwart of 10 Downing Street.The show was written by the cast with additional material from Mike Shephard, Tasha Dhanraj, David Duncan and Cody Dahler.Voice Actors: Jason Forbes & Roisin O'MahonyProducer: Sasha Bobak Production Coordinator: Katie BaumA BBC Studios Production for Radio 4

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches. They are joined by Alasdair Beckett-King who mourns his political heroes, Desiree Burch with a deep dive on fast fashion, and Huge Davies gives us his musical take on why AI might not be so bad after all.The show was written by the cast with additional material from Mike Shephard, Zoe Tomalin, Christina Riggs and Cody Dahler.Voice actors: Daniel Barker & Gemma ArrowsmithProducer: Sasha Bobak Production Coordinator: Katie BaumA BBC Studios Production for Radio 4

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches. They are joined by Ken Cheng who uses air fryers to help explain his frustration with the housing market, Helen Bauer arguing why school uniforms need to remain affordable, and Rachel Parris gives her musical take on what truly scares us at Halloween.The show was written by the cast with additional material from Cameron Loxdale, Tasha Dhanraj, Jules Garnett and Cody Dahler.Voice actors: Roisin O'Mahony & Ed JonesProducer: Sasha Bobak Production Coordinator: Katie BaumA BBC Studios Production for Radio 4

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches.

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches.

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches.

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches.

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches.

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches.

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches. They're joined by Jamie MacDonald, Lucy Porter and Ed MacArthur. Jamie MacDonald shares his experience of Disability History Month, Lucy Porter examines our increasingly secular population and Ed MacArthur is a PR consultant, rebranding famous faces. The show was written by the cast with additional material from Aidan Fitzmaurice, Zoe Tomalin, Rachel E. Thorn and Cameron Loxdale. Voice actors: George Fouracres and Lola-Rose Maxwell Sound: David Thomas Sound assistant: Guy Marley Executive Producer: Richard Morris Producer: Sasha Bobak Production Coordinator: Sarah Nicholls A BBC Studios Production

Hugh Dennis and Glenn Moore (standing in for Steve Punt) present the week via topical stand-up and sketches. They're joined by Alex Kealy, Athena Kugblenu and Ignacio Lopez. Athena Kugblenu looks at Shamima Begum's citizenship appeal, Alex Kealy walks us through crises in cryptocurrency and Ignacio Lopez is an England fan singing about the meaning of the World Cup. The show was written by Steve Punt and the cast with additional material from Simon Alcock, Alfie Packham, Vicky Richards and Jade Gebbie. Voice actors: Jason Forbes and Roisin O'Mahony Sound: David Thomas Executive Producer: Richard Morris Producer: Sasha Bobak Production Coordinator: Sarah Nicholls A BBC Studios Production

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches. They're joined by Alfie Brown, Lauren Pattison and Jess Robinson. Lauren Pattison takes us through Matt Hancock's jungle journey, Alfie Brown declares why "I Love Keir Starmer" and Jess Robinson sings us through what makes the perfect Christmas advert. The show was written by the cast with additional material from Sarah Campbell, Mike Shephard, Alex Garrick-Wright and Cameron Loxdale Voice actors: Luke Kempner and Stevie Martin Sound: David Thomas Executive Producer: Richard Morris Producer: Sasha Bobak Production Coordinator: Sarah Nicholls A BBC Studios Production

Steve Punt is joined by Gemma Arrowsmith (standing in for Hugh Dennis) to present the week via topical stand-up and sketches. They're joined by Catherine Bohart, Fin Taylor and Jazz Emu. Catherine Bohart wraps her head around the Elon Musk era at Twitter, Fin Taylor takes on the climate crisis, and Jazz Emu brings an original song that'll turn your art perspective upside-down. The show was written by the cast and Hugh Dennis with additional material from Tasha Dhanraj, Katie Storey, Carl Carzana and Cameron Loxdale. Voice actors: Gemma Arrowsmith and Daniel Barker Sound: David Thomas Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Producer: Rajiv Karia Production Coordinator: Sarah Nicholls A BBC Studios Production

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches. They're joined by Colin Hoult, Laura Lexx and Jordan Gray. Anna Mann (Colin Hoult) shares advice about the cost of living crisis, Laura Lexx looks ahead to Prince Harry's autobiography, and musical guest Jordan Gray debunks a controversy about Mr Potato Head. The show was written by the cast with additional material from Rebecca Bain, Laura Major, Nathan Cowley and Jade Gebbie. Voice actors: Luke Kempner and Katie Norris Sound: Marc Willcox & Gary Newman Executive Producer: James Robinson Producer: Rajiv Karia Production Coordinator: Sarah Nicholls A BBC Studios Production

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches. They're joined by Cally Beaton, Emmanuel Sonubi and Christy Coysh. Cally takes inspiration from primates, Emmanuel fights his news addiction and Christy delivers a ballad to a national icon. The show was written by the cast with additional material from Catherine Brinkworth, Alex Kealy, Peter Tellouche and Jade Gebbie. Voice actors: Gemma Arrowsmith and Ed Jones Sound: Marc Willcox & Gary Newman Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Producer: Rajiv Karia Production Coordinator: Sarah Nicholls A BBC Studios Production

Comedian and actor Hugh Dennis is best known for his appearances in every episode of Mock the Week over the past 18 years, for his brilliant performance in the multi award winning comedy Outnumbered and for playing Toby in Lee Mack's comedy, Not Going Out. He has co-hosted The Now Show on BBC Radio 4 with Steve Punt since 1998, now in it's 61st series. He also worked with Steve Punt on The Mary Whitehouse Experience on BBC Radio and TV alongside David Baddiel and Rob Newman. Hugh Dennis is guest number 243 on My Time Capsule and chats to Michael Fenton Stevens about the five things he'd like to put in a time capsule; four he'd like to preserve and one he'd like to bury and never have to think about again .Follow My Time Capsule on Twitter, Instagram & Facebook: @MyTCpod .Follow Michael Fenton Stevens on Twitter: @fentonstevens & Instagram @mikefentonstevens .Produced and edited by John Fenton-Stevens for Cast Off Productions .Music by Pass The Peas Music .Artwork by matthewboxall.com .This podcast is proud to be associated with the charity Viva! Providing theatrical opportunities for hundreds of young people. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eavesdroppers! We've got another Mysterious Mysteries episode for you and this week, we talk about mysterious bits & boats…   Michelle kicks it off this week by talking about metal. Not heavy metal but a weird metal wedge that was found on a beach in Romania near a pile of dinosaur bones. Why is it so special? Why is Michelle talking about aluminium production? And what's it got to do with aliens? Listen to find out. She then talks about a classic mysterious mystery that has been hanging around for 80s years: Who put Bella in the Wych Elm? You might not get any answers but Michelle gives you theories aplenty! And finally she wraps up by talking about wet patches… in particular, a sticky wet patch that materialized on the wall of the Martin's family home with supernatural consequences. Listen in to hear Geordie say ‘poltergoost'!   Geordie then talks about boats. In particular, the slightly crazed set of the film Fitzcarraldo… What's up with boats and that film? Was it slightly cursed? And why is Geordie talking about Mick Jagger? Listen to find out! She then talks about a proper mysterious mystery: the S.S Ourang Medan. In the 1940s, a Dutch ship set sail for Indonesia and never returned… What happened? Why was the boat full of wide-eyed corpses? Is it connected to WW2? And is it real or was it a ghost ship? You gotta listen if you want to know more!   We hope you enjoy this week's episode and remember, wherever you are, whatever you do, just keep Eavesdroppin'!   *Disclaimer: We don't claim to have any factual info about anything ever and our opinions are just opinions not fact, soooooorrrrrryyyyyyyy! Don't sue us!   Get in touch with your stories and listen, like, subscribe, share etc…  Or email us at hello@eavesdroppinpodcast.com      Listen here: www.eavesdroppinpodcast.com Or here:  https://podfollow.com/1539144364   WE ARE NOW ON PATREON :) Support your favourite podcast over on Patreon – you have to use this link to find us apparently, otherwise we get lost in the masses…  https://www.patreon.com/eavesdroppin   EAVESDROPPIN' ON SPOTIFY : https://open.spotify.com/show/3BKt2Oy4zfPCxI7LDOQLN4   APPLE PODCASTS : https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/eavesdroppin/id1539144364   GOOGLE PODCASTS : https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tL2VhdmVzZHJvcHBpbi9mZWVkLnhtbA?hl=en   YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqcuzv-EXizUo4emmt9Pgfw   Our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/eavesdroppinpodcast   Or wherever you normally listen…   #ourangmedan #mysteries #whoputbellainthewychelm #mysteriousmysteries #poltergeists #supernatural #aliens #objectofauid #waterdemons #reallife #fitzcarraldo #podcast #comedy  #comedypodcast #truestories #truelife #storytellingpodcast #eavesdroppin #eavesdroppinpodcast            SHOW LINKS   Want to know more about the weird piece of metal called the Object of Auid? https://www.ancient-code.com/15-things-you-should-know-about-the-aiud-aluminium-wedge/   Who put Bella in the which elm? No one knows but you can read more here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Who_put_Bella_in_the_Wych_Elm%3F   Listen to Steve Punt talk about the Who put Bella in the wych elm mystery: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04c9dfn   More on what the German Abwehr is: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abwehr   Mysterious mysteries unsolved!: https://www.thetravel.com/unsolved-mysteries-from-around-the-world/   Read more about what happened to the Martin family and their pesky water poltergeist: https://www.lightforcenetwork.com/forum/6/water-demon-haunt   Trailer for the 1981 German film Das Boot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEy027OfpZk   Here are 17 fun facts about Klaus Kinski: https://www.ranker.com/list/insane-klaus-kinski-facts/katia-kleyman   Nastassja Kinski wiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nastassja_Kinski   Trailer for the 1982 Werner Herzog film Fitzcarraldo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWeb7i8IjYs   The wiki all about the film Fitzcarraldo: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fitzcarraldo   And the wiki on Werner Herzog: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Werner_Herzog   Interesting article from the NY Times from 1982 on Fitzcarraldo: https://www.nytimes.com/1982/10/10/movies/herzog-s-fitzcarraldo-a-spectacle.html   Read about the mystery of the S.S Ourang Medan: https://www.historicmysteries.com/ourang-medan/   S.S Ourang Medan – real or ghost ship? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ourang_Medan   The Strait of Malacca – read more about this spooky stretch of water: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6711999/Strait-Malacca-hidden-dark-secrets-ghost-ships-undiscovered-treasure-pirates.html   What's granny p-o-r- nography? Find out here: https://eavesdroppinpodcast.com/podcast/42-porn-does-porn-shrink-your-brain-is-it-addictive-billie-eilish-what-happened-to-bambi-woods-and-linda-lovelace-more/   Simon Durante-Day wants a DNA test: https://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/lifestyle/who-is-simon-charles-doranteday-the-kings-alleged-love-child-wants-a-dna-test/news-story/ab5494520c27d6e4b3a14839d2ae24ae   Who's the daddy? Listen here to the episode where we discuss Charles' and Camilla's secret love child Simon Durante Day: https://eavesdroppinpodcast.com/podcast/42-whos-the-daddy-charles-camilla-ted-bundy-liv-tyler-steve-jobs-eric-clapton-jack-nicholson-more/   More on Lyn's Law, the No Body No Parole legislation in Australia: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/sep/20/lyns-law-nsw-to-enact-no-body-no-parole-rule-after-chris-dawson-conviction    

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches. They're joined by Cally Beaton, Emmanuel Sonubi and Christy Coysh. Cally takes inspiration from primates, Emmanuel fights his news addiction and Christy delivers a ballad to a national icon. The show was written by the cast with additional material from Catherine Brinkworth, Alex Kealy, Peter Tellouche & Jade Gebbie. Voice actors: Gemma Arrowsmith & Ed Jones Sound: Marc Willcox & Gary Newman Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Producer: Rajiv Karia Production Coordinator: Sarah Nicholls A BBC Studios Production

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches.

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches.

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches.

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis are joined by Katie Norris and Inel Tomlinson, with stand-up from Angela Barnes and David Eagle, and music from Matty Hutson.

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches.

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches.

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches in front of a remote audience - and all from their own home! Joining them for the final episode of the series and all from a safe distance is Janine Harouni, Jamie MacDonald with music supplied by Tim Sutton and Sooz Kempner. Voice Actors: Kieran Hodgson and Nimisha Odedra. Producer: Rajiv Karia Production Co-Ordinator: Sarah Sharpe BBC Studios Production

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches in the BBC's Radio Theatre in front of a remote audience. Joining them from a safe distance is Athena Kugblenu taking on MPs wages, and Geoff Norcott on must-see TV. This week's music is supplied by Huge Davies. Voice Actors: Emma Sidi and Jason Forbes Producer: Rajiv Karia Production Co-Ordinator: Sarah Sharpe BBC Studios Production

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches in front of a remote audience - and all from their own home! Joining them from a safe distance is Ria Lina taking on back-seat scientists, Josh Pugh pondering on dinosaur discoveries, and Beardyman playing us out with a jazzy ode to staying calm. Voice Actors: Luke Kempner and Natasha Hodgson Producer: Rajiv Karia Production Co-Ordinator: Sarah Sharpe BBC Studios Production

Steve Punt and Gareth Gwynn present the week via topical stand-up and sketches in front of a remote audience - and all from their own home! Joining them from a safe distance is Michael Spicer tackling non-sensical poiticians, Priya Hall wonders why we're experiencing shortages of pretty much everything and Igancio Lopez plays us out with a Bowie-inspired song about billionaires in space. Voice Actors: Luke Kempner and Karen Bartke. Producer: Pete Strauss & Rajiv Karia Production Co-Ordinator: Sarah Sharpe BBC Studios Production

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches from the BBC Radio Theatre in front of a remote audience. Joining them from a safe distance is Glenn Moore talking about returning back to the office, Daliso Chaponda on the future of the Metaverse and Stiff & Kitsch with a song about all the things we can now worry about again now the pandemic is over (kind of). Voice Actors: Luke Kempner and Katie Norris Producer: Pete Strauss Production Co-Ordinator: Sarah Sharpe BBC Studios Production

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches and they're back in the BBC Radio Theatre in front of a remote audience. Joining them from a safe distance is Felicity Ward who has a fool proof plan for improving food in this country and Aurie Styla giving survival tips for the pandemic and the smug benefits of owning an electric car. We also get a sneak peak at Adele's 23rd album, 96, from Jess Robinson. Music composed by Alex Silverman. Voice Actors: Gemma Arrowsmith and Luke Kempner Producer: Pete Strauss Production Co-Ordinator: Sarah Sharpe BBC Studios Production

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches in front of a remote audience - and all from their own home! Joining them from a safe distance is Geoff Norcott and Laura Lexx with music supplied by Huge Davies . Voice Actors: Emily Lloyd-Saini and Kieran Hodgson Producer: Pete Strauss Production Co-Ordinator: Carina Andrews Editor/Engineer: David Thomas BBC Studios Production

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches in front of a remote audience - and all from their own home! Joining them from a safe distance is Dane Baptiste and Janine Harouni with music supplied by Rachel Parris . Voice Actors: Chiara Goldsmith and Luke Kempner Producer: Pete Strauss Production Co-Ordinator: Sarah Sharpe Editor/Engineer: David Thomas BBC Studios Production

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches in front of a remote audience - and all from their own home! Joining them from a safe distance is Lucy Porter fighting for our right to protest, Eshaan Akbar analysing our spending habits and a Beyonce inspired song by Jess Robinson and Felix Hagen. Voice Actors: Jason Forbes and Karen Bartke Producer: Pete Strauss Production Co-Ordinator: Carina Andrews Editor/Engineer: David Thomas BBC Studios Production

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches in front of a remote audience - and all from their own home! Joining them from a safe distance is Ellie Taylor and Daliso Chaponda with music supplied by Huge Davies. Voice Actors: George Fouracres and Gemma Arrowsmith Producer: Pete Strauss Production Co-Ordinator: Carina Andrews Editor/Engineer: David Thomas BBC Studios Production

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches in front of a remote audience - and all from their own home! This week Chris McCausland Musks up, Zoe Lyons takes a dip whilst Tim Sutton and Sooz Kempner go Gaga... Voice Actors: George Fouracres and Karen Bartke Producer: Adnan Ahmed Production Co-Ordinator: Carina Andrews Editor/Engineer: David Thomas BBC Studios Production

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches in front of a remote audience - and all from their own home! In the first show of the new series, they are joined by Jessica Fostekew who relays her time volunteering in a vaccination centre. Ken Cheng talks about his experiences as a Chinese Briton plus music from Beardyman... Voice Actors: Luke Kempner and Gemma Arrowsmith Producer: Adnan Ahmed Production Co-Ordinator: Carina Andrews Editor/Engineer: David Thomas BBC Studios Production

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis get to grips (from a safe distance) with all things 2020 in the form of sketches and guest contributions. This week Zoe Lyons is in the woods, Ivo Graham is at your leisure and Huge Davies is rooted to the sofa. Additional voices provided by Luke Kempner and Emma Sidi Written by the cast, with additional material from Gareth Gwynn, Josh Weller, Tania Edwards and Charlie Dinkin Production Co-Ordinator: Caroline Barlow Engineer and Editor: David Thomas Producer: Adnan Ahmed A BBC Studios Production

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis get to grips (from a safe distance) with all things 2020 in the form of sketches and guest contributions. This week Catherine Bohart dons The Crown, Eshaan Akbar accepts responsibility and musical duo Harry and Chris take us to church... Additional voices from Emma Sidi and George Fouracres Written by the cast, with additional material from Jeffrey Aidoo, Laura Major, Georgie Flinn, Charlie George and Simon Alcock Production Co-Ordinator: Caroline Barlow Engineer and Editor: David Thomas Producer: Adnan Ahmed A BBC Studios Production

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis get to grips (from a safe distance) with all things 2020 in the form of sketches and guest contributions. Felicity Ward takes a trip to a land down under, Lost Voice Guy warms up for Christmas party season and Flo and Joan hear from Dolly Parton on how to get things done... Additional voices from Karen Bartke and George Fouracres Written by the cast, with additional material from Jenny Laville, Toussaint Douglass, Mary O'Connell and Charlie Dinkin Production Co-Ordinator: Caroline Barlow Engineer and Editor: David Thomas Producer: Adnan Ahmed A BBC Studios Production

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis give the week's news a shot in the arm in the form of sketches and guest contributions. Sarah Keyworth looks at breakups during lockdown, Darren Harriott sees an FA chairman cross the line; and Beardyman channels 2020... Additional voices from Katie Norris and Josh Berry. Written by the cast, with additional material from Mike Shepherd, Laura Major, Suchandrika Chakrabarti and Simon Alcock Production Co-Ordinator: Caroline Barlow Engineer and Editor: David Thomas Producer: Adnan Ahmed A BBC Studios Production

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis do their best to identify the next president of the USA, with a bit of help from Geoff Norcott, Jena Friedman and Sophie Duker, and music from Jess Robinson Additional voices from Luke Kempner and Gemma Arrowsmith Written by the cast, with additional material from Gareth Gwynn, Athena Kugblenu, Ambika Mod and Charlie Dinkin Song written and recorded by Jess Robinson and Alex Silverman Production Co-Ordinator: Caroline Barlow Engineer and Editor: David Thomas Producer: Victoria Lloyd A BBC Studios Production

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis get to grip (from a safe distance) with all things 2020 in the form of sketches and guest contributions. Joining them are Ellie Taylor and Matt Kirshen, with music from Tim Sutton and Sooz Kempner Additional voices from Luke Kempner and Gemma Arrowsmith Written by the cast, with additional material from Robin Morgan, Catherine Brinkworth, Ola Labib and Simon Alcock Production Co-Ordinator: Caroline Barlow Engineer and Editor: David Thomas Producer: Victoria Lloyd A BBC Studios Production

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis get to grips with the continuing COVID-19 lock-down and disruption with sketches and guests. In the last of the current series, Zoe Lyons tries to gets things done, Scott Bennett speaks to us from his shed, and Jess Robinson invokes her blitz spirit. Also featuring George Fouracres and Gemma Arrowsmith. Song written and arranged by Jess Robinson and Alex Silverman. Written by the cast, with additional material from Catherine Brinkworth, Gareth Gwynn, Alex Kealy and Simon Alcock. Production Co-Ordinator: Caroline Barlow Engineer and Editor: David Thomas Producer: Adnan Ahmed A BBC Studios Production

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis get to grips with the continuing COVID-19 lock-down and disruption with sketches and guests. With comedians Geoff Norcott and Robin Morgan plus music from Tim Sutton and Sooz Kempner. Additional voices from Luke Kempner and Gemma Arrowsmith. Written by the cast, with additional material from Mike Shepherd, Laura Major, Donald Alexander and Charlie Dinkin. Producer: Adnan Ahmed A BBC Studios Production

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis get to grips with the continuing COVID-19 lock-down and disruption with sketches and guests With comedians Ellie Taylor, Kai Samra, and Dominic Frisby. Written by the cast, with additional material from Jenny Laville, Robin Morgan, Hannah Fairweather and Simon Alcock Producer Julia McKenzie A BBC Studios Production

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical sketches and chat, we don't have an audience but we do have stand-ups Rosie Jones and Andy Zaltzman (who will probably sit down for this one) and Gemma Arrowsmith. Caution: May contain humorous content about the Coronavirus. Written by the cast, with additional material from Gareth Gwynn, Katie Storey, Charlie Dinkin and Mo Omar. Producer: Julia McKenzie A BBC Studios Production

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches Join The Now Show team with their unique take on the week's events. Chris McCausland visits A Quiet Place, Sara Barron is in splendid isolation and Huge Davies washes his hands of it all... Additional voices by Gemma Arrowsmith Written by the cast, with additional material from Catherine Brinkworth, Jon Hunter, Aidan Fitzmaurice and Simon Alcock Producer: Adnan Ahmed A BBC Studios Production

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches This week we tackle the news from the UK and look further afield at Super Tuesday – Lucy Porter snoops on her shopping and Darren Harriott explores his environmental credentials. With music from Rachel Parris and additional voices from Joe Barnes… Written by the cast, with additional material from Laura Major, Liam Bierne, Helena Langdon and Charlie Dinkin Producer: Adnan Ahmed A BBC Studios Production

Steve Punt talks Rocky Horror, Ken Bruce is still on tour and Sophie Sabbage has a book

Retrospecticus celebrates a quarter century of episodes by taking a trip to the seventies in “The Way We Was” and a trip to Somalia for a return to your regularly-scheduled tale of genocide and corruption. Along the way Garreth will go full Mr Bergstrom and Tom will introduce us to the land of Steve Punt!

Steve Punt is well known thanks to the popular Radio 4 Friday night comedy, The Now Show - with fellow-host Hugh Dennis, he’s been mocking politicians and celebrities for an astonishing twenty years now. He also presents The Third Degree, the Radio 4 quiz which pits undergraduates against professors. But behind the scenes he’s been busy writing for a whole host of other shows, such as Mock the Week and The Mary Whitehouse Experience, for comedians Jasper Carrott and Rory Bremner; he even used to write for the puppets on Spitting Image. He says “Weirdly, I think people are more inclined to believe comedians than they are politicians.” In Private Passions, Steve talk to Michael Berkeley about how it all began: when he was bad at games at school, and forced to play the clown. He reminisces about his first job, in a music shop in Croydon, which he describes as being so rich in comic material that it was a bit like a sitcom – all of life was there. He talks about how audiences have changed thanks to social media, and why he worries that mocking politicians may just be a way of feeding their gigantic egos. Music choices include Sibelius’s Violin Concerto, piano music by Debussy and by Scott Joplin, Shostakovich’s Jazz Suite, Dave Brubeck, and a comic masterpiece by Dudley Moore, “Bedazzled”. Produced by Elizabeth Burke A Loftus production for BBC Radio 3

Broadcaster and comedian Steve Punt scours the archives to exhume the often pretentious and opinionated philosophical outpourings of pop stars through the ages. With the help of music journalists Paul Morley, Kate Mossman, DJ and record producer Ras Kwame and surprising soundbites from the archive, Steve explores the concept of the pop star as philosopher. From pop star hobbies, to politics and theories of aliens and the Illuminati, Steve explores the attempts of pop stars to make sense of a chaotic world. Presenter: Steve Punt Producer: Georgia Catt.

David Baddiel is a comedian and writer. Known both for his solo work and for his comedic collaborations with, among others, Rob Newman and Frank Skinner, he has also written a screenplay, a musical and several books. Born in 1964 to Jewish parents, the second of three boys, he was brought up in Dollis Hill, London. His father was a scientist from Swansea and his mother was a refugee, whose family had to flee from Nazi Germany. When David was 13, his older brother Ivor played him sketches by Derek and Clive which kindled his appetite to become a comedian. He read English at Cambridge and became vice-president of the Footlights before starting out on the London comedy circuit. Together with Steve Punt, Hugh Dennis and Rob Newman, he was part of The Mary Whitehouse Experience for Radio 1 and later BBC 2. Rob and David went on to create Newman and Baddiel in Pieces, and were the first comedians to sell out Wembley Arena with a gig in 1993, prompting newspapers to declare comedy "the new rock 'n' roll". David then formed a comedy partnership with Frank Skinner and they hosted Fantasy Football League and later Baddiel and Skinner Unplanned. They co-wrote the lyrics to one of the best-known football songs, Three Lions.In 2005, David took a break from performance and concentrated on writing novels for adults and children's books as well as the script for a film, which became a musical, The Infidel. He returned to stand-up in 2013 with a show about fame. He recently mined his parents' idiosyncrasies and the rare form of dementia from which his father suffers for a stand-up show entitled My Family: Not the Sitcom. His partner is fellow comedian and writer Morwenna Banks. They have two teenage children. Presenter: Kirsty Young Producer: Cathy Drysdale.

David Baddiel is a comedian and writer. Known both for his solo work and for his comedic collaborations with, among others, Rob Newman and Frank Skinner, he has also written a screenplay, a musical and several books. Born in 1964 to Jewish parents, the second of three boys, he was brought up in Dollis Hill, London. His father was a scientist from Swansea and his mother was a refugee, whose family had to flee from Nazi Germany. When David was 13, his older brother Ivor played him sketches by Derek and Clive which kindled his appetite to become a comedian. He read English at Cambridge and became vice-president of the Footlights before starting out on the London comedy circuit. Together with Steve Punt, Hugh Dennis and Rob Newman, he was part of The Mary Whitehouse Experience for Radio 1 and later BBC 2. Rob and David went on to create Newman and Baddiel in Pieces, and were the first comedians to sell out Wembley Arena with a gig in 1993, prompting newspapers to declare comedy "the new rock 'n' roll". David then formed a comedy partnership with Frank Skinner and they hosted Fantasy Football League and later Baddiel and Skinner Unplanned. They co-wrote the lyrics to one of the best-known football songs, Three Lions. In 2005, David took a break from performance and concentrated on writing novels for adults and children's books as well as the script for a film, which became a musical, The Infidel. He returned to stand-up in 2013 with a show about fame. He recently mined his parents' idiosyncrasies and the rare form of dementia from which his father suffers for a stand-up show entitled My Family: Not the Sitcom. His partner is fellow comedian and writer Morwenna Banks. They have two teenage children. Presenter: Kirsty Young Producer: Cathy Drysdale.

Marcel Duchamp is considered one of the great artists of the 20th century, but was his greatest achievement - Fountain - a urinal bearing the signature R. Mutt, the work of someone else? The original Fountain has long been lost, and for many decades forgotten, but in the 1950's became such a talking point again that Duchamp decided to manufacture up to a possible 17 copies - one of which stands proud, under glass, in the Tate Modern. Earlier this century a poll of 500 art historians voted it the most significant art work of the 20th century, for the questions it raises about art and the artist, but although the importance of 'Fountain' in the history of art is undisputed, is it certain the artist was, in fact, Duchamp? And if it wasn't him, then who was it? Join the dots, and the paint brush of history seems to point at the Baroness Elsa von Freytag-Loringhoven - a truly free spirit and radical artist, who Duchamp called 'the future'. The smoking gun is a letter written in 1917 by Duchamp to his sister Suzanne, stating "One of my female friends" had submitted the urinal as a sculpture to the exhibition, "the pseudonym Richard Mutt". True, false, or just a fascinating theory... its one that throws an interesting light over one of the most significant works of the 20th century. Steve Punt dons galoshes and heads for the nearest convenience. Producer: Sara Jane Hall.

One afternoon in July 1953 Father Henryk Borynski, a Polish priest living in Bradford, took a telephone call. His housekeeper heard him say "OK, I'll go". He put on his hat, and his coat and left. He was never seen again. Many Poles fled to the United Kingdom during World War II and settled in Bradford. With the onset of the Cold War they became exiles, unable to return to Poland. In his sermons, Father Borynski was an outspoken critic of the Soviet system and many believed he could have been a victim of communist agents operating in England. Steve Punt investigates, following leads and opening Secret Service files, to find out what might have happened to Father Borynski. Producer Neil McCarthy.

Steve Punt returns as Radio 4's very own private detective. In this tenth anniversary edition, Steve's called in to investigate the unlikely disappearance of American and Russian nuclear weapons - with assistance from best-selling thriller writer Frederick Forsyth. At first, Steve's sceptical - surely no nuclear power could actually lose possession of weapons capable of causing Armageddon. But as his investigation gathers pace, the story starts to becomes rather disturbing. From an H-bomb lost over Savannah, Georgia to a cache of so-called 'suitcase nukes' which rumours suggest could still be stashed in modern day Moldova, Punt weighs up the evidence - with a little detour via Dorking... Producer: Laurence Grissell.

This is the second half of an in-depth two-part chat with Steve Punt. A well-known British comedy writer and performer, Steve is a regular on BBC Radio (especially The Now Show), and known for his comedy partnership with Hugh Dennis and work on phenomenally popular topical satire TV show, The Mary Whitehouse Experience, which he also starred in, back in the early 90s.  The chat covers everything from how stand-ups translate to television, to crafting documentaries, to what makes a great sitcom. Remember to subscribe and rate the show to ensure you don't miss many other equally interesting episodes, which will be uploaded weekly from now on. Hack Circus is also a magazine and an event series. See hackcircuspodcast.com for more about the show, hackcircus.com for the magazine, and @hackcircus on Twitter. We're also on Facebook.

This is the first of an in-depth two-part chat with Steve Punt. A well-known British comedy writer and performer, Steve is a regular on BBC Radio (especially The Now Show), and known for his comedy partnership with Hugh Dennis and work on phenomenally popular topical satire TV show, The Mary Whitehouse Experience, which he also starred in, back in the early 90s.  The chat covers everything from how technology has affected performance styles, to Mary Whitehouse memories, to Steve's feelings about Big Brother. Remember to subscribe and rate the show to ensure you don't miss Part 2, and many other equally interesting episodes which will be uploaded weekly from now on. Hack Circus is also a magazine and an event series. See hackcircus.com for more about the project, and @hackcircus on Twitter. We're also on Facebook.

What is it? The sounds generated by mating fish? The US government? Or even the evolution of humans to hear electromagnetic waves... Steve Punt, BBC Radio 4's Mulder and Scully combined, turns his analytical ears to The Hum - heard by people, all over the world, tonight. For some of those who hear it, it's unpleasant, even distressing, for others simply mysterious. The Hum has been reported as far back as the 1960's, when people in Bristol first brought it to the attention of the local council. They never found out what caused it. Many have tried to work out the source of the Hum... so there is no real reason to expect Radio 4's gumshoe to solve it in half an hour... but Punt PI will investigate some intriguing possibilities. From Surrey to the ionosphere, he examines afresh some of the most common theories - with leading experts: is it the sounds created by fish, as recorded by neurobiologist Dr Andrew Bass; or the noise of seismic waves as discussed with expert Dr Lucia Gualtieri of Columbia University, New York; might it be a whole range of potential ear problems as suggested by Mark Williams at the Tinnitus Clinic; tall buildings - given short shrift by South Leeds Life editor, Jeremy Morton; electromagnetism - considered by science expert Roland Pease; and last, but definitely most 'X-files' of all, HAARP, a US military research station, now run by Bob McCoy of the University of Alaska - a theory poo-pooed by national security journalist Sharon Weinberger. He also touches base with the creator of the World Hum website, Dr Glen MacPherson, who is trying to keep an online record of this phenomenon - most commonly described as a diesel engine in the distance. Producer: Sara Jane Hall Music sourcing: Danny Webb.

Steve Punt continues his investigations as Radio 4's very own private detective. In 1939, just before the outbreak of World War II, the reclusive actress Ada Constance Kent disappeared from the village of Fingringhoe in rural Essex. Despite her cottage being searched on several occasions in the intervening years, her skeleton was only discovered in the bedroom in 1949. Was it her... where had she been in the intervening years... and was she really the person everyone thought she was? Steve Punt interrogates the witnesses and assesses the evidence. Producer: Paul Kobrak.

Steve Punt returns as Radio 4's very own private detective. Punt travels to Paris to investigate the suspicious death of celebrated writer Émile Zola. Zola died in 1902 from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by a blocked chimney. At the time, the authorities reached a verdict of accidental death. Subsequently, evidence has emerged that Zola's death may have been murder. Certainly Zola's role in France's notorious Dreyfus Affair made him many enemies. But as Punt discovers, the case is far from clear cut. For one thing, carbon monoxide is a very unusual way of murdering someone. Punt summons the experts and weighs up the evidence. Producer: Laurence Grissell.

Steve Punt turns Private Investigator and tries to crack the case of the missing Cezanne masterpiece 'Auvers Sur Oise'. The painting was stolen from the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford whilst the city celebrated the millennium, and has not been seen since. His search takes him from the crime scene to the Mayfair art world, via leads at Scotland Yard and sightings on a pub wall in Coventry. With a watchful eye for any Mr Big who may be behind a painting reportedly "stolen to order", Punt PI enters the murky world of stolen art. But how close can he get to the stolen Cezanne? Producer Neil McCarthy.

Steve Punt returns with a brand new series of investigations - starting with the unsolved murder of major Hollywood director William Desmond Taylor in 1922. Taylor was one of Tinseltown's biggest names - until he was shot dead in his bungalow in February 1922. Despite a multitude of suspects, Taylor's killer was never caught. It's a bizarre case with a multitude of suspects. Was the murderer former child star Mary Miles Minter or her controlling mother Charlotte Shelby? Or was it Taylor's rather shady private secretary Edwards Sands? Steve casts a fresh eye over the evidence and returns to Taylor's native Ireland where he makes some surprising discoveries about the murdered movie director's past. Producer: Laurence Grissell.

With a staggering sixteen year back-catalogue of weekly topical songs under his belt, musical comedian Mitch Benn is a firm fixture of "The Now Show" on Radio 4. We talk about circuit snobbery regarding "the cheating stick", the joy of creating music as well as comedy, and the perils of being so good at what you do that people have a hard time imagining you as anything else... Support the podcast by donating via Paypal at www.comedianscomedian.com Mock The Week, Daniel Kitson, Festival, Radio 4, Eddie Izzard, Alternative Comedy Experience, Charlie Brooker, Ross Noble, Mark Thomas, Edinburgh, Fringe, Parody, Comedy Music, Mitch Benn, The Now Show, Spinal Tap, Harry Shearer, Nick Wilty, Steve Punt, Hugh Dennis, Imran Yusuf, Tallinn Comedy Festival, Marcus Brigstocke, Bill Hicks, Harry Hill, Shlomo, The Beatles, John Maloney, Jess Robinson, Jon Holmes, Jay Foreman, Jenny Eclair See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Congratulations @SeanMonty and Emily Sandford from @NerveRadio who won Best Entertainment Programme, presented by @TheGuyOffTV, Steve Punt

Steve Punt turns detective to investigate a mystery from the Midlands. In 1943, in a small wood in the village of Hagley, the body a woman was found inside a Wych elm tree. She had been put in feet first, alive or just recently dead. The police issued a good photo fit but, despite extensive enquiries, a match could not be found and no one reported her missing. Punt hunts first for the files and then for the body. But things are not where they should be. He heads into those unsettling woods, rustles up tangled leads, and ends up barking up the occasional wrong tree. He tracks down the 101-year-old forensic biologist on the case and investigates witchcraft and spying in his attempt to separate conspiracy from the truth. And Professor Norman Fenton, expert witness in major criminal trails, subjects Punt's findings to analysis, building a unique model especially for the programme. Producer: Sarah Bowen.

Steve Punt turns private investigator and examines the curious case of the socialist MP Victor Grayson who vanished into thin air! Firebrand politician, champion of the mill workers, scion of the establishment, fancy dresser, hard drinker, man about town. Victor Grayson was many things when he erupted onto the public stage in 1907 as the first and last independent socialist MP, aged 26. However this shooting star disappeared from sight in 1920, under mysterious circumstances, with no confirmed sightings after that. Punt P.I. sets out on a trail through Yorkshire valleys, dusty archives and seedy Soho to pick up clues to Victor's disappearance. Producer Neil McCarthy.

Steve Punt turns gumshoe, investigating curious rumours surrounding the Baker Street bank robbery of 1971. Quite possibly the most audacious heist in British history, the robbers tunnelled into the bank's vault from the basement of a shop two doors down. They escaped with a haul worth an estimated £30 million today. Though four robbers were convicted, intriguing claims persist - most notably that the security services mounted the heist to secure compromising photographs of a senior public figure. Punt sifts the evidence, calls in the experts and attempts to establish fact from fiction. Producer: Laurence Grissell.

Steve Punt returns as Radio 4's very own gumshoe, examining the mysterious case of millionaire financier Alfred Loewenstein who fell out of his own aeroplane in 1928. The suspicious death of this fabulously wealthy Belgian tycoon - then reportedly the world's third richest man - may well be Punt's most baffling investigation yet. During that fateful flight across the English Channel, Loewenstein got up to go the loo - but somehow ended up falling out of the plane. What exactly happened to him remains a mystery to this day. Was it just an accident, did Loewenstein jump - or was it murder? Punt reopens the case. Producer: Laurence Grissell.

With Mark Lawson. Super Size Me director Morgan Spurlock's latest film is a 3D documentary about the boy band One Direction. The film promises a behind-the-scenes look at the famous five-piece who were brought together on The X Factor in 2010. Rosie Swash gives her verdict. Scottish playwright and artist John Byrne has added his distinctive visual style to the King's Theatre in Edinburgh, where he has created a new mural for the auditorium's dome. He explains how the commission emerged from a visit to the theatre to watch a production of The Ladykillers. Nic Roeg, the acclaimed director of classic films such as Walkabout and Don't Look Now, discusses his career, sex scenes and much more besides, in the light of his newly-published memoir. With the announcement of the death of comedian Mike Winters, half of a double-act with his brother Bernie, comedy performer and writer Steve Punt considers the role of the 'straight man' in comedy. Producer Kate Bullivant.

Team GB's Mo Farah, gold medallist in the 10,000m, receives a surprise phone call from his school PE teacher on Victoria Derbyshire's 5 Live show and we hear from Andy Murray prior to the Olympics, who told a live audience how he was hoping to put his poor performance in Beijing behind him. Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis take an alternative look at women's boxing on Radio 4's The Now Show and 100m champion Usain Bolt's fellow Jamaican and on the track rival Yohan Blake gives an insight into the dynamics between the two men off the track. Jennie Price, Chief Executive of Sport England discusses Olympic morals with Melanie Phillips and Michael Buerk for BBC Radio 4's Moral Maze and BBC Ulster's Stephen Nolan reflects on a triumphant weekend for Team GB with Kriss Akabusi, Joel Taggart and Stephen Martin. Finally, Golden girl Jessica Ennis who claimed gold in the Olympic heptathlon catches up with Chris Moyles and Comedy Dave on the Radio One Breakfast Show.

Ashley Blaker looks back on the final and the whole of the Euros with guests Neil Cole, Matt Lucas, Steve Punt and Andy Smart. Produced by Ashley Blaker Executive Producers Mike Leigh and Paul Myers A Playback Media Production playbackmedia.co.uk