Radio Oldie
The Oldie magazine's podcast featuring discussion and debate around the lead features in the latest magazine, plus live recordings from their famous Literary Lunches. Presented by Harry Mount.
Episodes
512: Max Hastings in conversation with Harry Mount at the Henley Literary Festival
Appearing at the Henley Literary Festival, Max Hastings talks to Harry Mount about his new book, Plunder – the Last of the War in Europe, 1945.The book takes its title from Montgomery’s ‘Operation Plunder’, the 23 March 1945 crossing of the Rhine, witnessed by Winston Churchill, with huge amphibious and airborne landings. Max Hastings brilliantly unpicks the chaos, tragedy and heroism of the clos
511: Aberfan, Sixty Years On – John Humphrys and Matthew Norman
Sixty years ago, on October 21, 1966, a colliery spoil tip collapsed, and engulfed the Welsh village of Aberfan, killing 116 children and 28 adults.John Humphrys, the Today programme presenter, was the first reporter to get to that harrowing scene hours later. He tells Oldie columnist Matthew Norman how vividly he still recalls the agony and bravery of the bereaved villagers, desperate to rescue
510: Madeline Smith in conversation with Harry Mount
Madeline Smith - the Bond Girl in Live and Let Die - tells Harry Mount about Roger Moore's magnetic digital watch that undid her dress in the film. And she recalls the dazzling list of stars she's worked with, from Alec Guinness to The Two Ronnies.This week's podcast is kindly sponsored by Baillie Gifford, Actual Investors, who take a long-term approach to investing in exceptional companies.
509: Madeline Smith at the Oldie Literary Lunch
Madeline Smith speaking about her new book, Bond Girl: From '60s Fashion Model to Half a Century on Stage and Screen, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at London’s National Liberal Club, on October 6th 2026.This week's podcast is kindly sponsored by Baillie Gifford, Actual Investors, who take a long-term approach to investing in exceptional companies.
508: Giles Milton at the Oldie Literary Lunch
Giles Milton speaking about his new book, Empire at the Edge of the World, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at London’s National Liberal Club, on October 6th 2026.This week's podcast is kindly sponsored by Baillie Gifford, Actual Investors, who take a long-term approach to investing in exceptional companies.
508: William Cook at the Oldie Literary Lunch
William Cook speaking about his new book, The Fifteenth Man, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at London’s National Liberal Club, on October 6th 2026.This week's podcast is kindly sponsored by Baillie Gifford, Actual Investors, who take a long-term approach to investing in exceptional companies.
507: When Harry met Fruity - the Hell of Modern Travel
Crammed airports. Traffic jams. Thugs playing loud music on trains… Is any form of travel bearable these days?Editor, Harry Mount, and Supplements Editor, Charlotte ‘Fruity’ Metcalf, compare their war stories of modern travel. And yet… there are still some empty spots left - from the Pembrokeshire coast to the Greek islands. Harry and Fruity name their dream hideaways…This week's podcast is kindl
506: Sister Teresa Keswick in conversation with Harry Mount
Sister Teresa Keswick has written unique columns for The Oldie for 12 years. Now she has written a book, Comfort and Joy: A Nun’s Reflections, about her life in a monastery, illuminated by her favourite books and artists.This week's podcast is kindly sponsored by Baillie Gifford, Actual Investors, who take a long-term approach to investing in exceptional companies.
505: When Harry met Fruity - the October issue of the Oldie Magazine
Editor Harry Mount and Supplements Editor Charlotte 'Fruity' Metcalf discuss the new issue of the Oldie.In his book, Idle in Provence, Eric Idle looks back at 55 years in his French hideaway. In his interview with Harry Mount, he mourns the terrible loss of 29 nearby houses in the forest fires this summer. And he still doesn't know why the other Pythons aren't talking to him any more. Fruity is m
504: John Humphrys, the Rottweiler of the Today programme, argues with Oldie columnist Matthew Norman about defence spending
We're not at war, says John - so why waste money that could go to African aid? Russian attacks are increasing - and the Far Right is on the march - across Europe. So we must pay to keep them at bay, says Matthew.This week's podcast is kindly sponsored by Baillie Gifford, Actual Investors, who take a long-term approach to investing in exceptional companies.
503: Ian La Frenais in conversation with Harry Mount
Ian La Frenais tells Harry Mount about his extraordinary writing partnership with Dick Clement that has lasted over 60 years. Starting with The Likely Lads in 1964, they have written Porridge, Lovejoy, Auf Wiedersehen, Pet - and The Commitments.This week's podcast is kindly sponsored by Baillie Gifford, Actual Investors, who take a long-term approach to investing in exceptional companies.
502: Mary Beard at the Oldie Literary Lunch
Mary Beard speaking about his new book, Talking Classics: The Shock of the Old, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at London’s National Liberal Club, on September 8th 2026.This week's podcast is kindly sponsored by Baillie Gifford, Actual Investors, who take a long-term approach to investing in exceptional companies.
501: Julian Lloyd-Webber at the Oldie Literary Lunch
Julian Lloyd-Webber speaking about his new book, Bows and Arrows: The Autobiography, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at London’s National Liberal Club, on September 8th 2026.This week's podcast is kindly sponsored by Baillie Gifford, Actual Investors, who take a long-term approach to investing in exceptional companies.
500: Matthew Sweet at the Oldie Literary Lunch
Matthew Sweet speaking about his new book, The Great Dictator: A Life of Barbara Cartland, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at London’s National Liberal Club, on September 8th 2026.This week's podcast is kindly sponsored by Baillie Gifford, Actual Investors, who take a long-term approach to investing in exceptional companies.
499: Natalie Livingstone in conversation with Charlotte Metcalf
Natalie Livingstone is a writer whose book, The Nuremberg Women, published earlier this year, became an instant bestseller. She’s also chairs the Cliveden Literary Festival, now in its ninth year and coming up in October. She talks to Charlotte Metcalf about the festival and about extraordinary women involved in the Nuremberg trials.This week's podcast is kindly sponsored by Baillie Gifford, Act
498: Robert Harris in conversation with Harry Mount
Robert Harris tells Harry Mount about his new historical novel, Agrippa. Agrippa, Emperor Augustus's righthand man, built the Pantheon and won the Battle of Actium. But he was a plebeian - and the ultimate insider-outsider of the Roman Empire.This week's podcast is kindly sponsored by Baillie Gifford, Actual Investors, who take a long-term approach to investing in exceptional companies.
497: Nigel Havers in conversation with Charlotte Metcalf
Nigel Havers is the well-known actor, renowned for his numerous movies from Passage to India with David Lean to Chariots of Fire alongside his television work. He’s been in The Charmer and acted for long stints in Coronation Street, Don’t Wait Up and the very popular The Bidding Room. He talks to Charlotte Metcalf about his latest one-man show Talking Bollocks, being in the annual pantomime at
496: When Harry Met Fruity - the September issue of The Oldie
Harry Mount, Oldie editor, talks to Charlotte 'Fruity' Metcalf, Supplements Editor, about the new issue.They discuss Mary Kenny's article on what it means to be bohemian. They salute Geoff Roberts, 101, the last British survivor of Operation Market Garden in Arnhem in 1944. And they swap their favourite hymns as they read the article by Sarah Sands, publisher of Hymns Ancient & Modern, who's c
495: Michael Rosen in conversation with Charlotte Metcalf
Michael Rosen is the multi award-winning and prolific children’s author and poet and the former Children’s Laureate. He’s also the presenter of BBC Radio Four’s Word of Mouth, a hugely successful You Tuber and Professor of Children’s Literature at Goldsmith’s College. He talks to Charlotte Metcalf about his latest book Where are You Eddie? Exploring his feelings around his son’s tragic death fro
494: The Odd Couple, sponsored by Baillie Gifford, actual investors
John Humphrys talks to Matthew Norman about the death of Rod Liddle, 66, his dear friend and old producer at the Today programme. John also salutes his old Today colleague, the late Ed Stourton, and analyses the art of the perfect interview.Recorded at Yamaha StudiosThis week's podcast is kindly sponsored by Baillie Gifford, Actual Investors, who take a long-term approach to investing in exceptio
493: When Harry Met Fruity - Ed Stourton remembered
Charlotte 'Fruity' Metcalf pays tribute to her dear Cambridge friend, the BBC broadcaster Ed Stourton, who has died at 68.This week's podcast is kindly sponsored by Baillie Gifford, Actual Investors, who take a long-term approach to investing in exceptional companies.
492: Amanda Craig in conversation with Charlotte Metcalf
Amanda Craig is a critic, award-winning journalist and author. She’s one of our only female state-of-the-nation novelists and has been compared with Balzac, Trollope and Dickens. She talks to Charlotte Metcalf about her latest novel High and Low.This week's podcast is kindly sponsored by Baillie Gifford, Actual Investors, who take a long-term approach to investing in exceptional companies.
491: Titus Mills in conversation with Harry Mount
Titus Mills is a headmaster - and an expert on Operation Market Garden, the doomed Allied landings in Holland in 1944, recalled in A Bridge Too Far (1977).As we approach the 82nd anniversary, Titus took a group of Oldie readers to Arnhem. There, he told Harry Mount about the many veterans he got to know and their epic, heroic actions.
490: When Harry Met Fruity – the August issue of The Oldie
Editor Harry Mount chats to Supplements Editor Charlotte Metcalf about the new issue. They admire the article on David Hockney by his friend, biographer and fellow Yorkshireman, Christopher Sykes. And they're moved and abused by Anne Sebba's distress at all the condolence letters on her husband's premature death.This week's podcast is kindly sponsored by Baillie Gifford, Actual Investors, who tak
489: Tony Adams tells Harry Mount about his new book, '1996 – Reflections on the Year that Changed My Life'.
It will be his last book, he says. As England play the semi-final against Argentina, he recalls the 1996 Euro semi-final against Germany and the 1998 World Cup, and how he consoled David Beckham after losing. He doesn’t really miss football because he was never really a fan. Rather, he admired the qualities of individual players from different teams. And he did all he could wish for in his career
488: Tony Adams at the Oldie Literary Lunch
Tony Adams speaking about his new book, 1996 - Reflections on the Year that Changed My Life, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at London’s National Liberal Club, on July 14th 2026.This week's podcast is kindly sponsored by Baillie Gifford, Actual Investors, who take a long-term approach to investing in exceptional companies.
487: Rowan Williams at the Oldie Literary Lunch
Rowan Williams speaking about his new book, Solidarity - The Work of Recognition, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at London’s National Liberal Club, on July 14th 2026.This week's podcast is kindly sponsored by Baillie Gifford, Actual Investors, who take a long-term approach to investing in exceptional companies.
486: A. N. Wilson at the Oldie Literary Lunch
A N Wilson speaking about his new book, The Wise and their Works - The Great Exhibition of 1851, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at London’s National Liberal Club, on July 14th 2026.This week's podcast is kindly sponsored by Baillie Gifford, Actual Investors, who take a long-term approach to investing in exceptional companies.
485: Nicholas Shakespeare in conversation with Charlotte Metcalf
Nicholas Shakespeare, who talks to Charlotte Metcalf about his latest novel Frame 37, was described by the Wall Street Journal as one of the best English novelists of our time. His novel The Dancer Upstairs was made into a feature film by John Malkovich in 2002. Alongside his fiction, his non-fiction includes acclaimed biographies of Bruce Chatwin, Ian Fleming and Six Minutes in May about Winst
484: The Odd Couple, sponsored by Baillie Gifford - John Humphrys recalls interviewing Prime Ministers, from Jim Callaghan to Andy Burnham
As Keir Starmer stands down, John Humphrys, the Rottweiler of the Today programme, tells Matthew Norman about the Prime Ministers he's interviewed - from Jim Callaghan to Andy Burnham, Starmer's expected successor. John reveals the time Margaret Thatcher outfoxed him and the day Tony Blair told him he was 'a pretty straight sort of guy'.Recorded by Yamaha Studios.This week's podcast is kindly spo
483: When Harry Met Fruity – the highs and lows of theatre
Editor Harry Mount chats to Supplements Editor Charlotte Metcalf about the theatre. Charlotte adores London's pre-eminence as the great theatre city of the world. And Harry, once an avid theatregoer, has given up - thanks to the expense, discomfort and the terrifyingly low hit rate of brilliant plays with brilliant actors.This week's podcast is kindly sponsored by Baillie Gifford, Actual Investor
482: Jim White in conversation with Harry Mount
Jim White, the Oldie's sportswriter and Telegraph football correspondent, has covered eight World Cups and has written about sport for 40 years. He tells Harry Mount about England's performance and his favourite sportswriters of all time.This week's podcast is kindly sponsored by Baillie Gifford, Actual Investors, who take a long-term approach to investing in exceptional companies.
481: Maureen Lipman - Elsa's Dad
In a special recording for The Oldie, Maureen Lipman tells the sad tale of Elsa's Dad, based on a real story told to her by a fellow actress.This week's podcast is kindly sponsored by Baillie Gifford, Actual Investors, who take a long-term approach to investing in exceptional companies.
480: Editor Harry Mount chats to Fruity Metcalf, editor of the new Oldie Review of Books, free with the July issue of The Oldie
They gossip about her wild night in Manhattan with old friend Jay McInerney, author of Bright Lights, Big City – and wonder why authors aren't as glamorous as they used to be.What makes for the best book covers? Fruity talks about the joy of working for Virago, who made the glorious green jackets, with the ideal paintings to match. And why do all covers now seem to have a man in a suit loitering
479: Kathy Lette in conversation with Charlotte Metcalf
Kathy Lette burst onto our scenes as the exuberant and hilariously outspoken Australian novelist with Puberty Blues when she was just 17. With 20 more novels to her name since then, she talks to Charlotte Metcalf about her move to Britain, her marriages, sex and relationships, raising an autistic son and her latest novel The Sisterhood Rules which is underpinned by her determination to boost olde
478: Pru Leith at the Oldie Literary Lunch
Pru Leith speaking about her new book, Being Old... and Learning to Love It!, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at Northern Irelands Clandeboye Estate near Belfast, on June 20th 2026.This week's podcast is kindly sponsored by Baillie Gifford, Actual Investors, who take a long-term approach to investing in exceptional companies.The lunch was sponsored by Kirker Holidays.
477: Robert Hardman at the Oldie Literary Lunch
Robert Hardman speaking about his book, Elizabeth II: In Private. In Public. Her Inside Story, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at Northern Ireland's historic Clandeboye Estate near Belfast, on June 20th 2026.This week's podcast is kindly sponsored by Baillie Gifford, Actual Investors, who take a long-term approach to investing in exceptional companies.The lunch was sponsored by Kirker Holidays.
476: A N Wilson at the Oldie Literary Lunch
A N Wilson speaking about his book, The Wise and Their Works: The Great Exhibition of 1851, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at Northern Ireland's historic Clandeboye Estate near Belfast, on June 20th 2026.This week's podcast is kindly sponsored by Baillie Gifford, Actual Investors, who take a long-term approach to investing in exceptional companies.The lunch was sponsored by Kirker Holidays.
475: Andrew Gailey at the Oldie Literary Lunch
Andrew Gailey speaking about his book, The Lost Imperialist: Lord Dufferin, Memory and Mythmaking in an Age of Celebrity, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at Northern Ireland's historic Clandeboye Estate near Belfast, on June 20th 2026.This week's podcast is kindly sponsored by Baillie Gifford, Actual Investors, who take a long-term approach to investing in exceptional companies.
474: When Harry Met Fruity – the July Issue
Oldie Editor Harry Mount and Supplements Editor Charlotte Metcalf enjoy the latest issue of the magazine. They discuss Tony Adams' last drink and Liz Hodgkinson's vow of celibacy.
473: David Hockney's biographer Christopher Sykes talks to Harry Mount
Christopher Sykes, author of Hockney: The Biography, tells Harry Mount what the late, great painter was really like and why his pictures were quite so captivating.This week's podcast is kindly sponsored by Baillie Gifford, Actual Investors, who take a long-term approach to investing in exceptional companies.
472: Andrew Graham-Dixon at the Oldie Literary Lunch
Andrew Graham-Dixon speaking about his new book, Vermeer: A Life Lost and Found, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at London’s National Liberal Club, on June 16th 2026.
471: Sinclair McKay at the Oldie Literary Lunch
Sinclair McKay speaking about his new book, Dad's Army: The Glorious True Story of the Home Guard in WW2, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at London’s National Liberal Club, on June 16th 2026.
470: James Reed at the Oldie Literary Lunch
James Reed speaking about his new book, Karma Capitalism: Why Being a Good Business is Good Business, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at London’s National Liberal Club, on June 16th 2026.
469: The Odd Couple, sponsored by Baillie Gifford Actual Investors: John Humphrys and Matthew Norman on the World Cup
World Cup fever is building for everyone – except John Humphrys. The last game the legendary broadcaster watched was the World Cup Final in 1966 – ever since, he has loathed professional sport. Meanwhile, Matthew Norman, former Evening Standard sports columnist, has written two books about sport – and will be glued to the telly for the next month.This week's podcast is kindly sponsored by Baillie
468: Maureen Lipman – Driving Miss Maisie
In a special sketch written for The Oldie, Maureen plays an aggrieved ex-wife asking her ex-husband, Brian, for help with her daughter, Maisie, who has gone catastrophically off the rails...
467: When Harry Met Fruity – the June issue of The Oldie
Oldie editor, Harry Mount, and supplements editor, Charlotte 'Fruity' Metcalf, discuss the latest issue of the magazine – and discuss the ingredients of the perfect article.
466: Margaret Drabble in conversation with Charlotte Metcalf
Charlotte Metcalf talks to the multiple-award winning writer Margaret Drabble about her books, her upbringing, her early life in theatre and her new book, The Great Good Places and discovers why she will never write another novel nor be publishing her long memoir during her lifetime.
465: The Odd Couple, sponsored by Baillie Gifford - John Humphrys and Matthew Norman on Restaurant Hell - and Heaven
John Humphrys loathes the pretence - and expense - of smart restaurants. Matthew Norman, former food critic, has spent some of his happiest moments in restaurants - but has never matched the pleasure of a Chinese meal in Willesden when he was six.Recorded at Yamaha Studios
464: Christopher Hampton in conversation with Charlotte Metcalf
Christopher Hampton is one of Britain’s most outstanding and prolific playwrights and screenwriters. Currently his Dangerous Liaisons is playing at the National Theatre, while his Atonement has its world premiere at Chichester Festival Theatre on 29th May and his The Truth opens at The Apollo Theatre in June. He talks to Charlotte Metcalf about his life in film and cinema and the characters he’s
463: Colin Bell at the Oldie Literary Lunch
Colin Bell speaking about his new book, Bloody Dangerous: Fifty missions over Germany: The last first-hand account from WW2, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at London’s National Liberal Club, on May 12th 2026.
461: Robert Hardman at the Oldie Literary Lunch
Robert Hardman speaking about his new book, Elizabeth II: In Private. In Public. The Inside Story, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at London’s National Liberal Club, on May 12th 2026.
462: Hugo Vickers at the Oldie Literary Lunch
Hugo Vickers speaking about his new book, Queen Elizabeth II: A Personal History, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at London’s National Liberal Club, on May 12th 2026.He teased his fellow biographer Robert Hardman for being only three years old when Hugo first met the Queen in 1968. Robert may have met Donald Trump in the Oval Office but Hugo met the Queen in the Oak Room at Windsor Castle, to gi
460: Christine Dawood in conversation with Charlotte Metcalf
Charlotte Metcalf talks to Christine Dawood, whose book 96 Hours is published on 12th May. The book tells Christine’s harrowing story of losing her husband, Shahzada, and 19-year-old son, Suleman, when the Titan submersible imploded on an exploratory diving mission down to the Titanic in June 2023. It intersperses her account of that agonising wait with vignettes from her happy, loving family li
459: John Tusa in conversation with Charlotte Metcalf
Charlotte Metcalf talks to John Tusa, the distinguished journalist and arts administrator about his new podcast, The Best is Yet to Come, interviewing oldies in their nineties about their lives. He also talks about own his life, from leaving Czechoslovakia on the brink of war to his life in London now.
458: The Odd Couple with John Humphrys and Matthew Norman - Episode 002
John Humphrys, the former Today programme presenter, and Oldie columnist Matthew Norman mourn John's brother, Graham Humphrys, who has just died at 87. Matthew recalls the death of his parents in their late 80s - and how vital it was that they should die at home.
457: Anne Sebba in conversation with Charlotte Metcalf
Charlotte Metcalf talks to the historian and biographer, Anne Sebba, about her latest book, The Women’s Orchestra of Auschwitz. Anne tells Charlotte that she became fascinated with how the women survived and then how she tracked down and interviewed the two remaining survivors, including 100-year-old cellist Anita Lasker-Wallfisch, who came to and was honoured as Oldie Maestra of the Year at thi
456: Sebastian Faulks at the Oldie Literary Lunch
Sebastian Faulks speaking about his new book, Fires Which Burned Brightly, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at London’s National Liberal Club, on April 14th 2026.
455: Sara Wheeler at the Oldie Literary Lunch
Sara Wheeler speaking about her new book, Jan Morris: A Life, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at London’s National Liberal Club, on April 14th 2026.
454: Anna Mathias at the Oldie Literary Lunch
Anna Mathias speaking about her new book, The Greyhound Diary, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at London’s National Liberal Club, on April 14th 2026.
453: Mary Beard in conversation with Harry Mount
Mary Beard chats to Harry Mount about her new book, Talking Classics - the Shock of the Old.She reveals how she first fell in love with the ancient world when she was five – and a British Museum room steward opened a display case, holding a 4,000-year-old bread roll from Thebes, Egypt, for her. She discusses Mussolini's reconstructions of ancient Roman buildings – and translates the delightfully
452: The Odd Couple with John Humphrys & Matthew Norman - Episode 1
John Humphrys is back!Radio Oldie is delighted to host a new podcast, The Odd Couple, sponsored by Baillie Gifford, starring the great broadcaster and Matthew Norman, Oldie columnist, formerly the Guardian diarist and Telegraph columnist.For over 30 years, from 1987 until 2019, John Humphrys was the chief presenter on Radio 4’s Today programme. Now he and Matthew, great friends - often with sever
451: Rose Wylie in conversation with Charlotte Metcalf
Charlotte Metcalf visits the artist Rose Wylie, born in 1934, at her Kent studio to chat to her about her life and her first major one-woman museum show, The Picture Comes First, at the Royal Academy. It’s the biggest exhibition of her work to date and it is also the first time that a British woman painter has ever occupied all the main galleries at the Royal Academy.
450: Simon Jenkins in conversation with Harry Mount
Simon Jenkins, former Times editor and author of A Short History of America: From Tea Party to Trump, talks to Harry Mount.Next month’s state visit to America by the King should be delayed while the Iran war continues, says Simon. He talks about the 250th anniversary of American independence and how confident he is that the mighty US constitution will ultimately keep Trump at bay.
449: Antony Beevor at the Oldie Literary Lunch
Antony Beevor speaking about his new book, Rasputin: And the Downfall of the Romanovs, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at London’s National Liberal Club, on March 17th 2026.
448: Simon Jenkins at the Oldie Literary Lunch
Simon Jenkins speaking about his new book, A Short History of America: From Tea Party to Trump, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at London’s National Liberal Club, on March 17th 2026.
447: Candida Meyrick at the Oldie Literary Lunch
Candida Meyrick speaking about her new book, Be More Bird: Lessons from a Hawk, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at London’s National Liberal Club, on March 17th 2026.
447: Candida Meyrick at the Oldie Literary Lunch
Candida Meyrick speaking about her new book, Be More Bird: Life Lessons from a Hawk, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at London’s National Liberal Club, on March 17th 2026.
446: Derek Jacobi in conversation with Charlotte Metcalf
The actor Derek Jacobi talks to Charlotte Metcalf about his long career and his various roles ranging from Hamlet to acting in Gladiator, Dr Who and Last Tango in Halifax. His career stretches back to Cambridge University and then Birmingham Rep where he was spotted by Laurence Olivier and chosen to play Laertes opposite Peter O’Toole’s Hamlet in the National Theatre’s inaugural production at Th
445: Antony Beevor in conversation with Charlotte Metcalf
The eminent and multiple-prize-winning historian, Antony Beevor, best known for his popular works on the Second World War, the Spanish Civil War and Russia, talks to Charlotte Metcalf about his new book on Rasputin: And the Downfall of the Romanovs, published this week. They also talk about his life and the problems that historians are increasingly facing in an age of disinformation and electronic
444: Nigel Planer in conversation with Charlotte Metcalf
Comedian, actor and author Nigel Planer, stuck with being known as the lugubrious hippy Neil in the 1980’s sitcom The Young Ones, talks to Charlotte Metcalf about his memoir Young Once. He tells her how he’s finally escaped being Neil and how, alongside his career as a well-known comedian, he’s forged a successful career as an actor, musician, playwright, poet, audiobook narrator and more.
443: Dinah - A Maureen Lipman monologue
Part One of a series of specially-commissioned Maureen Lipman monologues for the Oldie, about Dinah - a waitress in the north of England.
442: Nigel Planer at the Oldie Literary Lunch
Nigel Planer speaking about his new book, Young Once: A Life Less Heavy, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at London’s National Liberal Club, on February 17th 2026.
441: Tom Hodgkinson at the Oldie Literary Lunch
Tom Hodgkinson speaking about his new book, How to Live Like a Stoic: a Handbook for Happiness, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at London’s National Liberal Club, on February 17th 2026.
440: Pru Leith at the Oldie Literary Lunch
Pru Leith speaking about her new book, Being Old and Learning to Love It!, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at London’s National Liberal Club, on February 17th 2026.
439: Miriam Stoppard in conversation with Charlotte Metcalf
Charlotte Metcalf talks to Dr. Miriam Stoppard about her new book Sex, Drugs and Walking Sticks, a must-read bible for oldies, full of anecdotes and her personal tips on how to age well. She talks frankly about her views on sex and alcohol, about her life and motherhood and reminisces about her 20-year marriage to the late Tom Stoppard.
438: Lady Antonia Fraser at the 2025 Oldie of the Year Awards
Lady Antonia Fraser, 93 – Oldie of the YearLady Antonia Fraser wrote The House That Spoke: The History of a Home last year – 71 years after her first book, King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.Introduced by Gyles Brandreth.
437: Maggi Hambling at the 2025 Oldie of the Year Awards
Maggi Hambling, 80 – Oldie Finest ArtistNow aged 80, Maggi is still going at full blast. She is in her studio - or by the North Sea with her sketchbook - by 6am every morning.Introduced by Gyles Brandreth.
436: Michael Heath at the 2025 Oldie of the Year Awards
Michael Heath, 90 – Oldie King of the ToonsAt 90, Michael Heath remains our finest observational cartoonist. Since he first placed a cartoon in Melody Maker in 1955 – more than 70 years ago – he has drawn people with the clothes, hair and mannerisms of the moment.Introduced by Gyles Brandreth.
435: Stephen Frears at the 2025 Oldie of the Year Awards
Stephen Frears, 84 – Silver-Screen Evergreen OldieOver a period of six decades and with remarkably little fuss, Stephen Frears has established himself as our pre-eminent film director.Introduced by Gyles Brandreth.
