The Nancy Stevens Lifestyle Show | Episode 68 | The Choir of Man, Solo Weddings and the Return of Rivals

The Nancy Stevens Lifestyle Show | Episode 70 | Books, theatre shows and holiday fashion

A wide-ranging lifestyle episode covering the latest in film, theatre, literature, fashion and television, with candid opinions and thoughtful commentary throughout. On the big screen, two very different films from a recent cinema visit are discussed in detail. One period-style drama set around a wealthy family gathering in a remote estate leaves a cold, heavy impression despite a strong cast, with criticism aimed at its tone, pacing and graphic storytelling choices. In contrast, a crime caper set in an unusual world of heightened sound perception delivers energy, originality and strong performances, including a standout turn from an actor who learned piano specifically for the role. A veteran screen presence adds weight, while the story blends humour, tension and crime-driven twists. Books take centre stage next, with two crime thrillers offering contrasting experiences. One starts strongly with gripping tension and shifting suspicion, but ultimately falls short with an ending that doesn’t fully land. The other, set in an atmospheric rural Irish setting involving disappearances and a true crime podcast investigation, builds suspense effectively and delivers a satisfying, unexpected conclusion that lingers after the final page. The theatre segment features three very different productions. A comedic ballet-style performance delivers athletic precision, sharp humour and genuine technical brilliance, challenging expectations while celebrating dance in an unconventional way. A multi-award-winning Second World War inspired production impresses with its fast-paced character changes, inventive staging and tightly written storytelling that brings history to life with remarkable clarity. A stage adaptation of a well-known 1980s film inspires mixed feelings, with strong performances and standout casting offset by uneven engagement and familiarity with the source material. Fashion and lifestyle focus turns to holiday packing habits, highlighting how easily luggage becomes overfilled. A capsule wardrobe approach is explored through real client styling, demonstrating how coordinated outfits, limited footwear and planned looks can simplify travel and remove decision fatigue. Practical advice centres on versatility, neutral pieces and planning outfits in advance to avoid unnecessary shopping while away. The episode closes with a discussion of a provocative television drama that has sparked strong reactions. Set around complex neighbouring families, it explores identity, repression and escalating tension, leading to a deeply unsettling storyline that encourages conversation and reflection. The writing is credited for its boldness and impact, leaving a lasting impression. A reflective, opinion-led episode that moves between entertainment, culture and everyday lifestyle choices, offering both critique and recommendation across screen, stage, page and wardrobe. #LifestylePodcast #FilmReview #TheatreReviews #BookReviews #TVDrama #CultureTalk #LifestyleShow #CinemaReviews #WestEndTheatre #BookRecommendations #FashionAdvice #HolidayPacking #CrimeThriller #EntertainmentReview #PodcastUK

The Nancy Stevens Lifestyle Show Episode 69 | Finding Dad: MP, Spy, Conman or Hero? Paul Bessel Reveals the Truth

What happens when the father you idolised turns out to be one of the most mysterious figures in modern British political history? In this compelling episode of the Nancy Stevens Lifestyle Show, Nancy is joined by author Paul Bessel to discuss his extraordinary book Finding Dad. Paul shares the deeply personal story of his search to uncover the truth about his father, Peter Bessel – former Liberal MP, businessman, confidant of Jeremy Thorpe and a man whose life was filled with secrets. From a seemingly idyllic childhood in Cornwall to a dramatic disappearance that left his family with almost nothing, Paul reveals how years of research uncovered hidden relationships, political intrigue, unexplained intelligence connections and unanswered questions that continue to fascinate historians today. The conversation explores: • Peter Bessel's disappearance and its devastating impact on his family • The Jeremy Thorpe affair and the so-called "trial of the century" • Allegations of secret work involving British and American government circles • The challenges of discovering uncomfortable truths about a parent • Family archives, political scandals and hidden lives • The emotional process of writing Finding Dad • Why it's important to ask your parents about their lives before it's too late This is a powerful discussion about family, identity, truth and the complexity of human relationships, set against the backdrop of one of Britain's most notorious political scandals. If you enjoy interviews covering history, politics, true stories, biographies and remarkable real-life mysteries, this is an episode you won't want to miss. #FindingDad #PaulBessel #PeterBessel #JeremyThorpe #PoliticalHistory #TrueStory #Biography #NancyStevens #BookInterview #BritishPolitics #FamilyHistory #AuthorInterview #Podcast #PoliticalScandal #HistoryPodcast #TrueCrime #Memoir #LifestyleShow #BooksAndAuthors #BritishHistory

The Nancy Stevens Lifestyle Show | Episode 68 | The Choir of Man, Solo Weddings and the Return of Rivals

This week on The Nancy Stevens Lifestyle Show, Nancy takes listeners on a journey through theatre, television, books, beauty and personal reflection. Nancy shares her experience watching The Choir of Man, one of the most uplifting and immersive productions currently touring the UK. From extraordinary a cappella performances to the show's powerful message of community and connection, she explains why it left such a lasting impression. She also opens up about attending a wedding on her own, discussing the nerves, preparation and confidence it took to walk into a room full of strangers solo. From spray tans and styling to the reality of navigating a social event alone, Nancy offers an honest and relatable perspective. On the television front, Nancy dives into the latest series of Race Across the World, exploring why the programme continues to capture audiences with its stunning locations and emotional storytelling. She also discusses the return of Disney's hit adaptation of Rivals, based on Jilly Cooper's novels, and why it remains one of the most talked-about dramas on television. Book lovers are in for a treat as Nancy reviews two very different reads. She explains why Ashley James' Bimbo became an instant favourite and shares her less enthusiastic thoughts on Lily King's Heart the Lover. Finally, Nancy reveals the details of a luxurious scalp treatment and head massage that completely changed her perception of relaxation, while highlighting the importance of hair and scalp health. Plus, a preview of next week's guest, author Paul Bessel, discussing the extraordinary story behind Finding Dad and the mysterious life of Peter Bessel. Subscribe for more lifestyle conversations, theatre reviews, television recommendations, book discussions and inspiring personal stories. #NancyStevens #LifestylePodcast #TheChoirOfMan #RaceAcrossTheWorld #Rivals #AshleyJames #BimboBook #BookReview #TheatreReview #WeddingStories #ScalpTreatment #HairHealth #PodcastUK #LifestyleShow #Waterstones #DisneyPlus #MusicalTheatre #TVReview #MiltonKeynes #WomenSupportingWomen

The Nancy Stevens Lifestyle Show | Episode 67 | Tendai Rukarwa

This week’s conversation brings together Nancy Stevens and Tendai Rukarwa , a chartered accountant, auditor, keynote speaker and founder of the Penguin Village. What begins as a discussion about networking quickly becomes something far deeper — a reflection on loneliness behind professional success, the need for genuine human connection, and the emotional toll of constantly performing in work and life. Tendai shares how her journey from Zimbabwe to the UK shaped her understanding of belonging, culture, and identity. She speaks openly about motherhood, navigating professional spaces as a black woman, and the subtle but persistent challenges of bias and perception in leadership environments. At the heart of her story is the creation of the Penguin Village — a deliberately safe space where women meet without job titles, expectations, or performance. Just people, connecting as themselves. The conversation explores why that matters more than ever in a world where networking often feels transactional and exhausting. There’s also a candid reflection on public speaking, confidence as a learned skill, and how storytelling can become a tool for both personal and collective empowerment. Alongside this, the episode touches on cultural adjustment, community, and the grounding power of shared food and tradition. A conversation about ambition, vulnerability, and the importance of being seen beyond the roles we play. Key themes * Authentic connection vs transactional networking * Identity, migration and cultural adjustment * Motherhood and balancing multiple roles * Leadership, bias and lived experience in business * Confidence and public speaking as a learned skill * Community-building and emotional wellbeing #LifestylePodcast #Leadership #WomenInBusiness #AuthenticConnection #PublicSpeaking #Community #MigrationStories #Motherhood #Networking #Wellbeing #TendaiRukarwa

The Nancy Stevens Lifestyle Show | Episode 66 | BGT, MJ, Priscilla, Yoga & Gisèle Pelicot

Nancy Stevens is back with another packed Lifestyle Show. This week she reflects on an unforgettable and emotional night watching her son Benji perform with the Playground Boys in the Britain’s Got Talent semi-finals, sharing the pride, atmosphere and behind-the-scenes excitement of being in the audience. Nancy also reviews two very different cinema releases, from the powerful Michael Jackson biopic starring Jafar Jackson to the quirky and heartwarming *The Sheep Detective*. She shares highlights from a meaningful style talk with care home residents at Lace Manor Care Home, exploring how fashion, confidence and self-expression have no age limit. There’s also discussion around one of the most difficult and powerful memoirs she has read, *A Hymn to Life* by Gisèle Pelicot, plus local recommendations including International Yoga Day at Willen Lake and the Buckingham Literary Festival. To round off the show, Nancy reviews *Priscilla Queen of the Desert* at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre and talks all things sequins, drag, music and stage magic. A packed show full of inspiration, entertainment, heartfelt moments and local highlights. #NancyStevens #LifestyleShow #NewHorizonRadio #BritainsGotTalent #Benji #PlaygroundBoys #MichaelJackson #JafarJackson #CinemaReview #PriscillaQueenOfTheDesert #AylesburyWaterside #MiltonKeynes #Buckingham #WhatsOn #TheatreReview #BookReview #LifestylePodcast #UKRadio #EntertainmentNews #LocalEvents