The Savoy Originals

Tom Holland: from vampire fiction to The Rest Is History

Despite a childhood imagining past worlds, it has taken Tom Holland a couple of careers to become one of the world’s most successful historians with his podcast The Rest Is History, and a string of historical novels. In this in-depth interview with Alex Zane, Holland discusses his journey from literature to historical storytelling, the nuances of representing historical events, and the unexpected success of his podcast.  Join us for a glass of bubbles at the iconic Savoy London as we toast Holland's achievements: from winning the coveted Apple Podcast Of The Year Award to the rich, historical anecdotes that have shaped his professional life. –  This episode is brought to you by Laurent-Perrier – a family-owned Champagne House, renowned as the region's great innovator and distinguished for its unique style of freshness, elegance, and purity. For more information go to www.laurent-perrier.com [http://www.laurent-perrier.com/]. – Produced by Matt Hill at Rethink Audio [https://www.rethinkaudio.com/].

Ellie Simmonds: Gold medals to BAFTA masks

Her adoptive parents ushered her into two successful careers: from competitive swimming led to BAFTA-winning documentary maker. But how did these formative experiences shape her attitude to success? This week, Alex Zane dives deep with Ellie Simmonds MBE, the five-time Paralympic gold medalist, to explore her journey from Olympic pools to the television screen.  Over a glass of Champagne, Ellie opens up about the pressures of representing Great Britain, the challenges of transitioning to post-athletic life, and her adoption story that became a heartfelt documentary. –  This episode is brought to you by Laurent-Perrier – a family-owned Champagne House, renowned as the region's great innovator and distinguished for its unique style of freshness, elegance, and purity. For more information go to www.laurent-perrier.com [http://www.laurent-perrier.com/]. – Produced by Matt Hill at Rethink Audio [https://www.rethinkaudio.com/].

Mathew Horne: Corden’s foil to Gavin (and Stacey)

A last-minute casting change led to a breakout role that transformed the career of one of Britain's beloved comedic actors.     In this candid interview, Matthew Horne opens up to host Alex Zane, recounting his career journey from early comedy sketches to the events of 2009 - a manic year that proved too much.     Learn about the highs and lows of his path, including his iconic role in 'Gavin and Stacey, collaborations with Catherine Tate, and reflections on working with Sigourney Weaver and James Corden, all set against the illustrious backdrop of The Savoy.  This episode is brought to you by Laurent-Perrier – a family-owned Champagne House, renowned as the region's great innovator and distinguished for its unique style of freshness, elegance, and purity.  For more information go to www.laurent-perrier.com [http://www.laurent-perrier.com]. Produced by Matt Hill at Rethink Audio [https://www.rethinkaudio.com/].

Dame Margaret Aderin-Pocock: no ordinary scientist

Tracking missiles whilst leaning out of a warplane isn’t in the job description for becoming the host of the BBC’s 'The Sky at Night' - but then nothing about Dame Maggie’s CV is ordinary.    In this detailed interview with Alex Zane, Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock shares her journey from a 14-year-old building telescopes to becoming one of Britain's most prominent science communicators.    Join us for a glass of bubbles at the iconic Savoy London, as we hear about her groundbreaking work in astronomy, adventures in Chile and Hawaii, and how she overcame personal and professional hurdles, all while promoting a passion for science and education.  This episode is brought to you by Laurent-Perrier – a family-owned Champagne House, renowned as the region's great innovator and distinguished for its unique style of freshness, elegance, and purity.  For more information go to www.laurent-perrier.com [http://www.laurent-perrier.com]. Produced by Matt Hill at Rethink Audio [https://www.rethinkaudio.com/].

Elizabeth Day: getting to the truth of everything

She describes herself as stubborn; we call it tenacity. Either way, Elizabeth Day’s journey from a childhood in The Troubles, to award-winning journalist and author, is quite the ride.     Elizabeth shares with host Alex Zane her instinct for honesty and how it shaped her illustrious career: standing up to newspaper editors, advocating for female voices, and getting something unique out of every interview.    Join us as we delve into her popular podcast 'How to Fail', her bestselling books, and the inspiration behind her relentless pursuit of success - all over a glass of bubbles at the iconic Savoy London. Cheers!  This episode is brought to you by Laurent-Perrier – a family-owned Champagne House, renowned as the region's great innovator and distinguished for its unique style of freshness, elegance, and purity.  For more information go to www.laurent-perrier.com [http://www.laurent-perrier.com]. Produced by Matt Hill at Rethink Audio [https://www.rethinkaudio.com/].