No… It’s Not Doctor Who!

Doctor Korczak and the Children with Toby Hadoke

This week Toby Hadoke and I take a trip back to 1962 for an edition of the BBC Drama anthology series Studio 4 - Doctor Korczak and the Children. Doctor Who fans might be familiar opening moments of this TV play as we see Paddy Russell, later to direct The Massacre and more, greet the actors. And that should let you know that this play is something quite different. No sets, no costumes. Just the actors and a sad story from World War 2. This was a fascinating play to watch and discuss in depth with Toby as well as further thoughts on drama and the world we live in today. Lessons from history are tough and so are the lessons in this play.

Thunderbirds with Chris Gillespie-Pratt

This week sees another first time podcaster join the series and a very special guest as well as it's my husband Chris Gillespie-Pratt who's come to talk to me about all things Thunderbirds as well as the wider world created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson. We look at what makes Thunderbirds so special, why the music is absolutely key to the series success and why the model work is absolutely incredible. We also mention Anthea Turner and the ill fated live action film but hopefully not in too much detail!

Tenko with Mark Dodyk

After a couple of weeks in the land of sitcoms it's time to return to the world of drama and this time it's one of the most critically acclaimed dramas of the 1980s. And it's one that doesn't get talked about anywhere near as much as it should. Tenko is phenomenal but also at the same time devastating. Mark Dodyk joins me this week as we explore all three series and the wealth of fantastic characters we are introduced to. Though no doubt there'll be someone we forgot to mention! Tenko is a powerful drama and one that Mark and I hope to persuade you to give a try.

One Foot in the Grave with Si Hart

"4291..." Often hailed as one of the greatest sitcoms of all time, One Foot in the Grave is more than just your average sitcom. In this week's episode Si Hart joins me to tell me why this is one of his favourite TV shows of all time. We explore the light and dark themes of the series, the genius that is Mrs Warboys, what happens in that final episode and most importantly of all... Is Victor Meldrew actually in the right?

dinnerladies with Rod Brown

dinnerladies (the lack of a capital letter there is deliberate - listen to find out why) is one of Victoria Wood's finest pieces of television. And considering her long career, that really is something. This week I'm joined by Rod Brown as we explore his love for Wood's writing, what makes this series such a success and why if you've never given it a chance, then now is the right time. Also why is the name Urmston funny?