

Spectator Out Loud: Arabella Byrne, Sean Thomas, Mathew Lyons, Bryan Appleyard & Chas Newkey-Burden
5 snips May 30, 2025
Chas Newkey-Burden, a writer, reflects on how the BBC drama 'Threads' shaped his childhood fears about nuclear disaster and calls for a faithful reboot. Sean Thomas shares amusing travel stories of getting lost in remote locations, revealing the surprising joys and discoveries that come from abandoning a strict itinerary. Join them for a thought-provoking discussion that intertwines nostalgia, adventure, and the enduring relevance of media in shaping societal attitudes.
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English Pools' Social Dance
- Arabella Byrne shares personal joy in English private swimming pools and the social complexities around using them.
- She highlights the etiquette of waiting for explicit invitations before swimming in someone else's pool.
Joy of Getting Lost
- Sean Thomas finds joy and human connection in getting lost during travel.
- Lostness offers unique adventures and a revival of faith in human kindness around the world.
14th Century’s Political Reality
- Matthew Lyons describes 14th century England under Edward III as a time of vivid realities shaped by war and plague.
- Political power was symbolic and often struggled against harsh human and political realities.