The Third Act
Auriens, Catherine Fairweather
What if we all saw age, not as a barrier, but as a new beginning? Featuring sparkling conversation from vintage minds, The Third Act is a podcast that celebrates later life – by putting it centre-stage.
Each episode, writer and journalist Catherine Fairweather chats to some of the world’s most experienced artists, adventurers, actors and entrepreneurs – hearing tales of triumphs and setbacks, exploring the intimate secrets of a life well lived and unpacking tricks for ageing gracefully (or otherwise). Over lunch at Auriens Chelsea, each guest reflects openly and honestly about how they are redefining later living and embracing life’s next act. Warm, witty and invariably wise, this series will leave you with the strong belief that the best is yet to come.
The Third Act is brought to you by Auriens – a luxury residence in Chelsea that redefines later living.
Each episode, writer and journalist Catherine Fairweather chats to some of the world’s most experienced artists, adventurers, actors and entrepreneurs – hearing tales of triumphs and setbacks, exploring the intimate secrets of a life well lived and unpacking tricks for ageing gracefully (or otherwise). Over lunch at Auriens Chelsea, each guest reflects openly and honestly about how they are redefining later living and embracing life’s next act. Warm, witty and invariably wise, this series will leave you with the strong belief that the best is yet to come.
The Third Act is brought to you by Auriens – a luxury residence in Chelsea that redefines later living.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 30, 2024 • 40min
Dame Sheila Hancock
At 91, Dame Sheila Hancock reflects on a life rich in experiences which have sometimes tested, sometimes burnished her resilient and independent spirit. Known for her dynamic career on stage and screen— Cabaret, Sweeney Todd, and The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas—Dame Sheila has spent the more recent decades captivating a new audience of readers with her writing and sharp wit, the most recent being the captivating memoir of a long life well lived in Old Rage. Yet her drive extends well beyond the arts; Sheila is something of an activist and campaigner, whose life is as powered by compassion and espousing causes as it is a restless thirst for knowledge. This episode offers an inspiring glimpse into the wisdom, humour, and tenacity of one of the UK’s most talented Dames.
Aug 16, 2024 • 35min
Pattie Boyd
Host, Catherine Fairweather, is joined by the wonderful Pattie Boyd in warm confessional mode. In this episode, she’s honest about the flip side of celebrity, the sense of feeling invisible as a model in an era when you were judged purely on how you looked, and the highs and lows of being married to famous rockstars George Harrison and Eric Clapton. Motherhood is elusive but we explore how Pattie Boyd finds purpose and direction, particularly in her later years, with photography and travelling.
Aug 6, 2024 • 37min
Robin Hanbury-Tenison
Explorer and environmentalist Robin Hanbury-Tenison recounts his life journey with host Catherine Fairweather, from early adventures in the far reaches to a near-death experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. They discuss his transformative coma visions, dedication to Indigenous rights and the environment with Survival International, and his transition from explorer to advocate for preserving natural and cultural heritage. Robin reflects on the evolution of exploration with modern technology and muses on the importance, psychologically, of getting lost.
Jul 19, 2024 • 36min
Susannah Constantine
In this episode of The Third Act, host Catherine Fairweather reconnects with Susannah Constantine, the famed TV presenter and fashion guru, after nearly three decades. Susannah opens up about her struggle with alcoholism, her path to sobriety, and the profound influence of her family history on her personal battles. She also shares humorous and poignant anecdotes about her experiences within royal circles and the evolution of her career.
Jul 9, 2024 • 33min
Bill Wyman
Catherine Fairweather sits down with Bill Wyman, the iconic ex-Rolling Stones bassist, for an intimate conversation at Auriens Chelsa.
Bill Wyman is the most unlikely rockstar, a man given to quieter pursuits such as metal-detecting, archiving, photography and writing - the latest memoir being Billy in the Wars which they discuss here over a glass of wine at Auriens. Catherine also talks to the legendary bassist about why he left The Rolling Stones at the height of its fame, how we can learn from our mistakes and bad, and the dual sense of loneliness and community in his wartime London childhood.
Tune in to hear Catherine and Bill discuss gifts of later life and the legacy of love bestowed by his adored grandmother.
Jun 21, 2024 • 31min
Alexandra Pringle
In this episode, former Bloomsbury editor-in-chief Alexandra Pringle shares her journey from a Chelsea girl to a leading figure in the literary world. With host, Catherine Fairweather she reminisces about her colourful Chelsea childhood, the romantic and challenging life on a houseboat, and her recent pivot to hosting writing masterclasses in Marrakesh. Alexandra opens up about her adventurous spirit, the significance of finding joy with her "Fun Squad," and her passion for storytelling, both in helping others and potentially exploring her own family history. She also touches on her views on financial independence, freedom of speech, and the importance of embracing risks and living fully at any age. Join us for an inspiring conversation that weaves together personal anecdotes, professional triumphs, and a zest for life.
Jun 7, 2024 • 43min
Sir Michael Palin
Sir Michael Palin, a cultural icon celebrated for his Monty Python roots and travel documentaries, shares insights into his fascinating life. He discusses the power of humor as a bridge across cultures, recounting experiences from his travels in 99 countries. The conversation touches on the challenges and joys of writing, along with poignant moments spent with locals in refugee camps. With a mix of reflection and laughter, Palin delves into the themes of aging, relationships, and the importance of honoring tradition and elders in various societies.
May 22, 2024 • 3min
Series 3 Trailer
Listen to the trailer for the much-anticipated third series of our podcast, The Third Act. Writer and journalist Catherine Fairweather chats with some of the world's most experienced artists, adventurers, actors, and entrepreneurs – hearing tales of triumphs and setbacks, exploring the intimate secrets of a life well-lived, and unpacking tricks for ageing gracefully (or otherwise).
Featuring legendary travel documentarian Michael Palin, renowned publisher Alexandra Pringle, rock icon Bill Wyman, and the indomitable Lady Glenconnor, who penned her first bestseller at 87. Warm, witty, and invariably wise, this series will leave you with the strong belief that the best is yet to come.
May 5, 2023 • 32min
Tina Brown
Tina Brown is the trailblazing dynamo and former editor of Tatler, Vanity Fair and The New Yorker and famous for bringing the heady mix of the high low to magazine content. Her latest book on the Royals, the Palace Papers was revelatory and brilliantly researched but even she couldn't predict the seismic changes in the past year, the death of the Queen, the coronation and fresh mudslinging from some familiar members of the family. On the eve of her launch of the Truth Tellers Summit in Investigative Journalism, Tina joins host Catherine Fairweather to muse over the trajectory of a stellar career that isn’t over yet.
Apr 27, 2023 • 29min
