Radio Oldie

Beyond being one of the Pythons in Monty Python’s Flying Circus, Michael Palin has had a varied career as an actor, writer and television presenter and is now known for his popular books and travel documentaries.  He was knighted in 2019 for services to travel, culture and geography.  He talks to Charlotte Metcalf about his love of travel and art, how he began in comedy, stammering, as he did in a A Fish Called Wanda,  his ‘harmonious’ temperament and much more.

Lady Glenconner tells Harry Mount about life as Princess Margaret's lady-in-waiting: how Fergie told her how much the Queen liked her book; and the royal waves, from the Queen's crisp wave to the Queen Mother's - like 'stirring a pudding'.

Matthew Bourne is widely hailed as Britain’s most popular and successful choreographer with a record number of prestigious awards.  He talks to Charlotte Metcalf about Red Shoes, currently playing at Sadlers Wells, and much more.  His 1995 Swan Lake, replacing female swans with male dancers, is the world’s longest running full-length dance classic in the West End and on Broadway.  He was knighted in 2016 for his outstanding contribution to the art of ballet.  

Gyles Brandreth speaking about his new book, Somewhere, a Boy and a Bear, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at London’s National Liberal Club, on December 9th 2025.

Lady Anne Glenconner speaking about her new book, Mischief & Manners, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at London’s National Liberal Club, on December 9th 2025.

Adam Sisman speaking about his new book, The Indefatigable Asa Briggs, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at London’s National Liberal Club, on December 9th 2025.

Pam Ayres is a much-loved poet, comedian, songwriter and broadcaster, particularly famous for her poem ‘I Wish I’d Looked After my Teeth’.  She was awarded an MBE in 2004 for services to literature and entertainment. She talks to Charlotte Metcalf about her life, including performing for the Queen, and performs her most recent poem ‘I’ll Have to Send it Back’.    

Henry Marsh is a neurosurgeon who became well-known when his best-selling book, Do No Harm was published in 2014. Since then, he’s written two more books, Admissions: A Life in Brain Surgery, followed by And Finally in 2022. He’s had three BBC documentaries made about him and remains a frequent visitor to Ukraine, where he has been a volunteer surgeon and is now a popular lecturer.  

Andrew Lownie speaking about his new book, Entitled: Prince Andrew, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at London’s National Liberal Club, on November 25th 2025.

Ferdinand Mount speaking about his new book, Soft: A Brief History of Sentimentality, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at London’s National Liberal Club, on November 25th 2025.