Radio Oldie

At The Oldie Literary lunch presents, geographer Nicholas Crane who explains that over millennia Britain has evolved from ice-bound peninsula, to an island of cities and manmade countryside. The Oldie Literary Lunch is brought to you by Noble Caledonia - the world leaders in small ship cruising. For more info about the The Oldie and the lunches at Simpson's on The Strand: https://www.theoldie.co.uk/ #OldieMagazine #England #Geography

Stephen Glover talks journalism, Fleet Street, drink and his book Splash the story of a reporter who uncovers the scoop of the century. The Oldie Literary Lunch is brought to you by Noble Caledonia - the world leaders in small ship cruising. For more info about the The Oldie and the lunches at Simpson's on The Strand: https://www.theoldie.co.uk/ #Journalism #FleetSteet #StephenGlover #TheOldie

Seventy years ago, George Orwell wrote Nineteen Eighty-Four on Jura. Annabel Sampson recalls her happy childhood on the Hebridean isle. Richard Blair – George Orwell's son – and Annabel discuss the place and Richard's near death experience aboard a dinghy at the Corryvreckan whirlpool, where he reveals his 'ashes will be going out; so the whirlpool will finally get its dues'.

A surefire flop can so easily flip into being a smash – and vice versa. Actor Michael Simkins has first-hand experience of both. He talks about the 'nature of acting' with Harry Mount and Annabel Sampson – 'you are essentially on a tight rope; on one side lies triumph, and the other doom'.

Mother and daughter, Drusilla Beyfus and Nicola Shulman, debate the case for the ‘greatest decade for fashion’: it’s the 1940s vs the 1970s.

Dr Dora Thornton, a senior curator at the British Museum, reveals the delights of being a curator. She talks to Harry Mount about the Holy Thorn Reliquary, a 14th-century masterpiece in the museum's collection. In the photograph attached to this podcast, you can see Dr Dora admiring the incredible object.

Jimi was all alone in London when his friend and photographer Bruce Fleming invited him over for a festive lunch that rocked on...and on. It was turkey with all the trimmings, discover Harry Mount and Annabel Sampson over coffee and croissants at Bruce's home in Marylebone.

Find out why rosé is always ‘pink wine’; why there’s nothing naffer than Christmas overseas, and why Yule Logs are an unqualified ‘no’ from serial partygoers Rachel Johnson and Nicky Haslam. An interview to accompany their festive double-page spread in the January 2018 issue. Presented by Harry Mount.

Princess Michael of Kent is welcomed back to The Oldie Literary lunch to talk about her latest book A Cheetah's Tale. The Oldie Literary Lunch is brought to you by Noble Caledonia - the world leaders in small ship cruising.

Irrepressible Gyles Brandreth talks about his new book on Christmas and a very funny tale about the Royals. The Oldie Literary Lunch is brought to you by Noble Caledonia - the world leaders in small ship cruising.