Radio Oldie

Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran are one of our finest TV screenwriting partnerships. They tell Harry Mount about their shows Birds of a Feather and Goodnight Sweetheart - and why Donald Trump would be perfect for an American version of The New Statesman.

Theo Fennell is one of Britain’s most renowned jewellers, having made his name in the eighties by attracting a new generation, including numerous rockstars and celebrities, to his colourful jewellery and witty silver pieces like the silver Marmite lid.  Following a 2007 exhibition of his jewellery at the Museum of Mankind on Burlington Gardens, Theo became a champion of and spokesperson for his craft, encouraging people to see the beauty in beautifully made pieces rather than expensive, branded bling.  He talks to Charlotte Metcalf about his life, his career and his latest  - and very funny - book, The Glory Years: More Chapters of Accidents, which is the follow up to his first acclaimed book,  I Fear for This Boy

Sir Trevor McDonald speaking about his new memoir, On Cricket, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at London’s National Liberal Club, on May 6th 2025.

Adam Nicolson speaking about his new book, Bird School: A Beginner in the Wood, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at London’s National Liberal Club, on May 6th 2025.

Angela V John speaking about her new book, Behind the Scenes: the Dramatic Lives of Philip Burton, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at London’s National Liberal Club, on May 6th 2025.

Tom Hodgkinson tells Harry Mount about his industrious 32 years as editor of The Idler magazine. He talks about idling, his hero, Dr Johnson, and his upcoming books on the Stoics and Socrates.

Kate Summerscale speaking about her new book, The Peepshow: the Murders at 10 Rillington Place, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at London’s National Liberal Club, on April 22nd 2025.

Andrew Pierce speaking about his new book, Finding Margaret: Solving the Mystery of my Birth Mother, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at London’s National Liberal Club, on April 22nd 2025.

Sandy Nairne speaking about his new book, Titan of the Thames: the Life of Lord Desborough, at the Oldie Literary Lunch, held at London’s National Liberal Club, on April 22nd 2025.

Loyd Grossman is the writer, author, broadcaster, television presenter and cultural campaigner. He has served on and chairs numerous boards including the Royal Society of Arts, the organisation he currently chairs, which he sees as pivotal in restoring a sense of enlightened optimism to Britain. He tells Charlotte about his upbringing in America, his career in television and magazines, his books and his passion for heritage and churches. He also talks about playing the guitar, being in a band, trying to be a rock star and how his four wire-haired dachshunds keep him active and fit.