Rosebud with Gyles Brandreth

Don Black, the award-winning lyricist behind five James Bond themes, “Born Free” and Michael Jackson’s “Ben,” recalls a joyful Hackney childhood and his journey through London’s Tin Pan Alley. He shares stories of Matt Monro, John Barry, Quincy Jones and Hollywood, plus the enduring love and grounding influence of his wife Shirley. A warm, funny conversation about music, memory, grief and always finding reasons to dream.

Dame Zandra Rhodes, the iconic British fashion and textiles designer, is our guest today. In this brilliant conversation, recorded at Zandra's beautiful penthouse apartment in Bermondsey, Zandra tells Gyles about her childhood, which was hugely influenced by her "exotic" and extremely stylish mother, who was always well dressed and was ambitious for her daughter. She talks about her father, who was a lorry driver who adored his wife but whose childhood was marred by tragedy. Zandra talks about her early love of dressing up, and about her memories of the war, and of going out blackberrying in the Kent countryside. She talks about starting out, about her fierce work ethic and the people who gave her breaks early on in the Swinging Sixties. Zandra tells Gyles about meeting Diana Vreeland in New York, about dressing Princess Diana and Freddy Mercury.This is a charming hour with one of the most distinctive visionaries of British style. Our huge thanks to Zandra for having us at her place that day, and for her warmth, talent and wonderful stories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Francis Rossi, founding singer and guitarist of Status Quo, shares a colourful life story. He recalls his Italian family roots, childhood sweet shops, school days and discovering music with Alan Lancaster. Rossi explores the rise of Status Quo, his extraordinary chemistry with Rick Parfitt, Live Aid, addiction, love, loss, marriage and raising eight children.

Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton is a writer, former SAS soldier, and one-time aide to the Queen Mother and Princes William and Harry. He recalls a free-range Suffolk childhood, family secrets, Eton, military ideals, and the surprise “pea-flicking” test that led to royal service. He also shares affectionate royal anecdotes, reflections on guiding the young princes, and the extraordinary mother who inspired his WWII novel.

Travel back to 1980 through candid diary entries filled with ambitious business plans, publishing schemes, family holidays, and the shifting political mood of Thatcher’s Britain. Along the way come Sooty and Sweep, Hi-de-Hi!, Kenneth Williams, Larry Grayson, Dame Hilda, theatre adventures, domestic mishaps, financial pressures, and the golden glow of ordinary family moments.

Simon Callow, the acclaimed British actor, writer and director, reflects on a remarkable life in theatre. He recalls a vibrant grandmother, an absent father and a complicated mother, then follows his journey through literature, music, Belfast and Oscar Wilde to Michael McLiamoir and Laurence Olivier. He also discusses storytelling, love, identity and the surprises that make life extraordinary.

Larry Lamb, the British actor known for EastEnders and Gavin & Stacey, joins Gyles Brandreth for a remarkable life story told through poetry. He revisits a turbulent childhood, his mother’s disappearance, his grandmother’s rescue, and the lasting effects of abandonment. Lamb also reflects on love, therapy, languages, stage fright, acting’s uncertainty, family estrangement, and the roles that shaped his career.

Our guest today is Al Murray, aka the Pub Landlord and the host of We Have Ways of Making You Talk, a podcast all about the Second World War which is one of the UK's most successful history podcasts. In this conversation, Al talks to Gyles about his family history, which is steeped in war stories and tales of derring do, espionage and also some tragedy. He is also descended from the great Victorian writer, William Makepeace Thackeray, satirist and author of Vanity Fair. From this rich history emerges young Al, who tells Gyles about his unhappiness at prep school, his love of drama, and his hatred of games. He talks about going to university, and starting out as a comic on the scene in 90s London.The We Have Ways Festival takes places this weekend, in Buckinghamshire. Tickets available here. The Pub Landlord is on tour, tickets available here.Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube here. Join The Rosebud Family here. And visit our website here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The year is 1979. Yes, it's another fun episode of Gyles's diaries, including a truly brilllant listener email from Darran Lingley, discussion of Winston Churchill's love of languishing at the dinner table, tales of Gyles and Michele's new boxing sessions and speculation about squirrel blood transfusions. Enjoy this.If you'd like to join the Rosebud Family, for more episodes and a wonderful community of Rosebud-loving listeners, go to www. patreon.com/rosebud. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We have a really wonderful Rosebud for you today, with the great actress, Patricia Hodge. In this conversation, Patricia talks to Gyles about her childhood, spent in the biggest hotel in Grimsby, observing the comings and goings of the guests, the local dockers and fishermen, and the occasional glimpses of glamour and celebrity that passed through the town. She talks about the bold and inventive move which led to her being noticed as a performer at school, and got her started in school plays. She talks about training as an actor at LAMDA, about what she looks for in a co-star, and about her love of Julie Andrews. She talks about friendship, and her long marriage. Patricia is one of the best, most talented, and most stylish actors working in Britain today and we think you'll agree that this conversation encapsulates some of her real class, intelligence and wisdom. Our huge thanks to Patricia Hodge for her company, energy and time. Enjoy this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.