PODCASTS/AUDIOBOOKS
Brydon &
Comedian, presenter and actor Rob Brydon makes a very affable host for this engaging podcast series in which he interviews celebrities. Brydon is a relaxed and skilful interviewer who has the knack of making his guests feel comfortable and he is rewarded with stories that are well worth listening to. Recent episodes include a chat with Sir Michael Palin, who talks about his extraordinary career as a comedian, author and explorer. He also shares stories of working with Bill Murray and Ken Dodd and speaks very movingly and candidly of the death of his beloved wife of 57 years, Helen. Among other guests in the season so far are actor Ashley Jensen who talks about what it is like working with Ricky Gervais and her new starring role in the BBC series Shetland.
Username Resurgent Audible, review by Yvette Huddleston
Adapted from Joe Sugg’s hit young adult graphic novels, this new series boasts an impressive cast that includes Ruth Wilson, India Amarteifio and Sean Delaney. It tells the story of 16-year-old Serena Hall whose older brother Silas walked into the woods on his 20th birthday and never returned. When the search for her brother is called off by local police, Serena decides to investigate herself. She begins her own true-crime podcast and starts to delve into a world she didn’t know that her brother was involved in. It is a dark, shadowy one full of supernatural urban legends, internet conspiracies and a terrifying digital entity called the Angel of E.Scape. Imaginative and unnerving, with excellent performances from the cast, this makes for an intriguing listen.
Moriarty: The Silent Order Audible, review by Yvette Huddleston
In this latest series of the classy retelling of the Sherlock Holmes stories, Dominic Monaghan returns as Professor James Moriarty in a thrilling adventure in which he joins forces with his rival Holmes (Phil LaMarr). It begins with Moriarty trying to track down the woman he loves. Once he finds her, however, he discovers that she is caught in the web of a sinister group of evil, powerful people. To fight them, he has to face the villainous Lady Milverton (Helen Mirren on magnificent form and clearly enjoying herself immensely) and when he finds out Holmes is also in her grip, Moriarty works with him in order to combat the threat of world war that looms on the horizon.
Straight Up Various platforms, review by Yvette Huddleston
Journalists Kathleen Johnston and Eleanor Halls host this weekly look at what is going on in culture and the media. The pair also share film, book and TV recommendations. There is usually some fun banter between the two of them and plenty of wry humour as they delve into the latest pop culture hot topics and talking points. In the opening episode of the latest series, they speak about Emma Watson and Rita Skeeter. The hosts also share their take on the new Disney+ documentary, Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story, The Boy Who Lived about Daniel Radcliffe’s Harry Potter stunt double, James Blunt’s memoir and the BBC drama about Jimmy Savile, The Reckoning. Interesting, entertaining stuff.