In this episode I am reading my favourite poem of 1986, John Keats epic, The Eve of St Agnes and the story of how the lovely Madeline 'loses it'. Agnes herself was a 12 year old girl from a wealthy Roman family and, when she refused to marry any of her many suitors (girls can be so picky!) she was killed, oops, I mean martyred. She became the patron saint of virgins and sometime later it became a thing to try to dream of your future husband by following special rituals on on the Eve of St. Agnes, January 20th. I did give this a go back in the day but I don't think I ever managed to go to bed without eating...

Anyway, enjoy! I'll be back soon with a nice fun guest for October I promise. 

Follow me on Instagram @diary_of_a_diva_podcast, Facebook @diaryofadivapodcast. Original music by Finn Pearson. 

September brings the end of Jesus Christ Superstar, the beginning of the 'big, bad Fifth Form', and the trials of old age! Penny sees her first full frontal naked man (never to be forgotten!) and there are some questionable fund-raising activities at the Village Show. No guests this month, it’s just you and me. How intimate! 

Follow me on Instagram @diary_of_a_diva_podcast, Facebook @diaryofadivapodcast. Original music by Finn Pearson. 

Back from camping Penny throws herself back into home activities, rehearsals for Jesus Christ Superstar, riding, and going to the pub. Some unsolicited style advice from London's trendy Kings Road has a lasting effect and listen out for some foreshadowing, references to important characters in Penny’s future love life! My guest is the brainy and glamourous Lilly Stent who brings some valuable Gen-Z insights to proceedings. 

Follow me on Instagram @diary_of_a_diva_podcast, Facebook @diaryofadivapodcast. Original music by Finn Pearson. 

The French holiday continues and Penny and Hilary are 'on the rampage' once again, no-one is safe! The lake by the campsite appears to be the place to be, but will the girls kiss the right kind of frogs? Neighbour Matt Coomber is this month's guest but only made it to the end of the holiday...more of August to come! 

Follow me on Instagram @diary_of_a_diva_podcast, Facebook @diaryofadivapodcast. Original music by Finn Pearson. 

Penny and partner in crime, Hilary, head off on the hovercraft for a camping trip ‘on the Continent’. The girls practice their French, everything from language to kissing and guest, diva extraordinaire Elisa Wilson, provides hilarious insight about her own, quite contrasting holidays growing up in Western Australia. 

Follow me on Instagram @diary_of_a_diva_podcast, Facebook @diaryofadivapodcast. Original music by Finn Pearson. 

Brother Chris and Bestie Ruth are guests for the latest flurry of drunken summer escapades, and Lloyd-Webber musicals where it's all hugs, kisses and back stabbing! Do siblings still know how to annoy each other, even in their 50s? And where are Penny’s loyalties when she finally meets, Ruth’s big crush? Recorded in an English spring garden complete with noisy songbirds and panting dogs.

For photos from the era follow me on Instagram @diary_of_a_diva_podcast and on Facebook @diaryofadivapodcast. Original music by Finn Pearson.

Penny enjoys getting manhandled at the Abingdon School Fete, sets her sights on her Dad's boss's (rich!) son and takes her very first O-level. Things get meta when she find her 1984 diary and finds it 'hilarious'. Cabaret Artist and guest Brendan Hanson (pictured) reveals his early musical tastes, his love of a frosted mullet and an extremely loud laugh! 

For photos from the era follow me on Instagram @diary_of_a_diva_podcast, Facebook @diaryofadivapodcast. Original music by Finn Pearson.

Radioactive strawberries, creepy anonymous letters and a futurist fashion show...but mostly May is about scandal! As previously suspected, 15 proves to be a dangerous age for nice young ladies. 

Recorded with fellow cabaret artist, journalist and fashionista Glynis Traill-Nash.

Instagram @diary_of_a_diva_podcast, Facebook @diaryofadivapodcast for more content and photos from the era! Original music by Finn Pearson.

Disastrous Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, toad rescue, and unsupportive parents all conspire to distract Penny as she obsessively prepares for her all important audition for Jesus Christ Superstar. Read with musician and cabaret collaborator Joe Louis Robinson at home in South Freo. 

Follow me on Instagram @diary_of_a_diva_podcast, Facebook @diaryofadivapodcast. Original music by Finn Pearson. 

Finally some genuine teenage angst as Penny realises her 'main character energy' is on the wane, she never gets the parts she auditions for and unrequited love rears its ugly head. Penny and old school pal Marie, revert to their worst teenage selves, have one too many drinks and giggle. You have been warned.  March 1986 is dedicated to the memory of Rebecca Martin.

Instagram @diary_of_a_diva_podcast, Facebook @diaryofadivapodcast for more content and photos from the era! Original music by Finn Pearson.