Distinct Nostalgia

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Distinct Drama presents...
MISSING YOU by Richard Vergette
Starring June Brown MBE and Sam Barnard
Produced by Ashley Byrne, Iain Mackness and James Brown
An MIM Production for Distinct Nostalgia - More than a Podcast!

This 30 minute drama kicks off ‘Generation Games’, a new series of occasional monologues and duologues exploring relationships, friendships and connections across the generational divide. 

June plays Margey, who against advice, refused to give her son up for adoption when she was told he had Down's syndrome.  She has protected William fiercely throughout his life, even when William has preferred not to be protected. Despite the tensions that arose when William demanded his independence, both mother and son remain devoted to each other. Now they can’t see each-other due to the pandemic and the enforced separation causes each of them to reflect on their shared past. 

Missing You is written by Richard Vergette who says: ‘Being the parent of a young man with Down’s Syndrome I’m aware that the compassionate response we received by medical staff at our son’s birth, wasn’t always the experience of parents from previous generations. Parents like Margey had to fight just for the right to bring up their own child. William is equally formidable and needs to lead his own life – away from his Mother. 

Richard continues: ‘I’m fortunate enough to have worked with the excellent actor, Sam Barnard, so was delighted when he agreed to play the role of William. When writing the role of Margey I had the voice of June Brown in my head and so asked the producer, Ashley Byrne, “Can we find a June Brown type of actress?”. “How about June Brown?” he replied! I still can’t quite believe that a living legend is playing in a piece I’ve written. They are both brilliant in their respective roles and bring home the frustrations as well as the joys of their characters’ relationship.’

Actor Sam Barnard commenting on his part says: "June is such a legend and a hero of mine since I was little. When I was asked to play this role I said "OOH I SAY" and did a little dance of joy!"

MIM and Distinct Nostalgia Creative Director Ashley Byrne adds: ‘This is a very touching and thoughtful portrayal and is a tremendous story to kick off our series exploring relationships across the generations.  We’ll be bringing more established names together with not so well known talent in a bid to tackle ageism in our society. In broadcasting the trend is to increasingly shove people in age silos and never the twain shall meet but we feel the portrayal of relationships with people across the generations is crucial for social cohesion.’

Distinct Nostalgia began in January 2020 and regularly charts. Its main content includes interviews and reunions with famous tv and movie stars and regularly celebrates the soaps, comedy and British film.  Distinct Nostalgia also includes new drama and comedy. 

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Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message

COMEDY WRITING LEGENDS - MARKS AND GRAN - EPISODE 1 PART ONE

We kick off our Comedy Writing Legends series with two programmes celebrating the work of Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran. The pair started working together from a very young age and have had decades of success penning some classic British sitcoms - from Birds of a Feather to Goodnight Sweetheart via The New Statesman. In this first part of their chat with Ashley they talk about their very early years and how the hit comedy drama Shine on Harvey Moon helped to spawn their most enduring success, Birds of a Feather.

In Part Two of Programme One, they tell Distinct Nostalgia about working with Rik Mayall and creating The New Statesman as well as their long running, often repeated time travelling comedy hit Goodnight Sweetheart.

Future programmes in the  Comedy Writing Legends series will meet the talent behind Porridge, One Foot in the Grave, Man About the House and Second Thoughts among many other great shows.

Look out for lots of interesting shows over Christmas. More on Corrie at 60, a new drama with June Brown and an interview with Syd Little remembering his comedy partner Eddie Large who died earlier this year from Covid-19 complications.

Distinct Nostalgia - More than a Podcast!

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This Christmas sees the start of an occasional series celebrating Britain's 'Comedy Writing Legends'. In the first programme, Ashley chats to Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran about their long career which has seen them create among other - Shine on Harvey Moon, Birds of a Feather, The New Statesman and Goodnight Sweetheart. Listen to the trail here.

Other Christmas Specials on Distinct Nostalgia include more shows marking Corrie at 60, the legendary June Brown in a special drama called 'Missing You' and 'Little Remembers Large' in which comedian Syd Little looks back at his career and his partnership with Eddie Large who lost his life to Covid-19 earlier this year.

Distinct Nostalgia - More than a podcast!

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Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message

Acting legend June Brown may have given up her role as Dot in EastEnders but the 93 year old is far from retiring.

This Christmas she plays the mother of a son with Down's syndrome who is separated from him because of the Pandemic.

It’s June’s first role since quitting the BBC’s long running hit soap and explores a relationship strained by the isolation felt by many during the Covid 19 crisis. 

‘Missing You’ was commissioned by production company MIM for Distinct Nostalgia, the very same platform June used to announce her departure from EastEnders back in February. 

And the 30 minute audio piece kicks off ‘Generation Games’, a new series of occasional monologues and duologues aimed at exploring relationships across the generational divide. 

June plays Margey, who against advice, refused to give her son up for adoption when she was told he had Down's syndrome.  She has protected William fiercely throughout his life, even when William has preferred not to be protected. Despite the tensions that arose when William demanded his independence, both mother and son remain devoted to each other. Now they can’t see each-other due to the pandemic and the enforced separation causes each of them to reflect on their shared past. 

Missing You is written by Richard Vergette who says: ‘Being the parent of a young man with Down’s Syndrome I’m aware that the compassionate response we received by medical staff at our son’s birth, wasn’t always the experience of parents from previous generations. Parents like Margey had to fight just for the right to bring up their own child. William is equally formidable and needs to lead his own life – away from his Mother. 

Richard continues: ‘I’m fortunate enough to have worked with the excellent actor, Sam Barnard, so was delighted when he agreed to play the role of William. When writing the role of Margey I had the voice of June Brown in my head and so asked the producer, Ashley Byrne, “Can we find a June Brown type of actress?”. “How about June Brown?” he replied! I still can’t quite believe that a living legend is playing in a piece I’ve written. They are both brilliant in their respective roles and bring home the frustrations as well as the joys of their characters’ relationship.’

Actor Sam Barnard commenting on his part says: "June is such a legend and a hero of mine since I was little. When I was asked to play this role I said "OOH I SAY" and did a little dance of joy!"

MIM and Distinct Nostalgia Creative Director Ashley Byrne adds: ‘This is a very touching and thoughtful portrayal and is a tremendous story to kick off our series exploring relationships across the generations.  We’ll be bringing more established names together with not so well known talent in a bid to tackle ageism in our society. In broadcasting the trend is to increasingly shove people in age silos and never the twain shall meet but we feel the portrayal of relationships with people across the generations is crucial for social cohesion.’

Missing You is produced by Made in Manchester (MIM) and can be heard on Distinct Nostalgia from Boxing Day. Distinct Nostalgia can be found wherever you get your podcasts.  

Distinct Nostalgia began in January 2020 and regularly charts. Its main content includes interviews and reunions with famous tv and movie stars and regularly celebrates the soaps, comedy and British film.  DN also includes new drama and comedy. 

Distinct Nostalgia - More than a Podcast! 

Support the show

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message

He's now very much part of Emmerdale but years before he landed his role in the Yorkshire soap, Chris Bisson played Vikram in Coronation Street. He's been giving a short interview to Distinct Nostalgia  as part our chats with past cast members to mark the Street's 60th birthday month. You can also hear Chris, at length, discussing is hilarious role in the hit Brit Flick East is East by scrolling through the Distinct Nostalgia player or wherever you get your podcasts. 

And don't forget Distinct Nostalgia has a plethora of treats in store for you during Corrie's 60th birthday month. Stay tuned! And remember to look through our archives. Trawl through the player where you will find a catalogue of interviews and hours of Street history.

Distinct Nostalgia - More Than A Podcast!

Support the show

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message

She was in Coronation Street on and off for several decades, playing Alma who eventually married Mike Baldwin. Here national treasure Amanda Barrie remembers her days on the cobbles with some great stories about some of the grand dames of the show - Doris Speed, Pat Phoenix, Lynne Perrie and Eileen Derbyshire. She also chats to Ashley about the Carry Ons and one or two other things as well. 

And don't forget Distinct Nostalgia has a plethora of treats in store for you during Corrie's 60th birthday month. Stay tuned! And remember to look through our archives. Trawl through the player where you will find a catalogue of interviews and hours of Street history.

Distinct Nostalgia - More Than A Podcast!

Support the show

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message

Bruce Jones played Les Battersby for just over 10 years. He and his family caused something of a revolution in the Street. They'd never seen anything like it! Les annoyed the fictional residents of Weatherfield and fans alike when he first moved in but over time Les, Janice, Leanne and Toyah won the affection of Corrie viewers. Here Bruce remembers the early years and some of the contrasting funny and very serious storylines - from winding up Ken to Les's suicide attempt.

And don't forget Distinct Nostalgia has a plethora of treats in store for you during Corrie's 60th birthday month. Stay tuned! And remember to look through our archives. Trawl through the player where you will find a catalogue of interviews and hours of Street history.

Distinct Nostalgia - More Than A Podcast!

Support the show

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message

So we've reached the big final. Test your own Corrie knowledge as Dave from Glasgow representing  Corriepedia and Michael from Southampton representing Conversation Street battle it out for the Distinct Nostalgia Mind of the Month Corrie Superfan title and the coveted Distinct Nostalgia Mind of the Month mug. Michael scored 32.5 points on Pat Phelan in the first round while Dave got 34 points on Ken Barlow. Now they must test their general Corrie knowledge going back 60 years. Listen Now and Enjoy!

And don't forget Distinct Nostalgia has a plethora of treats in store for you during Corrie's 60th birthday week and month. Stay tuned! And remember to look through our archives. Trawl through the player where you will find a catalogue of interviews and hours of Street history.

Distinct Nostalgia - More Than A Podcast!

Support the show

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message

Simon May composed the EastEnders theme tune as well as Julia's Theme and Peggy's Theme which was used when Barbara Windsor's character left Albert Square. Here he pays tribute to Dame Barbara who has died at the age of 83 after a long battle with dementia. 

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Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message

Bond girl, Carry On and Hammer horror star Valerie Leon worked with Barbara Windsor on several Carry On films including Carry On Girls and Carry On Camping. Here she pays tribute to Babs who has sadly died at the age of 83 after a long battle with dementia. 

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