Radio Oldie

The eminent and multiple-prize-winning historian, Antony Beevor, best known for his popular works on the Second World War, the Spanish Civil War and Russia, talks to Charlotte Metcalf about his new book on Rasputin: And the Downfall of the Romanovs, published this week. They also talk about his life and the problems that historians are increasingly facing in an age of disinformation and electronic rather than written communication. 

Comedian, actor and author Nigel Planer, stuck with being known as the lugubrious hippy Neil in the 1980’s sitcom The Young Ones, talks to Charlotte Metcalf about his memoir Young Once.  He tells her how he’s finally escaped being Neil and how, alongside his career as a well-known comedian, he’s forged a successful career as an actor, musician, playwright, poet, audiobook narrator and more. 

Charlotte Metcalf talks to Dr. Miriam Stoppard about her new book Sex, Drugs and Walking Sticks, a must-read bible for oldies, full of anecdotes and her personal tips on how to age well. She talks frankly about her views on sex and alcohol, about her life and motherhood and reminisces about her 20-year marriage to the late Tom Stoppard. 

Lady Antonia Fraser, 93 – Oldie of the Year

Lady Antonia Fraser wrote The House That Spoke: The History of a Home last year – 71 years after her first book, King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.

Introduced by Gyles Brandreth.

Maggi Hambling, 80 – Oldie Finest Artist

Now aged 80, Maggi is still going at full blast. She is in her studio - or by the North Sea with her sketchbook - by 6am every morning.

Introduced by Gyles Brandreth.

Michael Heath, 90 – Oldie King of the Toons

At 90, Michael Heath remains our finest observational cartoonist. Since he first placed a cartoon in Melody Maker in 1955 – more than 70 years ago – he has drawn people with the clothes, hair and mannerisms of the moment.

Introduced by Gyles Brandreth.