The Bill Podcast

Natalie Roles narrates a promo for this stunning book from our sponsor Michael Seely of Saturday Morning Press:

In 1964, BBC1 launched a new twice weekly serial designed to be something different from the usual soap fare such as their own 'Compact', set in the posh offices of a ladies magazine. Set in a Midlands town (and made by the BBC's Birmingham studio in the days before Pebble Mill), 'Swizzlewick' was designed to be a prime time satirical swipe at local government with larger than life but recognisable characters with huge personality flaws, and hold up a mirror to our faces and see if we recognise ourselves... The serial was created by the talented playwright David Turner, given the writing opportunity of a lifetime and do something bold and original, but even early on, made some within the BBC very nervous.

However, 'Swizzlewick' upset the dignitaries from Town Halls up and down the country, and very quickly attracted the attention of the emerging Clean Up TV movement headed by one Mrs Mary Whitehouse, who quickly suspected she was being lampooned by the writer following a clash with Turner when she launched her campaign in Birmingham three months earlier where his controversial BBC play 'Trevor' was criticised.

Whitehouse was sent the script for an episode she declared 'indecent' to be shown at a time when children were still up, and just in time for her next rally. How the BBC reacted, and David Turner's explosive reaction are explored in this book, as well as the subsequent battle to keep the programme going. The book also investigates Whitehouse's claim that Turner was sending up the nervous collapse of her husband. Was the BBC using Turner to 'get' Whitehouse? Was she correct in that the series was indecent and tasteless? Was Mrs Smallgood and her Morality drive a 'calculated dig' at her campaign - or a stereotype she recognised she fitted...

'Taste and Decency The Swizzlewick Story' tells the story of how the serial was created, its production, launch and initial hostile reception by scandalised Town Hall dignitaries up and down the country. The book also details each of the 26 episodes transmitted, all bar one no longer survives.

Explore this book and their other titles:

https://shop.saturdaymorningpress.co.uk/

It all starts with the script! Without its talented scriptwriters, #TheBill wouldn't have been the smash hit we all know, love and miss!

In a new series of #WednesdayWriting posts #TheBillPodcast will be highlighting some of the most prolific and talented writers who brought Sun Hill to life.

Prolific Sun Hill scribe Nicholas McInerny wrote 29 episodes between 1988-2008. In this clip, he shares his memories of the Paul Marquess era and the opportunities that The Bill gave writers.

Listen to the full interview, along with 110 more cast and crew commentaries on patreon.com/thebillpodcast

#JoinTheInvestigation

Natalie Roles narrates this promo for The Bill Podcast sponsor and former detective Stuart Gibbon's latest book, "Catching a Killer".

Stuart Gibbon and Crime historian Stephen Wade examine the investigation of Murder from a historical and modern-day perspective, with reference to criminal law, police procedure and forensic evidence.

Order from Amazon:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09Z72S5GC/

Explore GIB Consultancy's series of crime books:

https://gibconsultancy.co.uk/books/

It's the finale of this stunning trilogy of Podcasts with Paul Marquess!

I hope you'll agree that Natalie asked all the big questions throughout this interview and that for his part, Paul answered honestly and showed a lot of genuine affection for the programme. Thank you very much Paul for coming on the Podcast and to Natalie for making it all possible.

The Bill Podcast is brought to you in proud association with georgefairbrother.com shop.saturdaymorningpress.co.uk vanguardcomics.co.uk and introducing gibconsultancy.co.uk

This podcast kicks off with Natalie reading a promo for "Catching a Killer", the latest book from our new sponsor GIB Consultancy - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Catching-Killer-Straightforward-Investigation-Present/dp/1802360638

In Part 2 of this epic Podcast with Paul Marquess, the man who was tasked with revamping "The Bill" in the Noughties shares his memories of the late great Bernie Nolan (Sgt. Sheelagh Murphy) and securing guest stars like Lynda Bellingham and Lysette Anthony. Natalie also asks Paul about the famous gay kiss storyline!

Paul also discusses the ups and downs of his TV career, including his groundbreaking Channel 5 improvised drama series "Suspects", the mistakes he feels he made on "MIT" and how he corrected them for his new BBC murder series "London Kills".

There's plenty more "The Bill" chat to come in Part 3 and we hope you are enjoying this rare opportunity to get to know Paul Marquess!

The Bill Podcast is brought to you in association with georgefairbrother.com shop.saturdaymorningpress.co.uk cityfiction.co.uk and vanguardcomics.co.uk

Ladies and gentlemen, the time has come for you all to meet the man described by the press as 'The Axeman' when he was tasked in 2002 with trying to save "The Bill"... the one and only Mr. Paul Marquess (Executive Producer, 2002-2005)

We owe Natalie Roles a HUGE amount of thanks for making this interview happen. Also massive thanks to Paul, who gave up a significant amount of his time whilst actually on location during the making of his new BBC series "Hope Street" to do this podcast - something many television Executives wouldn't have done.

Enjoy Part 1 of this absolutely fascinating trilogy of Podcasts, brought to you in association with georgefairbrother.com shop.saturdaymorningpress.co.uk cityfiction.co.uk and vanguardcomics.co.uk

HE'S BACK! Oliver returns to The Bill Podcast while Natalie is away filming. In this bonus edition of the show, Oliver interviews his good friend Michael Seely (author, TV historian, publisher and sponsor of The Bill Podcast) where we discuss his brilliant work with Saturday Morning Press.

The two TV historians trade research stories and share their passion for celebrating television of the past. Michael also reveals how his thoughts on "The Bill" have changed over the years... If you've ever toyed with the idea of writing a book about your favourite television show, then this is the interview for you!

Saturday Morning Press Books aims to focus on dramas forgotten, and some not so forgotten television series and serials from the long distant past. Find out more about Michael's books on shop.saturdaymorningpress.co.uk

The Bill Podcast is also brought to you in association with georgefairbrother.com cityfiction.co.uk and vanguardcomics.co.uk

For over 150 hours of bonus content, including the new weekly series "The Evidence Room" where Oliver examines rare production paperwork that reveals what was being produced for The Bill exactly 25 years ago each week, join the investigation at patreon.com/thebillpodcast

Welcome to the extended finale of this three-course feast of an interview with the wonderful Pal Aron!

Pal and Natalie continue to discuss his time at Sun Hill, where Natalie asks him to share some memories of some of their lovely colleagues...

Pal also reflects on his time on the cobbles, his role in the BAFTA-winning sitcom Stella, his recent writing work, a dream job on the big screen AND they both share stories about the music icon Prince!

The Bill Podcast is brought to you in association with georgefairbrother.com shop.saturdaymorningpress.co.uk cityfiction.co.uk and vanguardcomics.co.uk

The Bill Podcast is produced by Oliver Crocker and co-produced by Ben Adams, Glen Allen, Rob Cook, Glenn Cooney, Georgina Dark, Sarah Keiper, Bryony Kelly, Maz Mirabilis, Alex Mockler and Simon Wolf

Our Executive Producers are Isobel Allan, Ben Ashmore, Mark Bennett, Alana Dewar, Andrew Diack, Paul Dunn, Tony Drury, Dan Evans, George Fairbrother, Luke Heagerty, Robert Hoegger, Edward Kellett, James Ledain, Thomas Jhonston, Lucy McNeil, Gary Moncur, Danny Morris, Steph Morris, Claire Norbury, Laura Pini-Fay, Alistair Rigley, Michael Seely, Tom Sherrington, Angel Stannard, Paul Statter, Patrick Stratford, Michael While and Sarah Went.

Huge thanks to all our lovely Patrons who make The Bill Podcast possible. If you'd like to add your name to the credits and support the podcast, join the investigation at patreon.com/thebillpodcast

Welcome back to Part 2 of Natalie's Bill Podcast interview with her friend and colleague Pal Aron (DC Brandon Kane) This time Pal shares memories of growing up in Birmingham, discovering acting, his impressive work in the theatre and joining the BBC's flagship drama series Casualty. They also begin to talk about Pal's time as DC Brandon Kane in The Bill and discuss THAT Cathy Bradford storyline.

We're also thrilled to introduce our new sponsor vanguardcomics.co.uk who on Sunday April 14th are hosting Gosport Comic Con, where you can meet Natalie Roles, Larry Dann, Raji James and Mark Wingett from The Bill, alongside Doctor Who stars Colin Baker, Nicola Bryant and Sophie Aldred. Find out more and book your tickets via https://www.vanguardcomics.co.uk/comic-con-2024

The Bill Podcast is brought to you in association with georgefairbrother.com shop.saturdaymorningpress.co.uk cityfiction.co.uk and vanguardcomics.co.uk

The Bill Podcast is produced by Oliver Crocker, co-produced by Ben Adams, Glen Allen, Rob Cook, Georgina Dark, Sarah Keiper, Maz Mirabilis, Alex Mockler and Simon Wolf. Executive Produced by Isobel Allan, Ben Ashmore, Mark Bennett, Alana Dewar, Andrew Diack, Paul Dunn, Tony Drury, Dan Evans, George Fairbrother, Luke Heagerty, Alan Hunting, Thomas Jhonston, Edward Kellett, James Ledain, Lucy McNeil, Gary Moncur, Danny Morris, Steph Morris, Claire Norbury, Laura Pini-Fay, Alistair Rigley, Michael Seely, Tom Sherrington, Angel Stannard, Paul Statter, Patrick Stratford, Michael While and Sarah Went. The music is composed by Matthew Anniss

BRANDON'S BACK! After 20 years, Natalie was very happy to be reunited with the immensely talented Pal Aron (DC Brandon Kane) for a special trilogy of Podcasts!

In Part 1, these two legends are going to make you hungry, as they both LOVE their food and talk about some of their favourite cuisine. Natalie was also interested to see how Pal's tastes might have changed in the last 20 years, so she reminds him of some answers he gave in a Q&A back in their Sun Hill days. They also chat about some of Pal's most recent acting work, which has taken him all over the globe...

There's LOADS of Bill chat to come in Parts 2 and 3, but for now, sit back, relax and get ready for your tummy to rumble during this Starter course of a three-part feast with one of this country's finest actors.

The Bill Podcast is brought to you in association with georgefairbrother.com shop.saturdaymorningpress.co.uk and cityfiction.co.uk

Our closing credits are read out by the fantastic Andrew Mackintosh (DS Alastair Greig) who has news of Letter from Helvetica: Series 2, which you can be part of here - https://ko-fi.com/letterfromhelvetica