Thangam Debbonaire

Thangam is one of the brightest stars of the Labour movement. As Shadow Culture Secretary she was all set to command the brief in government. 

But things didn't go to plan. On 4 July, Thangam lost Bristol Central to the Green Party. 

A classically trained cellist. Thangam has a range of life experience. 

She's one of the most charismatic and engaging politicians in the country and her reflections on her career so far are thoughtful and hopeful. 

SEE Matt at on tour until March 2025, including his extra dates at The Bloomsbury Theatre: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows

2024

24 October: Hull, Truck Theatre

6 November: Exeter, Phoenix

8 November: Tunbridge Wells, Trinity Theatre

14 November: Basingstoke, The Haymarket

15 November: Colchester Arts Centre

20 November: York, The Crescent

21 November: Chorley, Little Theatre

22 November: Salford, The Lowry

27 November: Chipping Norton Theatre

28 November: Leicester, Y Theatre

29 November: Eastleigh, The Berry

31 November: Faversham, The Alexander Centre

6 December: London, Bloomsbury Theatre - EXTRA DATE

14 December: London, Bloomsbury Theatre - EXTRA DATE

2025

29 January: Norwich, Playhouse - EXTRA DATE

4 February: Leeds, City Varieties

5 February: Sheffield, The Leadmill

6 February: Chelmsford Theatre

7 February: Bedford, The Quarry Theatre

12 February: Bath, Komedia

13 February: Southend, Palace Theatre

16 February: Cambridge, The Junction

20 February: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts

23 February: Brighton, Komedoa

25 February: Cardiff, Glee Club

26 February: Bury St Edmunds, Theatre Royal

28 February: Chelmsford Theatre - EXTRA DATE

2 March: Bristol, Tobacco Factory

4 March: Colchester Arts Centre - EXTRA DATE

6 March: Birmingham, Glee Club - EXTRA DATE

7 March: Maidenhead, Norden Farm - EXTRA DATE

11 March: Aberdeen, Lemon Tree

12 March: Glasgow, Glee Club

27 March: Oxford, Glee Club - EXTRA DATE

28 March: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts Centre - EXTRA DATE

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pam Duncan-Glancy 

Pam is the Shadow Education and Skills Secretary in Scotland. 

She's only been an MSP for four years but has already made a huge impact. 

Her life story is fascinating, as is her route into politics. As the first permanent wheelchair user in Holyrood, she has to overcome daily challenges in order to do her job. 

Pam is an optimist and this is an amazing story about the power of politics and how to get the most out of life.  

SEE Matt at on tour until March 2025, including his extra dates at The Bloomsbury Theatre: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows 

2024 

9 October: Middlesbrough, The Crypt 

10 October: London, Leicester Square Theatre 

24 October: Hull, Truck Theatre 

6 November: Exeter, Phoenix 

8 November: Tunbridge Wells, Trinity Theatre 

14 November: Basingstoke, The Haymarket 

15 November: Colchester Arts Centre 

20 November: York, The Crescent 

21 November: Chorley, Little Theatre 

22 November: Salford, The Lowry 

27 November: Chipping Norton Theatre 

28 November: Leicester, Y Theatre 

29 November: Eastleigh, The Berry 

31 November: Faversham, The Alexander Centre 

6 December: London, Bloomsbury Theatre - EXTRA DATE 

14 December: London, Bloomsbury Theatre - EXTRA DATE 

2025 

29 January: Norwich, Playhouse - EXTRA DATE 

4 February: Leeds, City Varieties 

5 February: Sheffield, The Leadmill 

6 February: Chelmsford Theatre 

7 February: Bedford, The Quarry Theatre 

12 February: Bath, Komedia 

13 February: Southend, Palace Theatre 

16 February: Cambridge, The Junction 

20 February: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts 

23 February: Brighton, Komedoa 

25 February: Cardiff, Glee Club 

26 February: Bury St Edmunds, Theatre Royal 

28 February: Chelmsford Theatre - EXTRA DATE 

2 March: Bristol, Tobacco Factory 

4 March: Colchester Arts Centre - EXTRA DATE 

6 March: Birmingham, Glee Club - EXTRA DATE 

7 March: Maidenhead, Norden Farm - EXTRA DATE 

11 March: Aberdeen, Lemon Tree 

12 March: Glasgow, Glee Club 

27 March: Oxford, Glee Club - EXTRA DATE 

28 March: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts Centre - EXTRA DATE 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Iain McNicol 

This. Is. Class.  

Iain was General Secretary of the Labour Party from 2011 to 2018.  

He tells us what it was like having to run the party during the most tumultuous time in its history. 

You'll be hanging on his every word.  

SEE Matt at on tour until March 2025, including his 2 extra dates at The Bloomsbury Theatre: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows 

2024 

31 July - 25 August: Edinburgh, The Pleasance 

2 October: Norwich Playhouse 

3 October: Maidenhead, Norden Farm 

9 October: Middlesbrough, The Crypt 

10 October: London, Leicester Square Theatre 

24 October: Hull, Truck Theatre 

6 November: Exeter, Phoenix 

8 November: Tunbridge Wells, Trinity Theatre 

14 November: Basingstoke, The Haymarket 

15 November: Colchester Arts Centre 

20 November: York, The Crescent 

21 November: Chorley, Little Theatre 

22 November: Salford, The Lowry 

27 November: Chipping Norton Theatre 

28 November: Leicester, Y Theatre 

29 November: Eastleigh, The Berry 

31 November: Faversham, The Alexander Centre 

6 December: London, Bloomsbury Theatre 

14 December: London, Bloomsbury Theatre 

2025 

4 February: Leeds, City Varieties 

5 February: Sheffield, The Leadmill 

6 February: Chelmsford Theatre 

7 February: Bedford, The Quarry Theatre 

12 February: Bath, Komedia 

13 February: Southend, Palace Theatre 

16 February: Cambridge, The Junction 

20 February: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts 

23 February: Brighton, Komedoa 

25 February: Cardiff, Glee Club 

26 February: Bury St Edmunds, Theatre Royal 

2 March: Bristol, Tobacco Factory 

11 March: Aberdeen, Lemon Tree 

12 March: Glasgow, Glee Club 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Siobhan Baillie

What's it like to lose your seat after one term, when your political career was really starting to flourish?

Siobhan was the MP for Stroud and had worked hard to do the job properly. But that experience was cut short in July. 

As well as opening up about the emotional impact of losing the seat, Siobhan has clear ideas about what improvements she'd make to politics and the role of different politicians. 

Despite the heartache of defeat, this is engrossing hour with a positive, optimistic and upbeat politician who still has lots more to achieve. 

SEE Matt at on tour until March 2025, including his extra date at The Bloomsbury Theatre: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows

2024

31 July - 25 August: Edinburgh, The Pleasance

2 October: Norwich Playhouse

3 October: Maidenhead, Norden Farm

9 October: Middlesbrough, The Crypt

10 October: London, Leicester Square Theatre

24 October: Hull, Truck Theatre

6 November: Exeter, Phoenix

8 November: Tunbridge Wells, Trinity Theatre

14 November: Basingstoke, The Haymarket

15 November: Colchester Arts Centre

20 November: York, The Crescent

21 November: Chorley, Little Theatre

22 November: Salford, The Lowry

27 November: Chipping Norton Theatre

28 November: Leicester, Y Theatre

29 November: Eastleigh, The Berry

31 November: Faversham, The Alexander Centre

6 December: London, Bloomsbury Theatre

2025

4 February: Leeds, City Varieties

5 February: Sheffield, The Leadmill

6 February: Chelmsford Theatre

7 February: Bedford, The Quarry Theatre

12 February: Bath, Komedia

13 February: Southend, Palace Theatre

16 February: Cambridge, The Junction

20 February: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts

23 February: Brighton, Komedoa

25 February: Cardiff, Glee Club

26 February: Bury St Edmunds, Theatre Royal

2 March: Bristol, Tobacco Factory

11 March: Aberdeen, Lemon Tree

12 March: Glasgow, Glee Club

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emma Revell 

What does a Thatcherite think tank do when the Tories are out of office?

Emma Revell from the Centre for Policy Studies briefs us on what's next for one of Britain's most influential organisations. 

Plus... why being a Lib Dem first is becoming a right of passage...

SEE Matt at on tour until March 2025: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows

2024

31 July - 25 August: Edinburgh, The Pleasance

2 October: Norwich Playhouse

3 October: Maidenhead, Norden Farm

9 October: Middlesbrough, The Crypt

10 October: London, Leicester Square Theatre

24 October: Hull, Truck Theatre

6 November: Exeter, Phoenix

8 November: Tunbridge Wells, Trinity Theatre

14 November: Basingstoke, The Haymarket

15 November: Colchester Arts Centre

20 November: York, The Crescent

21 November: Chorley, Little Theatre

22 November: Salford, The Lowry

27 November: Chipping Norton Theatre

28 November: Leicester, Y Theatre

29 November: Eastleigh, The Berry

31 November: Faversham, The Alexander Centre

2025

4 February: Leeds, City Varieties

5 February: Sheffield, The Leadmill

6 February: Chelmsford Theatre

7 February: Bedford, The Quarry Theatre

12 February: Bath, Komedia

13 February: Southend, Palace Theatre

16 February: Cambridge, The Junction

20 February: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts

23 February: Brighton, Komedoa

25 February: Cardiff, Glee Club

26 February: Bury St Edmunds, Theatre Royal

2 March: Bristol, Tobacco Factory

11 March: Aberdeen, Lemon Tree

12 March: Glasgow, Glee Club

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Murdo Fraser - Scottish Conservative Leadership Special

What's next for the Conservatives in the UK and in Scotland?

 Murdo Fraser wants to lead the party into the Holyrood election in 2026.

 But what's a realistic ambition for them and how do they make a case for conservative values and policies at such a challenging time?

 PLUS... a brilliant story about the time Donald Trump gave evidence to Murdo's committee in person at Holyrood. 

SEE Matt at on tour until March 2025: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows

2024 

31 July - 25 August: Edinburgh, The Pleasance

2 October: Norwich Playhouse

3 October: Maidenhead, Norden Farm

9 October: Middlesbrough, The Crypt

10 October: London, Leicester Square Theatre

24 October: Hull, Truck Theatre

6 November: Exeter, Phoenix

8 November: Tunbridge Wells, Trinity Theatre

14 November: Basingstoke, The Haymarket

15 November: Colchester Arts Centre

20 November: York, The Crescent

21 November: Chorley, Little Theatre

22 November: Salford, The Lowry

27 November: Chipping Norton Theatre

28 November: Leicester, Y Theatre

29 November: Eastleigh, The Berry

31 November: Faversham, The Alexander Centre

2025

4 February: Leeds, City Varieties

5 February: Sheffield, The Leadmill

6 February: Chelmsford Theatre

7 February: Bedford, The Quarry Theatre

12 February: Bath, Komedia

13 February: Southend, Palace Theatre

16 February: Cambridge, The Junction

20 February: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts

23 February: Brighton, Komedoa

25 February: Cardiff, Glee Club

26 February: Bury St Edmunds, Theatre Royal

2 March: Bristol, Tobacco Factory

11 March: Aberdeen, Lemon Tree

12 March: Glasgow, Glee Club

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah lived in Downing Street for the entirety of the last Labour government. 

What is the role of a political spouse? Why doesn't the UK formalise the role?

More importantly, what was Sarah and Gordon's first date like?

This is the hilarious inside story of what it was like living on Britian's most famous street for 13 years. 

WATCH the goal that Gordon hurried home for: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGQplbF_akc

SEE Matt at on tour until March 2025: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows

2024

31 July - 25 August: Edinburgh, The Pleasance

2 October: Norwich Playhouse

3 October: Maidenhead, Norden Farm

9 October: Middlesbrough, The Crypt

10 October: London, Leicester Square Theatre

24 October: Hull, Truck Theatre

6 November: Exeter, Phoenix

8 November: Tunbridge Wells, Trinity Theatre

14 November: Basingstoke, The Haymarket

15 November: Colchester Arts Centre

20 November: York, The Crescent

21 November: Chorley, Little Theatre

22 November: Salford, The Lowry

27 November: Chipping Norton Theatre

28 November: Leicester, Y Theatre

29 November: Eastleigh, The Berry

31 November: Faversham, The Alexander Centre

2025

4 February: Leeds, City Varieties

5 February: Sheffield, The Leadmill

6 February: Chelmsford Theatre

7 February: Bedford, The Quarry Theatre

12 February: Bath, Komedia

13 February: Southend, Palace Theatre

16 February: Cambridge, The Junction

20 February: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts

23 February: Brighton, Komedoa

25 February: Cardiff, Glee Club

26 February: Bury St Edmunds, Theatre Royal

2 March: Bristol, Tobacco Factory

11 March: Aberdeen, Lemon Tree

12 March: Glasgow, Glee Club

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jacob Rees-Mogg: LIVE at the Edinburgh Festival

After an earthquake of an election for Jacob and the Conservatives, what does the future hold?

Jacob Rees-Mogg opens up on why the Tories lost, how they can win again and whether he'll stand next time.

Plus... how does he stay so trim? His diet tips may surprise you...

SEE Matt on tour until March 2025: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows

2024

31 July - 25 August: Edinburgh, The Pleasance

2 October: Norwich Playhouse

3 October: Maidenhead, Norden Farm

9 October: Middlesbrough, The Crypt

10 October: London, Leicester Square Theatre

24 October: Hull, Truck Theatre

6 November: Exeter, Phoenix

8 November: Tunbridge Wells, Trinity Theatre

14 November: Basingstoke, The Haymarket

15 November: Colchester Arts Centre

20 November: York, The Crescent

21 November: Chorley, Little Theatre

22 November: Salford, The Lowry

27 November: Chipping Norton Theatre

28 November: Leicester, Y Theatre

29 November: Eastleigh, The Berry

31 November: Faversham, The Alexander Centre

2025

4 February: Leeds, City Varieties

5 February: Sheffield, The Leadmill

6 February: Chelmsford Theatre

7 February: Bedford, The Quarry Theatre

12 February: Bath, Komedia

13 February: Southend, Palace Theatre

16 February: Cambridge, The Junction

20 February: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts

23 February: Brighton, Komedoa

25 February: Cardiff, Glee Club

26 February: Bury St Edmunds, Theatre Royal

2 March: Bristol, Tobacco Factory

11 March: Aberdeen, Lemon Tree

12 March: Glasgow, Glee Club

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After Labour's stunning general election victory. Anas Sarwar is on the brink of becoming First Minister. 

But what would Labour do if they won in Scotland? 

And more importantly, will Anas be getting a makeover?

SEE Matt at the Edinburgh Festival in August and on tour until March 2025: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows

2024

31 July - 25 August: Edinburgh, The Pleasance

2 October: Norwich Playhouse

3 October: Maidenhead, Norden Farm

9 October: Middlesbrough, The Crypt

10 October: London, Leicester Square Theatre

24 October: Hull, Truck Theatre

6 November: Exeter, Phoenix

8 November: Tunbridge Wells, Trinity Theatre

14 November: Basingstoke, The Haymarket

15 November: Colchester Arts Centre

20 November: York, The Crescent

21 November: Chorley, Little Theatre

22 November: Salford, The Lowry

27 November: Chipping Norton Theatre

28 November: Leicester, Y Theatre

29 November: Eastleigh, The Berry

31 November: Faversham, The Alexander Centre

2025

4 February: Leeds, City Varieties

5 February: Sheffield, The Leadmill

6 February: Chelmsford Theatre

7 February: Bedford, The Quarry Theatre

12 February: Bath, Komedia

13 February: Southend, Palace Theatre

16 February: Cambridge, The Junction

20 February: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts

23 February: Brighton, Komedoa

25 February: Cardiff, Glee Club

26 February: Bury St Edmunds, Theatre Royal

2 March: Bristol, Tobacco Factory

11 March: Aberdeen, Lemon Tree

12 March: Glasgow, Glee Club

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Frith 

JUST ANNOUNCED: 

Come and see The Political Party LIVE at the Edinburgh Festival with the following guests: 

13 August: Anas Sarwar 

18 August: Jacob Rees-Mogg 

19 August: Sarah Brown 

Tickets: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows 

James won the Bury North seat for Labour in 2017. He lost it in 2019 by just 105 votes. 

A few weeks ago James won the seat for a second time with a majority of nearly 7000. 

So what is going on in Bury and how much of a role, if any, did Reform play in the result? 

Why hasn't Bury seen rioting by the hard right when other places have? 

And more importantly, will James ever go to Glastonbury again?  

SEE Matt on tour at the Edinburgh Festival and nationwide 

2024 

31 July - 25 August: Edinburgh, The Pleasance 

2 October: Norwich Playhouse 

3 October: Maidenhead, Norden Farm 

9 October: Middlesbrough, The Crypt 

10 October: London, Leicester Square Theatre 

24 October: Hull, Truck Theatre 

6 November: Exeter, Phoenix 

8 November: Tunbridge Wells, Trinity Theatre 

14 November: Basingstoke, The Haymarket 

15 November: Colchester Arts Centre 

20 November: York, The Crescent 

21 November: Chorley, Little Theatre 

22 November: Salford, The Lowry 

27 November: Chipping Norton Theatre 

28 November: Leicester, Y Theatre 

29 November: Eastleigh, The Berry 

31 November: Faversham, The Alexander Centre 

2025 

4 February: Leeds, City Varieties 

5 February: Sheffield, The Leadmill 

6 February: Chelmsford Theatre 

7 February: Bedford, The Quarry Theatre 

12 February: Bath, Komedia 

13 February: Southend, Palace Theatre 

16 February: Cambridge, The Junction 

20 February: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts 

23 February: Brighton, Komedoa 

25 February: Cardiff, Glee Club 

26 February: Bury St Edmunds, Theatre Royal 

2 March: Bristol, Tobacco Factory 

11 March: Aberdeen, Lemon Tree 

12 March: Glasgow, Glee Club 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.