A happy night at Hampton Court where I took this snap of Queen Camilla with Miriam Margolyes who wowed us all at the Queen’s Reading Room Festival with her genius readings from Charles Dickens. Exciting to be part of such a special evening. And so to bed!
Gyles Brandreth @GylesB1 · 8s “A friend may well be reckoned the masterpiece of nature.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson (The picture is of me and my wife, Michele, outside Marylebone Register Office in London, on our wedding day: 8 June 1973.)
Did you hear me talk about damp squids, doggy dog worlds and escape goats this week? Well, I’ve teamed up with Specsavers Hearing Experts to help banish the misheard sayings that are plaguing our nation’s conversations. Together we can put an end to this mishearing madness🐐🦑 AD
I’ve known Letty Thomas since before she was born (I was at school with her mum) – she’s a wonderful actress: her Rosalind at @TheRSC is a complete joy – so strong, so clear, so completely convincing: it’s witty, knowing, & ultimately so vulnerable & moving. A proper triumph.
I’m sitting at the dining room table on which Prince Philip, the late Duke of Edinburgh, was born on this day in 1921. He was born in Corfu. The table is now in London. His life was extraordinary. A fascinating man & I was privileged to know him & to write his biography.
All dressed up with somewhere to go … last night I was lucky enough to be on stage with Miriam Margolyes, Julian Glover, Patricia Hodge, Rachael Stirling, Karl Collins & scholar friends celebrating Charles Dickens at Hampton Court for The Queen’s Reading Room @thequeensreadingroom
I acknowledge name-dropping as my besetting sin … but I’m hoping on this occasion you’ll forgive me: this is my favourite sun hat and it once belonged to Laurence Olivier.
This is the young @realaled & me around the time we first met in the 1980s. This week Aled Jones is my special guest on @therosebudpodcast sharing his earliest memories. Aled is the first of several child stars we’ll be featuring on #Rosebud. His story is remarkable. And on the podcast you’ll hear him singing – you’ll hear Ernest Luff, too. Ernest Luff??? Yes, this is a podcast full of surprises.
I’m under the bridges of London tonight with one of my favourite people: @susie_dent – @ZaffreBooks have just published her first novel: it’s a tantalising mystery set in the world of words. You’ll love it. I did. Congratulations Susie! Guilty by Definition …
I got to know Prince Philip through the National Playing Fields Association (@FieldsInTrust) the first national charity he took on after marrying Princess Elizabeth in 1947. He was fun – & occasionally frightening. A role model to me & many. A truly remarkable man. BOTD.
And while I’m in cafe mode, let me recommend the delightful & delightfully eccentric Shakespaw Cat Cafe in Union Street, Stratford upon Avon. Purrfect in my book!
A late lunch …
Monday morning dancing with #gyla on @thismorning . Today we were questioning whether schools are doing enough to prepare children for the workplaceand life including budgeting and cooking and are more young people choosing a “brick” over a smartphone? Lovely chatting to the delightful @catdeeley and @benshephardofficial Outfit: Blouse and trousers @collectifclothing boots (old and from America) make up and hair by the gorgeous @gemmafieldmakeup
Mystic Gyles strikes again … This morning, hours before the race, I posted pics of me with jockey Ryan Moore & trainer Aidan O’Brien because I sensed a winner – &, sure enough, No 4, City of Troy, ridden by Ryan & trained by Aidan (& backed by me) went on to win the #EpsomDerby!
Fun time this morning on Irish radio talking eggcorns (escaped goat instead of scapegoat etc). Now trying to add pics to my website Gallery, but I don’t really know how. My godson’s brother (who happens to be my wife’s godson), has been kindly giving my website a gentle revamp to make it “less wordy” and “more user-friendly”. He’s not quite finished yet, but I’m liking what he’s done so far. What do you think? www.gylesbrandreth.net
A late breakfast is served. This week’s big recording begins in 19 minutes. Over the top we go.
Pretty pudding…
Today is the day! The 7 Secrets of Happiness is out now, available to purchase at all good bookshops. You can also order via the link in my bio. Here’s to #happiness! @octopus_books_ #behappy
It’s teatime and I’m taking a bite out of my friend’s biscuit. You’ll want to eat up her new novel too. It’s a mystery treat set in the world of words.
It’s the interval and we’re loving it! @riversidelondon
Thinking back to the time I went to a barber & was shocked to find my haircut was going to cost half a crown … instead of a 3d tip, I felt obliged to make it a tanner & topped it up to three bob – yes, three whole shillings for a simple short back & sides! Those were the days ..
As you can tell, I’m liking what’s on offer at the new cafe at the revamped @NPGLondon …
Let them eat cake …
Your bedtime podcast? @therosebudpodcast with Michael Rosen. It’s special.
