Something from the Cellar: Mark Bonnar

Joining us today is a fearless and brilliant actress whose career has seen her light up stage and screen in everything from Sherlock to Mr. Selfridge, and whose life off-screen has been just as dramatic, heartbreaking, and inspiring as the roles she’s played. It’s the lovely Amanda Abbington! In this episode, Amanda opens up about the defining chapters of her life so far, reflecting on the quiet end of her first marriage during one of the busiest periods of her career and how she began to rediscover herself as a single mum while navigating both the menopause and the chaos of modern dating. She also shares the story of finding love again with escapologist Jonathan Goodwin, who proposed just 30 minutes after they met, only for a life-altering accident to turn their lives upside down just weeks later. Amanda discusses Jonathan’s remarkable resilience, the strength of their love in the face of adversity, and the small, life-affirming moments that keep them going. She also talks about her experience on Strictly Come Dancing – what led her to walk away, the storm that followed, and the importance of speaking up for herself and others. With humour, vulnerability and strength, Amanda reminds us that even in the hardest moments, joy, love and laughter are never far away. You can catch Amanda in her new play This Is Not a Happy Room at Theatre Royal Windsor from 13–17 May. For all the latest news, click here to follow us on Instagram! ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining us today is one of the most celebrated thinkers and entertainers of our time – a writer, actor, comedian, and cultural icon whose voice and wit have been part of the fabric of British life for decades. From Blackadder and Wilde to QI and Harry Potter, he’s done it all – and now he’s back on our screens hosting Jeopardy! It’s the incomparable Stephen Fry. In this captivating conversation, Stephen reflects on a career that’s spanned comedy, drama, literature and documentary, offering profound insight into his extraordinary life, both on and off the stage. He speaks candidly about the privileges and opportunities that shaped his early path, the importance of working hard once doors are opened, and the creative hunger that’s driven him for over 40 years. Stephen also delves into his global activism through projects like Out There, explores the impact of Greek myths and the Harry Potter universe as moral compasses in turbulent times, and shares how his love of quizzes drew him to the iconic game show Jeopardy! From his Oxford days with Emma Thompson and Hugh Laurie to his belief in storytelling as a force for good, this is Stephen Fry at his most thoughtful, passionate, and utterly brilliant. You can catch Stephen hosting Jeopardy! on ITV and stream it on ITVX. And if you haven’t yet, dive into all three volumes of his autobiographies – they’re essential reading! For all the latest news, click here to follow us on Instagram! ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following last week’s laugh-out-loud revisit with Joe Lycett, we’re celebrating another standout star of Amazon Prime's Last One Laughing, it’s the brilliantly funny Daisy May Cooper! Best known for her BAFTA-winning work on This Country, as well as her features on Am I Being Unreasonable? and Taskmaster, Daisy joined us back in 2020 for a hilarious and heartfelt chat about her rise through the comedy world, what it’s really like collaborating with her brother and creative partner Charlie, and the brutal reality of trying to break through as a young actor. You’re in for a treat with one of the UK’s funniest and most refreshingly honest voices in comedy, enjoy! For all the latest news, click here to follow us on Instagram! ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining us today is one of the UK’s most loved comedians, and our reigning Strictly champion, whose journey is as inspiring as it is hilarious — it’s the brilliant Chris McCausland! In this episode, Chris opens up about the challenges and triumphs of navigating life without sight, from losing his vision in his early twenties to becoming one of the country’s most in-demand stand-up comics. He shares how a sick day in 2003 unexpectedly launched his comedy career, why authentic representation on TV really matters, and how he’s used humour to challenge stereotypes and shift perceptions. He also reflects on the life-changing experience of winning Strictly Come Dancing, speaking candidly about the emotional toll, the physical intensity, and the unexpected pride he found in lifting the glitterball trophy. Beyond the stage and screen, Chris chats about fatherhood, the role of technology and AI in transforming his everyday life, and how writing his upcoming memoir has helped him look back on his journey with fresh perspective and deep gratitude. Chris's debut memoir is out this October and available to pre-order now. You can also buy tickets to his nationwide stand-up tour, Yonks, here. Plus, you can listen to his new podcast with Strictly partner Dianne Buswell, Winning Isn’t Everything, wherever you get your podcasts! For all the latest news, click here to follow us on Instagram! ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Last One Laughing currently cracking us up on Amazon Prime, we’re throwing it back to our brilliant chat with one of its standout stars: comedian and TV host Joe Lycett! In this episode, Joe reflects on his journey through comedy and broadcasting, from seeking out advice from legends like Ant and Dec to paying tribute to the comics who helped shape his career. He also shares the story behind his mission to visit all 19 Birminghams around the world – yes, really. For all the latest news, click here to follow us on Instagram! ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.