Ian Hislop: I wasted an evening watching With Love, Meghan
The instrument I play
I don't play any instruments. I am very jealous of anyone who can play anything. I went to a baroque concert recently where a man was playing an enormous sort of lute and thought I would like to be able to say: 'Oh yes I play the theorbo.' Or the sackbut or crumhorn.
The music that cheers me up
Dolly Parton or Palestrina. Depending on how much I need cheering. There was a great BBC TV series called Sacred Music in which the choir the Sixteen were singing Palestrina. The presenter, Simon Russell Beale, just walked up and joined in. Now that was impressive.
ALAMY
If I could own one painting it would be
Hogarth's Election Series. I have some large copies in my office, but quite fancy having the real thing on the wall. This satirical masterpiece is currently in the Soane Museum, but if they won't sell it then anything by Hogarth would do. A Rake's Progress or Marriage a la Mode would be fine or the portrait of his servants or the self portrait with the dog. I would be happy with any of those.
My favourite author
Apart from my wife [the author Victoria Hislop], obviously. This changes all the time. Recent favourites include James by Percival Everett, a funny and savage retelling of Huckleberry Finn. I am keen to tell people that I had read his satirical novel about race and the literary world, Erasure, long before it was turned into the popular film American Fiction. Then there is Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver, which is a retelling of David Copperfield and is an extraordinary tour de force about the American opioid crisis. Amor Towles's A Gentleman in Moscow is an absolute delight that feels like a retelling of a great Russian novel, but is actually original. And for an insight into modern Russia, The Wizard of the Kremlin by Giuliano da Empoli is extraordinary. I also love Cloud Cuckooland by Anthony Doerr, which is an erudite classics based sci-fi thriller and is a hopeful tribute to the power of the written word. At least I think that is what it was.
• The best paperback books of 2025 — April's picks
The book I'm reading
I am re-reading the medieval Mystery Plays as research for my Radio 4 series Ian Hislop's Oldest Jokes. These short plays performed in the street are vernacular versions of the Bible stories and were produced by the craft guilds. The combination of the sacred and the profane, of comedy and tragedy, of the sublime and the ridiculous is extraordinary. No wonder they were banned.
BRYN COLTON/GETTY IMAGES
The book I wish I had written
The Complete Beyond the Fringe, the collected sketches from the 1960s revue by Peter Cook, Alan Bennett, Jonathan Miller and Dudley Moore. I was lucky enough to work with Cook at Private Eye when he was the most hands-off proprietor in publishing history. It is not always true that you shouldn't meet your heroes. I have this slim volume on my shelf next to AG Macdonell's England, Their England, the collected plays of Oscar Wilde and quite a large number of other works of comic genius.
My favourite film
Toy Story, with Toy Story 2, 3 and 4 as very close runners-up. Wise, witty and wonderful. They really do make one think about infinity and beyond. Or on second thoughts it should probably be The Court Jester with Danny Kaye, which is the film I have seen more often than any other and enjoyed the most.
My favourite play
I recently went to see Tom Stoppard's Invention of Love with Simon Russell Beale as AE Housman. I had seen the original version in 1997 and thought it was brilliant. On seeing it again 28 years later I thought it was even better. The other play I saw when it first appeared and twice again since — once as a student production — is Jez Butterworth's Jerusalem. It is magic every time and Mark Rylance's performance is simply the best thing I have ever seen on stage.
The box set I'm hooked on
Bad Sisters by Sharon Horgan. Beautifully written, compelling and really funny.
ALAMY
My favourite TV series
I enjoyed the recent Wolf Hall series with Mark Rylance hugely. I read the Hilary Mantel novels over lockdown, which was a good time to read very long novels and also to be reminded that things have been quite frightening in our history before. Detectorists is also terrific. Funny and melancholy and reassuring about unfashionable England. I found a 9th-century Anglo-Saxon coin in a field when making a documentary for Radio 4 and was so excited I could hear the Detectorist theme tune in my head.
My favourite piece of music
Handel's Messiah. I first came across it at school and thought I knew it backwards, but then I heard it again in Hampstead Church a few months ago with a cut-down choir and an orchestra with period instruments directed by Geoffrey Webber and was overwhelmed.
The play I walked out on
I try not to do this, although someone recently walked out of a play I wrote. The lady in question did have medical assistance and they did have to stop the performance. It was The Autobiography of a Cad at the Watermill in Newbury and I am pretty sure that the paramedics said the problem was that the play was just too funny. The poor theatregoer was overcome with mirth and her sides threatened to split. Fortunately she recovered and was fine and the play restarted allowing a triumphant, hilarious performance by James Mack as the Cad, the ultimate Tory politician, to the delight of the audience.
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Times
29-04-2025
- Times
Who Do You Think You Are? The best episodes and revelations, ranked
It has been more than 20 years since the comedian and conservationist Bill Oddie became the first famous face to have their family tree investigated by the BBC genealogy series. Since then, Who Do You Think You Are? has become a staple of the BBC schedules and over more than 170 episodes has treated its celebrity subjects and viewers to all manner of previously unknown facts about their pasts. With a new season — which includes episodes with Andrew Garfield and Mishal Husain — upon us, we've decided to look back at some of the most interesting episodes from the past two decades. From discoveries of royal heritage to revelations about darker characters in their families' past: there have been some truly memorable shows throughout the years. Here are our top ten episodes, but don't forget to leave your favourites in the comments below. 10. Emma Willis Most people go on the show hoping to uncover heartwarming family connections, but delving into the past can reveal a troubling legacy. The presenter set out to explore her Birmingham roots and was pleased to discover they run deep: her three-times great-grandfather, James Gretton, was born in the city and counted among the pioneering entrepreneurs who helped to earn it the nickname 'the city of a thousand trades'. So far, so uplifting. But things shifted when her journey took her to Ireland, where she uncovered a darker chapter: her five-times great-grandfather, Richard Fowler of Boggy Meadows, was a Protestant landowner known for brutally assaulting and torturing republican-minded blacksmiths. Josh Widdicombe at Hever Castle BBC/STEPHEN PERRY 9. Josh Widdicombe During his ancestry journey, the comedian uncovered a surprisingly regal lineage. He discovered ties to the Earl of Holland and learnt that his 13-times great-grandmother was a cousin of Queen Elizabeth I. But the biggest revelation was that his 12-times great-grandmother was in a 'love triangle' with the queen and that he was related to Anne Boleyn. It was even suggested that he may be directly related to King Henry VIII. He also found out that his 23-times great-grandfather was King Edward I, making him a descendant of French royalty. 'To say it's exceeded my expectations is the understatement of a lifetime,' the comedian said about the show. 'I was just expecting a couple of farmers. It's proper blue blood, isn't it?' 8. Lesley Garrett The truth about the soprano singer's two-times great-grandfather had long been buried — a tightly held family secret, hidden even from her father. To the outside world, Charles was a local councillor and a respected figure. But within the family, a darker story loomed. According to his son and daughter-in-law, Charles had been responsible for his wife's death. They believed he had deliberately replaced her medication with carbolic acid, which killed her. Although the coroner ruled it an accidental death caused by a medication mix-up, suspicion ran deep. Convinced of foul play, the family severed all ties with Charles and never looked back. 7. Matt Lucas The comedian went on a mission to explore the history of his beloved late grandmother Margot, who came to the UK in 1939 as a Jewish refugee. In one of the more poignant and moving episodes of the show, Lucas travelled to Berlin and Amsterdam to uncover the hardships and tragedy that befell her and his family as Jews in Nazi Germany before they escaped to safety in the UK. He also stumbled upon an extraordinary connection between his family and the Second World War diarist Anne Frank. 6. Jeremy Paxman Although this episode didn't offer up the most shocking revelations, it was one of the most interesting and watchable. The Newsnight and University Challenge presenter began the show quite unphased by what he might discover, talking of looking to the future, not the past. It was with this in mind that his reaction to discovering the abject poverty his family in Glasgow had survived only a few generations before was even more moving. 'We just don't know we're born, do we?' he tells the camera in one of the most poignant moments of a series famous for them. 5. Alan Cumming The award-winning actor and presenter of the American version of The Traitors discovered a fascinating story about his grandfather that was very different from that which he thought he knew. Thomas Darling, his mother's father, had died at the age of 35 under mysterious circumstances while serving in the military in Malaysia. When he began to look into the matter, it appeared that Darling may not have died in an accident as Cumming had first thought, but perhaps had been involved in playing Russian roulette. 4. Judi Dench Given that she is one of the greatest British actresses, you would have struggled to script the big reveal in her episode. 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Matthew Pinsent Although a few celebrities have found royal roots on the show, the former Olympic rower's journey ended up being elevated further — tracing his lineage back to Adam and Eve. At the College of Arms, he discovered rolls that showed his family roots went back to Edward I and William the Conqueror. But there was more: another showed that he could be linked to King David, Jesus, Adam and Eve and, therefore, effectively to God. That's quite the journey. 1. Danny Dyer The EastEnders and Rivals star's episode began with stories of poverty and workhouses, which didn't much surprise the self-styled Cockney hero. However, things took a dramatic and unexpected turn when historians pulled on a thread that led them back to the court of Henry VIII. His 15-times great-grandfather turned out to be Thomas Cromwell, and following the royal line it turned out he came from a long line of royals including Eleanor of Aquitaine, William the Conqueror and the French king Louis IX. In a show that's all about surprises, it's hard to see how that will ever be topped.
Times
29-04-2025
- Times
Ian Hislop: I wasted an evening watching With Love, Meghan
The instrument I play I don't play any instruments. I am very jealous of anyone who can play anything. I went to a baroque concert recently where a man was playing an enormous sort of lute and thought I would like to be able to say: 'Oh yes I play the theorbo.' Or the sackbut or crumhorn. The music that cheers me up Dolly Parton or Palestrina. Depending on how much I need cheering. There was a great BBC TV series called Sacred Music in which the choir the Sixteen were singing Palestrina. The presenter, Simon Russell Beale, just walked up and joined in. Now that was impressive. ALAMY If I could own one painting it would be Hogarth's Election Series. I have some large copies in my office, but quite fancy having the real thing on the wall. This satirical masterpiece is currently in the Soane Museum, but if they won't sell it then anything by Hogarth would do. A Rake's Progress or Marriage a la Mode would be fine or the portrait of his servants or the self portrait with the dog. I would be happy with any of those. My favourite author Apart from my wife [the author Victoria Hislop], obviously. This changes all the time. Recent favourites include James by Percival Everett, a funny and savage retelling of Huckleberry Finn. I am keen to tell people that I had read his satirical novel about race and the literary world, Erasure, long before it was turned into the popular film American Fiction. Then there is Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver, which is a retelling of David Copperfield and is an extraordinary tour de force about the American opioid crisis. Amor Towles's A Gentleman in Moscow is an absolute delight that feels like a retelling of a great Russian novel, but is actually original. And for an insight into modern Russia, The Wizard of the Kremlin by Giuliano da Empoli is extraordinary. I also love Cloud Cuckooland by Anthony Doerr, which is an erudite classics based sci-fi thriller and is a hopeful tribute to the power of the written word. At least I think that is what it was. • The best paperback books of 2025 — April's picks The book I'm reading I am re-reading the medieval Mystery Plays as research for my Radio 4 series Ian Hislop's Oldest Jokes. These short plays performed in the street are vernacular versions of the Bible stories and were produced by the craft guilds. The combination of the sacred and the profane, of comedy and tragedy, of the sublime and the ridiculous is extraordinary. No wonder they were banned. BRYN COLTON/GETTY IMAGES The book I wish I had written The Complete Beyond the Fringe, the collected sketches from the 1960s revue by Peter Cook, Alan Bennett, Jonathan Miller and Dudley Moore. I was lucky enough to work with Cook at Private Eye when he was the most hands-off proprietor in publishing history. It is not always true that you shouldn't meet your heroes. I have this slim volume on my shelf next to AG Macdonell's England, Their England, the collected plays of Oscar Wilde and quite a large number of other works of comic genius. My favourite film Toy Story, with Toy Story 2, 3 and 4 as very close runners-up. Wise, witty and wonderful. They really do make one think about infinity and beyond. Or on second thoughts it should probably be The Court Jester with Danny Kaye, which is the film I have seen more often than any other and enjoyed the most. My favourite play I recently went to see Tom Stoppard's Invention of Love with Simon Russell Beale as AE Housman. I had seen the original version in 1997 and thought it was brilliant. On seeing it again 28 years later I thought it was even better. The other play I saw when it first appeared and twice again since — once as a student production — is Jez Butterworth's Jerusalem. It is magic every time and Mark Rylance's performance is simply the best thing I have ever seen on stage. The box set I'm hooked on Bad Sisters by Sharon Horgan. Beautifully written, compelling and really funny. ALAMY My favourite TV series I enjoyed the recent Wolf Hall series with Mark Rylance hugely. I read the Hilary Mantel novels over lockdown, which was a good time to read very long novels and also to be reminded that things have been quite frightening in our history before. Detectorists is also terrific. Funny and melancholy and reassuring about unfashionable England. I found a 9th-century Anglo-Saxon coin in a field when making a documentary for Radio 4 and was so excited I could hear the Detectorist theme tune in my head. My favourite piece of music Handel's Messiah. I first came across it at school and thought I knew it backwards, but then I heard it again in Hampstead Church a few months ago with a cut-down choir and an orchestra with period instruments directed by Geoffrey Webber and was overwhelmed. The play I walked out on I try not to do this, although someone recently walked out of a play I wrote. The lady in question did have medical assistance and they did have to stop the performance. It was The Autobiography of a Cad at the Watermill in Newbury and I am pretty sure that the paramedics said the problem was that the play was just too funny. The poor theatregoer was overcome with mirth and her sides threatened to split. Fortunately she recovered and was fine and the play restarted allowing a triumphant, hilarious performance by James Mack as the Cad, the ultimate Tory politician, to the delight of the audience.
Irish Daily Star
28-04-2025
- Irish Daily Star
Cillian Murphy's Peaky Blinders suit goes up for auction for charity
In a move set to thrill fans of the smash TV series Peaky Blinders , an exclusive collection of memorabilia, including Cillian Murphy's legendary three-piece suit, is going up for auction to raise essential funds for The Christie Charity in Manchester. The online sale is now live and runs until May 20, features several bespoke pieces from the BBC show's final season, such as a hand-tailored coat worn by the late Helen McCrory in her portrayal of Polly Gray. To coincide with the auction's finale, a themed event will take place at Manchester's Peaky Blinders bar. Representatives of the charity were quick to express their gratitude towards the Peaky Blinders team for providing such a rare opportunity to acquire genuine memorabilia from the show. Marie Toller from the charity described it as a dream come true for millions of fans, saying: "We are incredibly grateful to the team behind Peaky Blinders for this amazing gesture. Read More Related Articles Jenna Bush Hager left in tears over emotional dedication involving career move Read More Related Articles Donald Trump and Melania slammed as they're caught chatting and smiling at Pope Francis' funeral "Not only is this a 'dream come true' opportunity for the millions of fans to own a piece of television history, it's also a unique opportunity to make a difference to cancer patients by supporting the vital work of The Christie." Over its six-season run, Peaky Blinders featured iconic locations throughout Greater Manchester, Cheshire, and Lancashire. The auction, featuring a collection of suits worn by Murphy in his role as Tommy Shelby, is being hosted by Omega Auctions, reports the Express . Cillian Murphy's 'Tommy Shelby' suit (Image: (Image: OMEGA AUCTIONS)) One of these suits, which featured in the final scenes of series six, includes a handwritten note in a pocket with the instruction "takes off ring." Other items up for grabs include a handmade fur felt hat worn by the actor who portrayed Oswald Mosley. In the past, Murphy has donated items such as a coat from series three and a hat from series five to The Christie Charity fundraising ball in 2019. Helen McCrory's coat (Image: (Image: OMEGA AUCTIONS)) Other costume gems on offer range from lace flapper dresses, velvet gowns, embroidered scarves, and ladies' shoes to flat caps, jackets, ties, waistcoats, leather riding shin guards, and many other iconic Peaky Blinders costume accessories – all available for bidding. Peaky Blinders' distinctive style has left a lasting mark on fashion and pop culture. The show's striking aesthetic was created by original costume designer Stephanie Collie, a native of Warrington, who played a crucial role in defining the TV show's signature look. Peaky Blinder's Helen McCrory as Polly Gray in her coat (Image: (Image: BBC)) Following her, award-winning Glasgow-based designer Alison McCosh continued to develop the visual style throughout the later series. Their work not only defined the Peaky Blinders style, but also ignited a fashion resurgence that spread from the high street to designer collections. Even football icon and Peaky Blinders aficionado, David Beckham, has launched a gents' clothing collection inspired by the series' classic style. Sam Claflin's character's Homburg hat (Image: (Image: OMEGA AUCTIONS)) Dan Muscatelli-Hampson, Omega Auctions' auction manager expressed his excitement: "These stunning pieces are genuine cultural artefacts – the craftsmanship, history, and star power behind them is exceptional. "We're honoured to host the auction and support The Christie Charity in the process." All proceeds from this highly anticipated auction are pledged to The Christie Charity, which provides critical support for cancer patients and facilitates breakthrough research at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester. Sam Claflin As Oswald Mosley (Image: (Image: BBC)) This comes just as anticipation builds for the much-awaited Peaky Blinders film, due to premiere this coming fall. Information about the Peaky Blinders auction, including how you can place your bids, is available at For those who want to contribute to the efforts of The Christie Charity, donations are welcome at For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here .
