Oxford Lives
53 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago -Oxford is a wonderful city in which to live, and If you have the good fortune to call yourself a resident you are probably here because you value its incredible mix of people and cultures. However, whether local or visitor, your own personal network of friends and colleagues can only touch a small proportion of the fascinating people who call this place home.
We set up this podcast to seek out some of the individuals that we find interesting and explore their lives and stories. They are not all celebrated or well-known, but what they do and what they think add another dimension to the familiar narrative of town, gown and tourism. Hopefully you will find it an insight and an introduction to interesting and unfamiliar parts of our community.
So, relax and select someone from the cast below and get to know a bit more about a particular Oxford life.
With Jeremy Allen
Produced by Graeme Fry
As a compliment to our podcast we have produced a self-guided tour where we look at Oxford’s links to fantasy literature and the many writers who have lived and worked here. So if you find yourself in Oxford prepare to be whisked away to other worlds full of Hobbits, Orcs and parallel universes!
https://voicemap.me/tour/oxford/literary-legends-and-landmarks-a-fantasy-fiction-tour-of-oxford
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Episodes
Oxford Lives - Episode 52 with Anna Eavis
March 21, 2024 11:31 - 1 hour - 46.1 MBIn today's episode of Oxford Lives we talk to Anna Eavis, who has just taken over the role of CEO for Oxford Preservation Trust. We ask Anna about the role of the trust in maintaining historically significant buildings and green spaces throughout the city, the importance of volunteers and the forthcoming Open Doors Weekend. We also look at Anna's previous role as Ciritorial Director of English Heritage, where she played an integral part in allocating London's blue plaques and setting up the ...
Oxford Lives - Episode 51 Anniversary Special
December 20, 2023 13:30 - 1 hour - 167 MB50th Anniversary Special. To celebrate 50 episodes of the podcast, we recently held a live recording at the Bullingdon on Cowley Rd. The event was a panel discussion on 'Parallel Oxfords' with three previous guests taking part: multi-media and spoken word artist, Rawz; local historian, Liz Woolley; and author of Real Oxford, Patrick McGuinness. It turned out to be a fascinating evening with a free-flowing discussion that uncovered the real Oxford in all its complexities. Let us know what you...
Oxford Lives - Episode 50 with Rawz
October 20, 2023 11:16 - 1 hour - 112 MBThis episode of Oxford Lives features an interview with musician, rapper, poet, and community artist, Rawz. Rawz has seen Oxford from both sides, having grown up in the Town (Greater Leys) and worked in the Gown (St John’s College). Along the way, he has participated in a number of local projects from Digging Crates (Pitt Rivers Museum) to My Two Oxfords (Old Fire Station). His latest venture is an ‘off the beaten track’ walking tour, Forgotten Stories of Oxford. For further info: https://li...
Oxford Lives - Episode 49 with Jonathan Self
September 27, 2023 10:45 - 52 minutes - 119 MBTolkien-Lewis Special. In this edition of Oxford Lives we examine the lives of two of Oxford’s most esteemed residents: JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis. They first met at a Merton College English Faculty meeting in 1926. In his diary, Lewis recorded some apprehension, writing of the “smooth, pale, fluent little chap” with “no harm in him: only needs a smack or so.” From such unpromising beginnings, their relationship flourished. Here to pick up the story is Tour Guide and Inklings aficionado, Jonat...
Oxford Lives - Episode 48 with Karen Ford
September 15, 2023 09:44 - 46 minutes - 107 MBKaren Ford is a prolific actor with a vast range of experience in stage and screen to her name. Perhaps her best-known role is that of Miss Booth in the BBC children’s drama, Grange Hill, playing a major role in two of the series’ most iconic storylines – Zammo’s drug addiction and her relationship with troubled student, Danny Kendall. Karen’s new play, Serpent’s Tooth, is coming to Oxford’s Burton Taylor theatre on Saturday 23rd September, after rave reviews in Edinburgh. You can book ticke...
Oxford Lives - Episode 47 with Ronak Sahni
May 20, 2023 08:19 - 46 minutes - 105 MBOn this episode of Oxford Lives we interview Ronak Sahni from SWAT (Sikh Welfare & Awareness). SWAT are a charitable organisation committed to transforming the lives of disadvantaged members of the community. You can see the SWAT team every Thursday night on Broad Street distributing free food to the homeless. Here SWAT volunteer Ronak Sahni outlines SWAT's ethos and outlines the logistics of the project he is involved in. You can find out about SWAT's remarkable story at https://www.nishkam...
Oxford Lives - Episode 46 with Charlie and Chico
April 15, 2023 00:00 - 55 minutes - 127 MBToday’s guests are from the Oxford Artisan Distillery and are both leading experts in their field. Master Distiller Francisco Rosa (AKA Chico), and Head of Whisky, Charlie Echlin, talk us through the process of distillation and explain what makes their brand so unique, from locally sourced farming to traditional biodiversity techniques. If you would like to go on one of their intoxicating tours (#1 on Trip Advisor), then please visit the following link: https://www.theoxfordartisandistillery...
Oxford Lives - Episode 45 with Jeremy Smith
December 04, 2022 14:55 - 54 minutes - 126 MBWe enjoyed his company so much the first time, we asked him back! This time Jeremy Smith is here to talk about the Oxford music scene, of which he has a vast knowledge, stretching back four decades. In a fascinating interview, Jeremy takes us on a journey through Oxford’s musical history, taking in the bands, the venues, the shifts in attitudes and tastes, not to mention some hair-raising nights out. You will not be disappointed. To contact Jeremy about one of his pub tours please call him o...
Oxford Lives - Episode 44 with Tinashe Mushakavanhu
October 30, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 69.5 MBToday on Oxford Lives we interview academic and writer Tinashe Mushakavanhu. Tinashe is a Junior Research Fellow in African & Comparative Literature at St Anne's College, here in Oxford. In a fascinating interview, he talks about deconstructing the myth of Africa, re- reading the continent, and making archival source material more widely available. We also discuss two Oxford-educated rebel poets, Percy Bysshe Shelley and Dambudzo Marechera.
Oxford Lives - Episode 43 with Jeremy Smith
October 06, 2022 11:02 - 1 hour - 141 MBOxford Pub Special – The Bear, Turf Tavern, Kings Arms. Oxford is blessed with an array of historical pubs, blending tradition, atmosphere, sumptuous ales, and some fantastic stories. Here, real ale connoisseur and official pub tour guide, Jeremy Smith, takes us on a virtual tour through some of the city’s finest, combining his unique knowledge of the brewing trade with some fascinating personal insights. To contact Jeremy about one of his pub tours please call him on 07763 386886 – he will ...
Oxford Lives - Episode 42 with Melanie Clarke-Jacques.
August 25, 2022 16:02 - 50 minutes - 116 MBINSPECTOR MORSE SPECIAL – In this latest episode of Oxford Lives, we discuss all things Inspector Morse with Oxford’s resident Morse expert, Melanie Clarke-Jacques. Intrinsic to the novels and TV show is Morse’s relationship with Oxford. Here we explore Oxford’s role both as atmospheric backdrop and crime scene, and how the city itself has shaped Morse’s personality. Expect revelations galore - a must for all fans of the show. For enquiries about Melanie’s tours please contact: melanieceej@g...
Oxford Lives - Episode 41 with Patrick McGuinness
November 25, 2021 15:45 - 59 minutes - 136 MBOur latest guest is academic, critic, novelist, poet and author of Real Oxford, Patrick McGuinness. The book is a tour de force of travel writing which sheds light on the Oxford behind the picture postcard image. In this riveting interview, McGuinness reveals his fascination with aspects of the city seldom depicted in cinema and TV drama: its polarities and peculiarities, quirks and contrasts, and the visible remnants of a past constantly nudging at the present.
Oxford Lives - Episode 40 with Julia Cameron
October 11, 2021 08:24 - 42 minutes - 97 MBToday's edition of Oxford Lives is an interview with writer and publisher, Julia Cameron. Julia has produced a remarkable guide to Oxford, from the viewpoint of a cat. Specifically, Julia's cat - Simeon, for whom she works diligently as editor and typist. Julia also talks about her publishing company Dictum Press, her years as an obituarist and another fascinating title she has written entitled, Oxford and Cambridge Reformation Walking Tour. Both titles are available from Julia's website htt...
Oxford Lives - Episode 39 with Craig Simmons
July 30, 2021 13:44 - 50 minutes - 115 MBIn this episode of Oxford Lives, we talk to former Lord Mayor Craig Simmons about his time in office, his years as a councillor representing the Green Party, and his work as a sustainability consultant advising high profile companies on how to reduce their carbon footprint. An erudite and committed environmentalist, Craig is full of wisdom and practical advice on how we can all do our bit and help save the planet. He also tells us about his love of yachting.
Oxford Lives - Episode 38 with Jeremy Allen and Lee Woodward
June 15, 2021 16:25 - 45 minutes - 103 MBHost Jeremy Allen and Lee Woodward talk about their new theatre project, Analyse Thou, a Zoom-based drama that puts Shakespearean characters on the therapist’s couch. This original piece of work has been produced in conjunction with Response and Oxfordshire MIND, two leading Oxford-based mental health organisations, over a series of writers’ workshops. As well as shedding new light on familiar Shakespearean texts in an accessible fashion, the play seeks to raise awareness around trending men...
Oxford Lives - Episode 37 with Korky Paul
April 29, 2021 18:04 - 59 minutes - 136 MBKorky Paul is a world-famous children’s book illustrator whose Winnie the Witch series has sold millions of copies all around the world. In a highly engaging interview, Korky reflects on his childhood in Zimbabwe, college years spent in apartheid South Africa, and his European and American travels before settling here in Oxford and getting his big break with OUP in the mid-Eighties. He talks about his highly detailed and anarchic illustration style, love of Marvel comics and, of course, his ...
Oxford Lives - Episode 36 with Dr Mary Miller
March 15, 2021 09:55 - 46 minutes - 84.9 MBDr Mary Miller is a Consultant in Palliative Medicine, specialising in end-of-life care. Mary qualified from University College Cork in 1988 and has practised around the work, coming to Oxford in 1998. Here Mary discusses the challenges of caring for the terminally ill and how her role perhaps requires a different philosophical attitude to that commonly held in the West. Mary also reflects on the last year and the Covid pandemic, elaborating on some of the challenges faced by carers, patient...
Oxford Lives - Episode 35 with Anand Menon
March 05, 2021 11:47 - 34 minutes - 64 MBAnand Menon is Professor of European Politics and Foreign Affairs at King's College Londin and director of UK in a Changing Europe, an initiative promoting independent research into UK-EU relations. An authority and leading speaker on the subject, Anand has numerous television and radio appearances under his belt. Anand also lives in Oxford and touches on his time here, why the city voted Remain and how the post-Brexit environment could impact on our local economy.
Oxford Lives - Episode 34 with Sinead Leach
February 05, 2021 21:02 - 32 minutes - 60.3 MBWhat is the Census? How did it evolve? What is all that information used for? And why is it so important we complete it? Here Census Engagement Manager Sinead Leach tells us everything we need to know, how to get help if we need it, and allays our fears about data security. Don’t forget that the Census will be here on March 21st and it's crucial we fill it in so that our Oxfordshire community receives all the resources it needs. For more info: www.census.gov.uk
Oxford Lives - Episode 33 with Tim Wraith
October 14, 2020 20:39 - 42 minutes - 68.3 MBTim Wraith is Corporate Partnerships Manager for Sobell House. But he’s more than that. Much more. Tim is a true force for good in our community, uniting individuals and organisations in the common cause of kindness. Here Tim talks about the vital role Sobell plays in the lives of so many in our city. He also talks Park Runs, half-marathons, charity cricket matches, and cooking 1500 meals for the homeless. An inspirational listen.
Oxford Lives - Episode 32 with Richard O Smith
October 04, 2020 20:25 - 48 minutes - 44.9 MBIn this latest edition of Oxford Lives we welcome back author and comedian, Richard O Smith. Richard is here to talk about three new projects he’s been involved in, each with a distinctly Oxford flavour: The Best Ladled Pans of Rice and Penne- “62 Snapshots of Oxford Life”; Oxford Z-A, in collaboration with Korky Paul; and his intriguingly titled Eccentric Oxford walking tour.
Oxford Lives - Episode 31 with Chris Heap
September 09, 2020 09:30 - 46 minutes - 108 MBIn 1971, Chris Heap moved from the riot-torn streets of Derry to the tranquillity of Oxford. Here he talks about growing up in a city dominated by the car industry and dwells at length on the glory days of East Oxford, from Irish social clubs to Silvester's hardware store. He also reflects on his time working for Oxford Instruments, a company with a pioneering role in the development of magnetic resonance imaging. He now trains volunteers for the Oxfam Superstore, which has just celebrated i...
Oxford Lives - Episode 30 with Jane Cranston
July 24, 2020 17:52 - 45 minutes - 63 MBToday we talk to Jane Cranston, Chair of Oxford Homeless Movement. Homelessness has been a growing problem in Oxfordshire over recent years, due to a variety of factors, many of which Jane outlines here. Jane destroys many of the misconceptions we might have about what it means to be homeless and how people fall into it. We also talk about why prevention is the best remedy and how we can all help redress this urgent situation as a community. Finally, Jane tells us about her time as High She...
Oxford Lives - Episode 29 with Alasdair de Voil
June 09, 2020 17:43 - 1 hour - 111 MBToday’s guest is a familiar sight for regular visitors to the centre of Oxford. His name is Alasdair de Voil, but you will probably know him as The Mad Hatter. Here, Alasdair talks about his lively character-based tours and his relationship with our great city. We also discuss his political career as a candidate for the Monster Raving Looney (Tea) Party and touch upon his colourful campaign history. An effervescent character with a wealth of stories, Alasdair will entertain and inform you in...
Oxford Lives - Episode 28 with Graeme Fry
June 01, 2020 16:26 - 1 hour - 138 MBWelcome back to Oxford Lives- in Lockdown! It’s been a while since our last outing, so here we launch a series of fresh interviews with fascinating Oxonians via video platform du jour,Zoom. We start with producer Graeme Fry. With a background in engineering, Graeme has carved out a career in management consultancy, and independent filmmaking. Here Graeme discusses his life, background and multiple interests. We also talk about what it’s been like for him in Lockdown, and what he misses most ...
Oxford Lives - Episode 27 with Larry Sanders
December 04, 2019 10:35 - 54 minutes - 101 MBLarry Sanders is a living legend. New York born and raised, Larry moved to Oxford fifty years ago and can now safely call himself an Oxonian. Health Spokesperson for the Green Party of England and Wales, Larry's extensive career spans academia, social work and politics. He has recently been heavily involved with Democrats Abroad, supporting his brother Bernie on his US Presidential campaign. Here, Larry expands upon his life and career, and provides some fascinating insight into modern polit...
Oxford Lives - Episode 26 with Andrew Mason AKA Mani
November 15, 2019 14:57 - 8 minutes - 16.2 MBNobody embodies the spirit of Oxford more than Andrew Manson AKA Mani AKA The Big Orange M. You’ll recognise his distinctive art work from around the city: Cowley Road, Covered Market, New Theatre, to name a few. Painter, street artist, accomplished sketcher, Mani embodies the concept of a community artist. Here he waxes lyrical about his life in Oxford, his love of the city, and discusses his extensive portfolio. He also educates us on his influences and contemporaries. To get an idea of Ma...
Oxford Lives - Episode 25 with Jerome Arab
October 25, 2019 07:42 - 1 hour - 106 MBJerome Arab is a Zimbabwean rapper, singer, songwriter and entertainer with a following in 40 countries. He spends his summers in Oxford and was kind enough to pop into Oxford Lives to share with us his creative message and plans for the future, which include a forthcoming album and the release of 52 tracks (one per week) in the New Year. A fountain of positivity and a paragon of self-motivation, here Jerome tells his incredible story from homelessness in Manchester to Big Brother Africa fin...
Oxford Lives - Episode 24 with Liz Woolley
October 18, 2019 09:28 - 42 minutes - 59.1 MBLiz Woolley (MSc Dist.) is a highly acclaimed local historian with a wealth of knowledge about Oxford and its multifaceted past. She is particularly interested in the “town” side of the city, as opposed to the “gown”, and her many talks reflect this with subjects as diverse as industrial architecture, rural life, and the rise of the suburbs. Here Liz regales us with a stunning array of facts and sheds light on those everyday landmarks and architectural features we often take for granted.
Oxford Lives - Episode 23 with Jamal Ibrahim - Part 2
October 08, 2019 11:06 - 48 minutes - 67.5 MBPart Two of this fascinating interview with Oxford-based artist, biochemist and teacher Jamal Ibrahim. Here we pick up where we left off, with Jamal telling us an interesting story about a Samurai sword he once owned. He also talks about his time in Malaysia and lets us into the secrets of his trailblazing artistic techniques.
Oxford Lives - Episode 23 with Jamal Ibrahim - Part 1
October 08, 2019 11:02 - 39 minutes - 54.4 MBJamal Ibrahim has a fascinating story. As a scholarship student back in the early seventies, he was plucked from a working class Malaysian background to win a place at an English public school. From there he progressed to New College, Oxford and then a career as a Biochemist, conducting cutting edge research into HIV at the Sir William Dunn School of Pathology. After many years an Oxford teacher, Jamal also turned his hand to Art, developing a groundbreaking technique to produce his abstract...
Oxford Lives - Episode 22 with Paul Hobson
May 09, 2019 12:10 - 54 minutes - 126 MBAn integral part of the Oxford cultural landscape for the last five decades, Modern Art Oxford is renowned for its diverse and progressive artistic programme. Here Director Paul Hobson recounts the history of the gallery, expands upon its remit and tells us about the range of recent community engagement projects. A fascinating discussion that references an eclectic range of innovators from Jackson Pollock to Tracey Emin to currently featured video artist Akram Zaatari.
Oxford Lives - One Year Anniversary Special - Part 2
April 19, 2019 18:34 - 51 minutes - 83 MBOur one-year anniversary special continues with plenty of juicy topics dissected by our panel of four. Conversation veers from contentious statues, the Steve Bannon Oxford Union protests, privileged politicians, Dragon School actors, the X90, rotting play parks and whether it's really worth young people moving to Oxford. We discuss personal highlights and look ahead to future projects. With Jeremy Allen, Graeme Fry, Steve Larkin and Richard O Smith.
Oxford Lives - One Year Anniversary Special - Part 1
April 14, 2019 10:28 - 56 minutes - 90.8 MBOxford Lives is one year old. In this anniversary special, we invite back two of our most popular guests, poet Steve Larkin and comedy writer Richard O Smith, here to give their take on events in Oxford over the last twelve months. Producer Graeme Fry also joins us for this lively panel discussion covering a range of locally-related topics from homelessness to the Westgate to the closure of The Cellar music venue. Part Two to follow.
Oxford Lives - Episode 19 with David Juler
December 23, 2018 11:26 - 1 hour - 96.6 MBFollowing on from our Remember Them event at Oxford Town Hall we caught up with David Juler, Museum Development Assistant at the Museum of Oxford. The museum is in the process of refurbishment with many exciting developments planned for the re-opening. A micro-museum currently houses a Windrush exhibition and various community projects and events are upcoming. We also address David's love of museums and the time he has spent in Oxford.
Oxford Lives - Episode 18 Armistice Event Podcast
November 26, 2018 13:02 - 1 hour - 108 MBA special live edition of the podcast recorded at Oxford Town Hall in conjunction with The Museum of Oxford. To coincide with The Armistice commemorations, Oxford Lives hosted a panel discussion to explore the city’s role in The Great War. Our guests were Margaret Bonfiglioli, Caroline Roaf (previous OL guests) and Sue Smith, local expert on Conscientious Objectors. Also featured are performances by Jennifer Johns and Rachel Mae Brady of UnderConstruction Theatre. You do not want to miss this!
Oxford Lives - Episode 17 with Caroline Roaf
October 19, 2018 12:21 - 1 hour - 148 MBIn the 1960s, a series of letters were found in an attic, chronicling the WW1 experiences of Pleasance Walker, a volunteer nurse who left Oxford to join the French Red Cross. Caroline Roaf discovered the letters a decade later and diligently made photocopies. Now, inspired by The Centenary, Caroline has edited and published them in book form. Here Caroline describes her process and also reflects on her Irish upbringing, work in comprehensive schools and the current political system.
Oxford Lives - Episode 16 with Bill Spectre
September 17, 2018 16:28 - 49 minutes - 68.5 MBBill Spectre's award-winning Oxford Ghost Trail has been named as one of the ten best ghost tours in the world by Trip Advisor. Here we ask Bill (real name Bill Ritchie) the secrets of a successful ghost tour and why people are so drawn to ghost stories. We address some deep themes - the supernatural, human consciousness and life after death. Bill also gives us a glimpse of his act, with a chilling story to make your blood run cold!
Oxford Lives - Episode 15 with Tanya and Jason Field
August 17, 2018 11:13 - 41 minutes - 28.5 MBIn this podcast we visit the MINI plant in Cowley to interview Jason and Tanya Field. Jason started as an apprentice on the plant thirty years ago and still works there as an IT/Telecoms engineer. It was here he met Tanya and both share a passion for the MINI brand, not to mention other classic cars. Here we learn about the history of the factory, Tanya’s love of British Leyland and her family connections to William Morris, not to mention The Italian Job. Special thanks to Steve Wrelton for ...
Oxford Lives - Episode 14 with Stephen Hosking
August 13, 2018 18:25 - 45 minutes - 31.5 MBStephen Hosking is facilitator for the Oxford OCD Support Group which meets twice a month at the Restore Centre in Manzil Way. Here Stephen discusses the nature of the illness, its treatment and the many misconceptions surrounding it. Stephen also tells us how the group works and outlines his responsibilities as group leader. For those who think they may have OCD or need support in this area, please contact [email protected] or call 07976 726803
Oxford Lives - Episode 13 with Susie Barker and Harley Evans
May 25, 2018 16:11 - 1 hour - 48.1 MBHarley Evans and Susie Barker are a pair of East Oxford creatives who have lived and worked in the city for many years. As professional photographers and designers they have worked with many celebrity clients and photographed the weddings of the rich and famous. They are also successful business people having renovated and restored properties in Oxford and beyond. In this lively interview they talk about life in the city, photographing VIPs and their philosophy on women in business.
Oxford Lives - Episode 12 with Margaret Bonfiglioli
May 24, 2018 13:25 - 1 hour - 41.4 MBMargaret Bonfiglioli has lived in Oxford all her life. A few years ago, Margaret discovered that a Luis Vuitton trunk on her landing contained hundreds of family letters, most dating back to The First World War. The letters were published in book form as ‘Full of Hope and Fear- The Great War Letters of an Oxford Family’ (OUP). Here Margaret talks about the process of putting the book together with editor James Munson, her life in Oxford, and touches on late husband, Kyril, creator of the Mo...
Oxford Lives - Episode 11 with Peggy Seeger
May 10, 2018 18:59 - 1 hour - 45.1 MBOne of folk music's most enduring icons, Peggy Seeger settled in Iffley Village in 2010. She has since been involved in local politics, most notably the campaign to save Temple Cowley Pool. Here, Peggy talks candidly about her life- her musical upbringing, involvement in the Folk Revival, marriage to Ewan MacColl, groundbreaking radio documentary work and time in Oxford. Peggy has just written a critically acclaimed memoir, ‘First Time Ever’- essential reading!
Oxford Lives - Episode 10 with Steve Larkin
April 23, 2018 10:41 - 1 hour - 44.5 MBInternationally acclaimed slam poet, dramatist, musician, educator, force of nature. Steve is president of poetry slam competition heavyweights Hammer & Tongue, has toured two hugely successful one-man shows (N.ON.C.E. , TES) and advocates for Cyc du Soleil, a mobile pedal-powered/solar-powered sound and light system. Always amusing and insightful, here Steve gives us his take on world affairs from Leeds United to the Environment and demonstrates his verbal virtuosity with two stunning piec...
Oxford Lives - Episode 9 with Don Flanagan
April 09, 2018 11:02 - 49 minutes - 33.7 MBDon Flanagan grew up in Ireland but moved to London in 1940. He experienced the Blitz and then served as a stoker with The Royal Navy in the Far East. After the war, he worked with the legendary Unity Theatre before moving to Oxford in 1964, serving as a lab technician at Brookes University until the late-Eighties. In this gripping podcast, Don provides a considered perspective on the social and historical changes he has witnessed in his long and varied life.
Oxford Lives - Episode 8 with Melrose Fernandes
March 15, 2018 11:12 - 51 minutes - 36.2 MBMelrose Fernandes has been teaching at Kings Oxford for 24 years. In a warm and lively interview, Melrose recollects her early years, fleeing with her family from Idi Amin’s Uganda, then settling in Rose Hill. We hear how she delivered papers to Graham Greene’s wife, went to school with Martin Keown and met the Amish community. Finally, Melrose reflects on the changing cultures and shifting student dynamics during her time at Kings.
Oxford Lives - Episode 7 with Benji Ming
March 08, 2018 16:47 - 1 hour - 49.5 MBBenji Ming is a man with many strings to his bow. Actor, author, model, tree surgeon, gardener…the list goes on. Here he talks about his early life and career, reflecting on football hooliganism and the Oi! Scene. He discusses his lengthy acting career, working with experimental director Andrew Kötting, appearing in panto with Bobby Knutt and working as a ceilidh consultant on Paddington 2. Finally, Benji tells us about his magnificent debut novel, Santa Cull, a comedy-horror masterpiece.
Oxford Lives - Episode 6 with Rob Walters
March 08, 2018 16:47 - 1 hour - 52 MBAuthor, tour guide, businessman, traveller. Rob is a fascinating man with a strong Oxford presence. Here he reminisces on his idyllic Gloucestershire childhood, apprenticeship as a telephone engineer and work with the telecoms industry. Real ale, shoe shining. Catalonia’s bid for independence are just some of the topics discussed. Rob also reflects on his considerable writing career, in particular Oxford Rogues, examining the lives of ten disreputable gents associated with our historic city.
Oxford Lives - Episode 5 with Simon Image
March 08, 2018 16:46 - 1 hour - 52.7 MBDrama theorist, theatre producer, film maker, translator, tour guide: Simon possesses a vast knowledge of art, culture and social structures. On this must-listen podcast, Simon waxes lyrical on several subjects close to his heart from Italian playwright Luigi Pirandello’s romantic obsessions to the ethos of the British public school system to the elitism of Oxford University colleges. He also addresses the painstaking process of adapting a one-act play for the screen.
Oxford Lives - Episode 4 with Lizzy McBain
March 08, 2018 14:56 - 1 hour - 51.1 MBLizzy is director at Oxford-based theatre company UnderConstruction, specialising in site-based performance. Lizzy is also an associate artist with the Old Fire Station, directing Hidden Spire, a project combining Crisis members and professional actors. Here, Lizzy reflects on her Oxfordshire childhood and lifelong love of the arts. We learn why Oxford makes an ideal stage-set and the importance of place in drama. Lizzy also talks about her new project, 6 Women, celebrating the lives of Oxfo...