I was interviewed for Radio 4’s culture review programme Loose Ends today. It was an absolute pleasure to meet polymath Clive Anderson, actor Sir Ian McKellan (adding him to my ‘wizard’ set; have already got Christopher Lee…), comedian Richard Herring, Shameless actor David Threlfall and author Katharine Hibbert, and to hear the magic tunes of London blues guitarist Marcus Bonfanti, and piano tapping of the Guillemots’ Fyfe Dangerfield.

Listen again! And for those of you who can’t (international folks), here’s the blurb:

Clive Anderson and guests with an eclectic mix of conversation, music and comedy.

Clive is joined by actors Sir Ian McKellen and Shameless star David Threlfall. Aleks Krotoski celebrates the 20th anniversary of the world wide web.

Jo Bunting asks Katherine Hibbert what happens when you walk away from everything you think you can’t live without.

With comedy from the award-winning Richard Herring and music from Fyfe Dangerfield and Marcus Bonfanti.