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Show 359. Thangam Debbonaire
Thangam Debbonaire
Thangam is one of the brightest stars of the Labour movement. As Shadow Culture Secretary she was all set to command the brief in government.
But things didn't go to plan. On 4 July, Thangam lost Bristol Central to the Green Party.
A classically trained cellist. Thangam has a range of life experience.
She's one of the most charismatic and engaging politicians in the country and her reflections on her career so far are thoughtful and hopeful.
SEE Matt at on tour until March 2025, including his extra dates at The Bloomsbury Theatre: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows
2024
24 October: Hull, Truck Theatre
6 November: Exeter, Phoenix
8 November: Tunbridge Wells, Trinity Theatre
14 November: Basingstoke, The Haymarket
15 November: Colchester Arts Centre
20 November: York, The Crescent
21 November: Chorley, Little Theatre
22 November: Salford, The Lowry
27 November: Chipping Norton Theatre
28 November: Leicester, Y Theatre
29 November: Eastleigh, The Berry
31 November: Faversham, The Alexander Centre
6 December: London, Bloomsbury Theatre - EXTRA DATE
14 December: London, Bloomsbury Theatre - EXTRA DATE
2025
29 January: Norwich, Playhouse - EXTRA DATE
4 February: Leeds, City Varieties
5 February: Sheffield, The Leadmill
6 February: Chelmsford Theatre
7 February: Bedford, The Quarry Theatre
12 February: Bath, Komedia
13 February: Southend, Palace Theatre
16 February: Cambridge, The Junction
20 February: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts
23 February: Brighton, Komedoa
25 February: Cardiff, Glee Club
26 February: Bury St Edmunds, Theatre Royal
28 February: Chelmsford Theatre - EXTRA DATE
2 March: Bristol, Tobacco Factory
4 March: Colchester Arts Centre - EXTRA DATE
6 March: Birmingham, Glee Club - EXTRA DATE
7 March: Maidenhead, Norden Farm - EXTRA DATE
11 March: Aberdeen, Lemon Tree
12 March: Glasgow, Glee Club
27 March: Oxford, Glee Club - EXTRA DATE
28 March: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts Centre - EXTRA DATE
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Show 369. Alex Burghart
55:33|Alex BurghartPolitics. History. Food.What more do you want for Christmas?Alex Burghart is the Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and fills in for Kemi Badenoch at PMQs.More importantly, he has a deep fat fryer and he's keen to experiment.This is the indulgent Christmas special we all needed. FOLLOW Alex on X: @alexburghartTHE POLITICAL PARTY IS BACK ON STAGE!Get tickets for all shows here: https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/SEE Matt at on tour until March 2025, including his extra date at The Bloomsbury Theatre: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows29 January: Norwich, Playhouse - EXTRA DATE2 February: Salford, Lowry4 February: Leeds, City Varieties5 February: Sheffield, The Leadmill6 February: Chelmsford Theatre7 February: Bedford, The Quarry Theatre12 February: Bath, Komedia13 February: Southend, Palace Theatre16 February: Cambridge, The Junction20 February: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts23 February: Brighton, Komedia25 February: Cardiff, Glee Club26 February: Bury St Edmunds, Theatre Royal28 February: Chelmsford Theatre - EXTRA DATE2 March: Bristol, Tobacco Factory4 March: Colchester Arts Centre - EXTRA DATE6 March: Birmingham, Glee Club - EXTRA DATE7 March: Maidenhead, Norden Farm - EXTRA DATE11 March: Aberdeen, Lemon Tree12 March: Glasgow, Glee Club27 March: Oxford, Glee Club - EXTRA DATE28 March: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts Centre - EXTRA DATE4 April: London, Bloomsbury Theatre - EXTRA DATEShow 368. Natalie Fleet
01:02:25|Natalie FleetNatalie has only been an MP since July but has already established herself as one of the most impressive members of the new intake.She has had to overcome a lot to become an MP and talks passionately about how hard it is to succeed if you're working class in modern Britain.This is gripping from start to finish. FOLLOW Natalie on X: @NatalieFleetMPSEE Matt at on tour until March 2025, including his extra date at The Bloomsbury Theatre: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows202529 January: Norwich, Playhouse - EXTRA DATE2 February: Salford, Lowry4 February: Leeds, City Varieties5 February: Sheffield, The Leadmill6 February: Chelmsford Theatre7 February: Bedford, The Quarry Theatre12 February: Bath, Komedia13 February: Southend, Palace Theatre16 February: Cambridge, The Junction20 February: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts23 February: Brighton, Komedia25 February: Cardiff, Glee Club26 February: Bury St Edmunds, Theatre Royal28 February: Chelmsford Theatre - EXTRA DATE2 March: Bristol, Tobacco Factory4 March: Colchester Arts Centre - EXTRA DATE6 March: Birmingham, Glee Club - EXTRA DATE7 March: Maidenhead, Norden Farm - EXTRA DATE11 March: Aberdeen, Lemon Tree12 March: Glasgow, Glee Club27 March: Oxford, Glee Club - EXTRA DATE28 March: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts Centre - EXTRA DATE4 April: London, Bloomsbury Theatre - EXTRA DATEShow 367. David Yelland
50:41|David YellandThis is a gripping inside account of editing The Sun when tabloids were still dominant.David tried to take the paper in a different direction. But did Rupert Murdoch approve?Plus, does Elon Musk's use of X have its roots in tabloid culture and influence?FOLLOW David on X: @davidyellandSEE Matt at on tour until March 2025, including his extra dates at The Bloomsbury Theatre: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows202414 December: London, Bloomsbury Theatre - EXTRA DATE202529 January: Norwich, Playhouse - EXTRA DATE2 February: Salford, Lowry4 February: Leeds, City Varieties5 February: Sheffield, The Leadmill6 February: Chelmsford Theatre7 February: Bedford, The Quarry Theatre12 February: Bath, Komedia13 February: Southend, Palace Theatre16 February: Cambridge, The Junction20 February: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts23 February: Brighton, Komedia25 February: Cardiff, Glee Club26 February: Bury St Edmunds, Theatre Royal28 February: Chelmsford Theatre - EXTRA DATE2 March: Bristol, Tobacco Factory4 March: Colchester Arts Centre - EXTRA DATE6 March: Birmingham, Glee Club - EXTRA DATE7 March: Maidenhead, Norden Farm - EXTRA DATE11 March: Aberdeen, Lemon Tree12 March: Glasgow, Glee Club27 March: Oxford, Glee Club - EXTRA DATE28 March: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts Centre - EXTRA DATEShow 366. Alison McGovern
48:17|Policy! Football! Pies!It's the interview with everything.After years in opposition, Alison is now an Employment Minister and is keen to get on and change things. She explains the changes she's making to Jobcentres and the difference they'll make.Plus... will Alison become the latest politician to start a podcast?FOLLOW Alison on X: @Alison_McGovernORDER a Homebaked pie: https://www.homebakedbakery.com/SEE Matt at on tour until March 2025, including his extra dates at The Bloomsbury Theatre: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows20246 December: London, Bloomsbury Theatre - EXTRA DATE14 December: London, Bloomsbury Theatre - EXTRA DATE202529 January: Norwich, Playhouse - EXTRA DATE2 February: Salford, Lowry4 February: Leeds, City Varieties5 February: Sheffield, The Leadmill6 February: Chelmsford Theatre7 February: Bedford, The Quarry Theatre12 February: Bath, Komedia13 February: Southend, Palace Theatre16 February: Cambridge, The Junction20 February: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts23 February: Brighton, Komedia25 February: Cardiff, Glee Club26 February: Bury St Edmunds, Theatre Royal28 February: Chelmsford Theatre - EXTRA DATE2 March: Bristol, Tobacco Factory4 March: Colchester Arts Centre - EXTRA DATE6 March: Birmingham, Glee Club - EXTRA DATE7 March: Maidenhead, Norden Farm - EXTRA DATE11 March: Aberdeen, Lemon Tree12 March: Glasgow, Glee Club27 March: Oxford, Glee Club - EXTRA DATE28 March: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts Centre - EXTRA DATEShow 365. David Duguid
01:11:02|This is inspirational. David was the Conservative MP for Banff and Buchan for 7 years. Then he suffered a spinal stroke. Incredibly he wasn't allowed to defend his seat in the general election. This is the remarkable story of how he recovered, why he was blocked and how he's remained so positive. FOLLOW David on X: @david_duguid SEE Matt at on tour until March 2025, including his extra dates at The Bloomsbury Theatre: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows2024 27 November: Chipping Norton Theatre28 November: Leicester, Y Theatre29 November: Eastleigh, The Berry31 November: Faversham, The Alexander Centre6 December: London, Bloomsbury Theatre - EXTRA DATE14 December: London, Bloomsbury Theatre - EXTRA DATE 2025 29 January: Norwich, Playhouse - EXTRA DATE2 February: Salford, Lowry4 February: Leeds, City Varieties5 February: Sheffield, The Leadmill6 February: Chelmsford Theatre7 February: Bedford, The Quarry Theatre12 February: Bath, Komedia13 February: Southend, Palace Theatre16 February: Cambridge, The Junction20 February: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts23 February: Brighton, Komedoa25 February: Cardiff, Glee Club26 February: Bury St Edmunds, Theatre Royal28 February: Chelmsford Theatre - EXTRA DATE2 March: Bristol, Tobacco Factory4 March: Colchester Arts Centre - EXTRA DATE6 March: Birmingham, Glee Club - EXTRA DATE7 March: Maidenhead, Norden Farm - EXTRA DATE11 March: Aberdeen, Lemon Tree12 March: Glasgow, Glee Club27 March: Oxford, Glee Club - EXTRA DATE28 March: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts Centre - EXTRA DATEShow 364. Salma Shah *State of the Tories Special*
01:02:23|Salma Shah is back! The Tory strategist gives her entertaining assessment of Kemi Badenoch and how the Tories are doing. This is such a great chat in which I have my centre-left prejudices thoroughly checked. Talking about the Opposition has never been more fun. FOLLOW Salma on X: @Ommasalma SEE Matt at on tour until March 2025, including his extra dates at The Bloomsbury Theatre: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows2024 20 November: York, The Crescent21 November: Chorley, Little Theatre27 November: Chipping Norton Theatre28 November: Leicester, Y Theatre29 November: Eastleigh, The Berry31 November: Faversham, The Alexander Centre6 December: London, Bloomsbury Theatre - EXTRA DATE14 December: London, Bloomsbury Theatre - EXTRA DATE 2025 29 January: Norwich, Playhouse - EXTRA DATE2 February: Salford, Lowry4 February: Leeds, City Varieties5 February: Sheffield, The Leadmill6 February: Chelmsford Theatre7 February: Bedford, The Quarry Theatre12 February: Bath, Komedia13 February: Southend, Palace Theatre16 February: Cambridge, The Junction20 February: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts23 February: Brighton, Komedoa25 February: Cardiff, Glee Club26 February: Bury St Edmunds, Theatre Royal28 February: Chelmsford Theatre - EXTRA DATE2 March: Bristol, Tobacco Factory4 March: Colchester Arts Centre - EXTRA DATE6 March: Birmingham, Glee Club - EXTRA DATE7 March: Maidenhead, Norden Farm - EXTRA DATE11 March: Aberdeen, Lemon Tree12 March: Glasgow, Glee Club27 March: Oxford, Glee Club - EXTRA DATE28 March: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts Centre - EXTRA DATEShow 363. Seth Harris
01:04:13|Seth Harris - US Election SpecialWell, it happened. This is a comprehensive and entertaining analysis of why and how Trump won the election with friend of the show, Seth Harris.Seth served in Obama's Cabinet and worked closely with both Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. If you're looking for answers, you'll find them here. FOLLOW Seth on X: @MrSethHarrisSEE Matt at on tour until March 2025, including his extra dates at The Bloomsbury Theatre: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows202414 November: Basingstoke, The Haymarket15 November: Colchester Arts Centre20 November: York, The Crescent21 November: Chorley, Little Theatre27 November: Chipping Norton Theatre28 November: Leicester, Y Theatre29 November: Eastleigh, The Berry31 November: Faversham, The Alexander Centre6 December: London, Bloomsbury Theatre - EXTRA DATE14 December: London, Bloomsbury Theatre - EXTRA DATE202529 January: Norwich, Playhouse - EXTRA DATE2 February: Salford, Lowry4 February: Leeds, City Varieties5 February: Sheffield, The Leadmill6 February: Chelmsford Theatre7 February: Bedford, The Quarry Theatre12 February: Bath, Komedia13 February: Southend, Palace Theatre16 February: Cambridge, The Junction20 February: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts23 February: Brighton, Komedoa25 February: Cardiff, Glee Club26 February: Bury St Edmunds, Theatre Royal28 February: Chelmsford Theatre - EXTRA DATE2 March: Bristol, Tobacco Factory4 March: Colchester Arts Centre - EXTRA DATE6 March: Birmingham, Glee Club - EXTRA DATE7 March: Maidenhead, Norden Farm - EXTRA DATE11 March: Aberdeen, Lemon Tree12 March: Glasgow, Glee Club27 March: Oxford, Glee Club - EXTRA DATE28 March: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts Centre - EXTRA DATEShow 362. Darren Jones
54:47|Darren Jones - Budget SpecialThis is a cracker.A full Budget briefing from the Chief Secretary to the Treasury which includes some excellent breakfast chat.SEE Matt at on tour until March 2025, including his extra dates at The Bloomsbury Theatre: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows20246 November: Exeter, Phoenix8 November: Tunbridge Wells, Trinity Theatre14 November: Basingstoke, The Haymarket15 November: Colchester Arts Centre20 November: York, The Crescent21 November: Chorley, Little Theatre27 November: Chipping Norton Theatre28 November: Leicester, Y Theatre29 November: Eastleigh, The Berry31 November: Faversham, The Alexander Centre6 December: London, Bloomsbury Theatre - EXTRA DATE14 December: London, Bloomsbury Theatre - EXTRA DATE202529 January: Norwich, Playhouse - EXTRA DATE2 February: Salford, Lowry4 February: Leeds, City Varieties5 February: Sheffield, The Leadmill6 February: Chelmsford Theatre7 February: Bedford, The Quarry Theatre12 February: Bath, Komedia13 February: Southend, Palace Theatre16 February: Cambridge, The Junction20 February: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts23 February: Brighton, Komedoa25 February: Cardiff, Glee Club26 February: Bury St Edmunds, Theatre Royal28 February: Chelmsford Theatre - EXTRA DATE2 March: Bristol, Tobacco Factory4 March: Colchester Arts Centre - EXTRA DATE6 March: Birmingham, Glee Club - EXTRA DATE7 March: Maidenhead, Norden Farm - EXTRA DATE11 March: Aberdeen, Lemon Tree12 March: Glasgow, Glee Club27 March: Oxford, Glee Club - EXTRA DATE28 March: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts Centre - EXTRA DATEShow 361. Alex Massie
52:50|One of our most gifted political writers reflects on the death of Alex Salmond and the current state of Scottish politics. This is engrossing from the very first second. SUBSCRIBE to the Ponsonby and Massie podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-ponsonby-and-massie-podcast/id1749779794 SEE Matt at on tour until March 2025, including his extra dates at The Bloomsbury Theatre: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows2024 6 November: Exeter, Phoenix8 November: Tunbridge Wells, Trinity Theatre14 November: Basingstoke, The Haymarket15 November: Colchester Arts Centre20 November: York, The Crescent21 November: Chorley, Little Theatre27 November: Chipping Norton Theatre28 November: Leicester, Y Theatre29 November: Eastleigh, The Berry31 November: Faversham, The Alexander Centre6 December: London, Bloomsbury Theatre - EXTRA DATE14 December: London, Bloomsbury Theatre - EXTRA DATE 2025 29 January: Norwich, Playhouse - EXTRA DATE2 February: Salford, Lowry4 February: Leeds, City Varieties5 February: Sheffield, The Leadmill6 February: Chelmsford Theatre7 February: Bedford, The Quarry Theatre12 February: Bath, Komedia13 February: Southend, Palace Theatre16 February: Cambridge, The Junction20 February: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts23 February: Brighton, Komedoa25 February: Cardiff, Glee Club26 February: Bury St Edmunds, Theatre Royal28 February: Chelmsford Theatre - EXTRA DATE2 March: Bristol, Tobacco Factory4 March: Colchester Arts Centre - EXTRA DATE6 March: Birmingham, Glee Club - EXTRA DATE7 March: Maidenhead, Norden Farm - EXTRA DATE11 March: Aberdeen, Lemon Tree12 March: Glasgow, Glee Club27 March: Oxford, Glee Club - EXTRA DATE28 March: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts Centre - EXTRA DATE