Which book, film, album, painting or other cultural work should everyone experience at least once?
I’m going to give two answers here. My first one is The Drowned Man by Punchdrunk theatre company, which ran from 2013 to 2014 and was just incredibly special. That’s sadly no longer available for people to watch, so my second answer is that I hope everyone gets to experience Brazil by Terry Gilliam at some point.
What’s a book that every child should read?
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster! It’s an incredible adventure, witty and exciting. I absolutely loved it as a child and it still has a special place in my heart.
Do you cry in movies? If so, what was the last movie that made you cry?
Almost every single one! The last one was A Friend of Dorothy—a brilliant short film with Miriam Margolyes.
What’s the most creative thing you do?
I’m very involved with putting together the speeches and party political broadcasts that we do, which is a really engaging and creative process. I love really fine-tuning the storytelling—thinking about the vision we’re trying to communicate, and how we can best tell those stories in a way that’s going to resonate.
If you could only enjoy one country’s cultural output for the rest of your life, which would it be?
I’m genuinely very proud of what we produce in the UK! But I am a huge fan of cinema in particular all around the world and I’d refuse to be restricted!
What would you like to get into if you had the time?
The “Vorkosigan Saga” by Lois McMaster Bujold was recommended to me recently—and I really enjoyed the first book. But sadly I definitely don’t have the time right now to keep up with how many books there are. I’m also dying to watch the third series of The Leftovers—the first two were some of my favourite TV ever and I just haven’t found the time to finish!
Which podcasts can’t you live without?
I really like Mark Steel’s What The F*** Is Going On? And I love The Traidar: A Traitors Podcast (an excellent fan-made podcast about The Traitors!). And I obviously enjoy every episode of Bold Politics with Zack Polanski! Genuinely, though, recording my podcast has been an incredible way to have really in-depth conversations on vital topics with experts and people with lived experience of all kinds, and to bring the public in on those conversations.
What line of poetry would you put on your gravestone?
“Forever is composed of nows”, Emily Dickinson. (But a woodland burial please!)
Sell us on something cultural that we may not be familiar with.
A few years ago I got into geolocated podcasts. You go to a beautiful location and start walking while the narrator tells you where to go. Each time you hit the next chapter, the scenery changes and the story describes what’s happening. I did a beautiful one on the Isle of Wight!
If you could go back in time to experience any one cultural event, what would it be?
I really wish I’d been in the stadium for the opening ceremony of the Olympics in 2012. (Or Beyoncé at Glastonbury!)
Suggest an alternative national anthem.
“I Swear” by Seize the Day—my absolute favourite band, who I always listen to to get my energy and inspiration. I want to live in the nation!
What do you just not get?
I have to admit I never got gripped by Hamilton in the way so many people did!
How much of your free time do you spend on social media? (Be honest.)
Free time is a bit of an alien concept at the moment! So almost none—if I’m on social media, I’m working!
What do you think about the Heated Rivalry hype?
I’m really bored of people telling me to watch Heated Rivalry. I’m sure I’ll get round to it eventually!
Celebrity crush?
Idris Elba!
What’s the most important book or film for understanding the climate crisis?
I don’t know about most important—there are so many vital works out there—but Bewilderment by Richard Powers really hit me hard.
Zack Polanski’s “Bold Politics” podcast comes out weekly
