Somewhere, a Boy and A Bear Talk and book by Gyles Brandreth
review by Louise Cannon
Gyles Brandreth has a new book out now and I caught up with him, whilst he was on the Edinburgh leg of his book tour talking about Somewhere, a Boy and a Bear, so wrote a review of the talk. See some photo fun below too. The biography coincides with the centenary of that lovable bear, Winnie the Pooh. The book delves into the complexities of A.A. Milne and family relationships with each other and with the period of fame and fortune as well as life beyond the bear and One Hundred Acre Wood. The talk was engaging with fascinating insights and discoveries as well as plenty of humorous anecdotes.
Gyles Brandreth is known for his many jumpers, (you may have seen them on This Morning or Gogglebox or in events), so of course he was sporting a Winnie the Pooh and Piglet jumper.
After reciting some relevant Shakespeare with gusto in his opening. Gyles Brandreth reveals a lot of the, perhaps, lesser known facts about A.A. Milne. There’s more to him than Winnie the Pooh, such as a murder mystery book, plays and more… and there’s more revealed about Gyles Brandreth than perhaps people know too.
Nostalgically, the poetry of A.A Milne from When We Were Very Young and Now We Are Six, gets a mention too as he pleasingly quoted from Alice and the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. I still have those books and I’m sure many others do too.
What links Gyles Brandreth and Christopher Robin? Yes, that Christopher Robin who was son to A.A. Milne and Daphne. Gyles Brandreth once had the opportunity to meet the largely quiet Christopher Robin and at his bookshop in Devon, where he was also introduced to his daughter, who had cerebral palsy. Now, this is where some heartwarming magic happened. This is where Gyles wonderfully learnt about the prism that if you see someone with a disability, you just see the disability, but if you look past that and see a person, you see the personality and what the person can do.
What connects Devon, Jamaica, New York and Texas to Gyles Brandreth and A.A. Milne’s family?
These are the places where Gyles and his wife, Michèle ended up travelling to whilst researching for the book. It turns out there are all manner of items relating to the family for various reasons and it isn’t just the cuddly stuffed toys from One Hundred Acre Wood. One place was the source of the rather special end papers you’ll find in the book. You’ll need to discover the book as to why they’re incredibly unique and special.
Gyles concluded with the most powerful conclusions of any talk I’ve ever heard. Even writing this makes me feel all fuzzy and warm. He wanted the audience to think about their childhood and (I paraphrase), good or bad and to know that there is always a place to escape to, in this instance, a Winnie the Pooh book.
One thing is for sure, you’ll come away from a talk by Gyles Brandreth feeling more informed and utterly entertained after spending some time in his charismatic, engaging company.
The book is available to buy now at various bookshops, including Toppings and Co (the hosts), Waterstones and more… you can also check out his website here: https://www.gylesbrandreth.net/
Some fun with Gyles Brandreth… how will you read your copy of the book? Which Gyles pic would you be like?
Interview hosted by Louise Cannon with Comedian, Robyn Perkins and Psychologist, Dr. Carolyne Keenan Shrink Wrapped: A Psychologist Analysis Live On Stage
Comedy For The Curious – Shrink Wrapped The Lounge at Laughing Horse @ The Counting House 31 Jul – 24 Aug 20:45 1 hour
Welcome, Robyn Perkins and Dr. Carolyne Keenan to Bookmarks and Stages. Thank you for your time in answering all my questions in an in-depth, fascinating manner.
Robyn Perkins is a multi-award winning comedian with hit shows such as Comedy for the Curious. She is said to like investigating life. She tackles big emotionally charged subjects and brings it back to the audience with relatable humour and anecdotes.
Dr. Carolyne Keenan is a fully-qualified, licenced, registered psychologist who is founder and clinical director @ Lotus Psychology Ltd. She has also featured on BBC Radio 1 in programmes such as the popular, Life Hacks, The Independent, Psychology Today and more…
The idea of bringing comedians on-stage together in a group therapy type of scenario, with a psychologist really analysing them, sounds a fascinating and original show. It’s a pleasure to interview you both about this, covering what you hope audiences will get from this, what psychologists really think of clients and so much more… The answers truly are fascinating and insightful. Firstly, we will check out the synopsis and then on to the Q&A before details on where you can catch Shrink Wrapped in Edinburgh.
Ever been deep in a therapy session and gone: I want to know what the hell she’s thinking? Well now’s your chance… with comedians in the hot seat. Join award-winning comedian Robyn Perkins and real-life psychologists (Dr Ruchi Sinha, Dr Carolyne Keenan or Dr Edel McGlanaghy) for the most entertaining therapy session you’ll ever witness. Guest comedians perform their best material, before submitting themselves to gentle psychological probing in front of a live audience. Don’t worry, we’ve got more safe words than a BDSM convention.
Without further ado, let’s begin with the questions I have for you:
Robyn, What gave you the idea to have a comedy show around the topic of therapy and then add in real psychologists into the mix?
It actually started in Adelaide when I had one of our psychologists on Comedy for the Curious (my science comedy panel show, also in Edinburgh). During the show, the psychologist (Dr. Ruchi Sinha) just read all of the comedian guests, from a psychological point of view. After the show, we chatted about how that would make an incredible show on its own, and the raw idea was born. From there, I have developed the idea into a full-blown panel show, developing the structure into what it is today.
Dr. Keenan, how did you become involved in this show and how is it being in the mix of a comedy show and at the same time giving your psychological opinion in front of a live audience?
I was invited to be part of Shrink Wrapped because I had already been a guest expert on Robyn’s show Comedy for the Curious. We had been working together for a while when Robyn came up with the concept for Shrink Wrapped. I’ve always believed psychology shouldn’t just stay in clinic rooms or textbooks, it should be part of everyday life. When Robyn described the show and the concept of combining comedy with psychological insights, I thought it was brilliant.
Being part of a comedy show is exciting and I love meeting all the comedians. It’s different from my therapy work but it uses the same skills- listening deeply, noticing patterns, and reflecting back what I hear. The difference is that on stage, we’re exploring these insights with humour, warmth, and openness in front of a live audience. I love that it makes psychology accessible and fun, while also highlighting the very real human truths that comedy often touches on.
Dr. Keenan, can you give an example of what do psychologists think of their clients, since that is a little of what’s billed in the show that makes it sound so interesting?
People often wonder what psychologists really think about their clients. The reality is, we’re human and often I’m thinking very similar things to what you might be:
“I wish they could see how great they are.”
“They really need to get rid of this idiot, they’d be so much happier.”
“I wish they would focus less on how much their favourite influencer has helped them and give the sessions we have been having some credit!”
In Shrink Wrapped, the audience gets a playful glimpse into how psychologists analyse behaviour and language. For example, a comedian might make a joke about not feeling good enough growing up and I might explore whether that contributed to their attraction to a job where they are constantly seeking immediate and positive approval from an audience. It’s done with kindness and humour though, not judgement, which is what makes it so engaging.
Robyn, Shrink Wrapped has done hugely well at the Adelaide Fringe having sell-out shows. What can people in Edinburgh expect and what do you hope they take away with them at the end of the show?
The concept of Shrink Wrapped seems to intrigue most people, but I think it is the structure behind it that gives the show it’s depth. I have worked with a few psychologists to refine a list of topics we explore across the shows (eg. Conflict, Trust, Romantic Relationships, etc.). Each show tackles a few of the topics in a group therapy session between 3 comedians and a psychologist.
Because the discussion is based in real therapy concepts, the show inherently flips between serious and funny, emotional and light hearted. Equally, I have chosen comedians who are, by nature, quite vulnerable on stage so the chat will occasionally reach emotional moments. However, with 3 comedians on stage at one time, this also means we are desperate to crack a joke if it gets too intense. It is the ebb and the flow of these moments that really makes the show special.
Additionally, since we are talking about real events and real people, we have found that audiences relate to at least one of the comedians on stage, in an ‘I do that’ or ‘that’s me’ kind of way. We are hoping that this can also spark conversations about mental health in a positive and fun way. I know using humour to explore mental health is not a new concept, but watching 3 comedians talk about their mental health in the form of a live therapy session is new territory we are excited to be exploring.
This year in Edinburgh, we are doing the Free Fringe (free entry with donations after the show), and while you cannot book ahead, based on feedback we have had about the show, we are expecting to be just as busy as Adelaide.
Dr. Keenan, what do you hope the audience will have learnt and take away with them by the end of the show?
I hope the audience leaves with:
A sense of relief – realising we all have quirks and struggles, and humour can be a brilliant way to explore them.
A new curiosity about themselves and others – understanding that behaviour always makes sense when you look deeper.
A feeling of connection – seeing comedians open up about their lives helps us feel less alone in our own messy human experiences.
Ultimately, I want people to feel entertained, uplifted, and inspired to reflect on their own lives with more compassion and humour.
For both Dr. Keenan and Robyn, how did you convince 8 comedians to be on stage doing some form of group therapy with 3 psychologists present. Was this an easy or hard task to do?
Dr. KEENAN: I think comedians are naturally curious and brave, they’re used to being vulnerable on stage and they quite like talking about themselves! When they realised this show wasn’t about picking them apart but about exploring their material and personalities in a fun, supportive way, they were on board.
Also, Robyn’s energy and the framing of the show as “science comedy” rather than “group therapy” helped. It wasn’t about fixing them – it was about exploring some of their material through a psychological lens. That made it feel safe and exciting rather than threatening.
ROBYN PERKINS: Similar to what Dr. Keenan has said – as a comedian we love talking about ourselves! But more than that, comedians are curious by nature. I have been overwhelmed by the number of comedians who have asked to be on the show. It’s been fantastic! No convincing necessary!
For both Robyn and Dr. Keenan, what did you both learn from doing this type of show that you would take forward into your careers moving forward and would you do something similar again in the future?
Dr. KEENAN: For me, it reinforced how powerful humour is in making psychological concepts accessible. People learn best when they’re engaged and laughing. I also learnt that psychology belongs everywhere – not just therapy rooms but in arts, media, and entertainment. I regularly take part in BBC Radio One’s Sunday evening show Life Hacks where we take topics that impact the listeners and explore the psychology behind them. We often have call in questions so I’m comfortable thinking on my feet and making these insights accessible and actionable but doing it in front of a live audience on stage has helped me practice those skills and feel even more comfortable with it.
I’d absolutely love to do something similar again. Bringing psychology to audiences in creative ways is something I’m deeply passionate about, and Shrink Wrapped has been a perfect example of how that can work- long may the show continue!
ROBYN PERKINS: I have learned I probably need to do more therapy! I have actually learned a lot about myself, both from comments about me and my set, but I’ve also learned things from watching others. I am hoping this show continues far into the future.
What made you choose Edinburgh Fringe for Shrink Wrapped and what are your plans for where this show can go next?
I go to the Fringe every year, and do the global festival circuit, so it was a no brainer to bring it to EdFringe! Through at least December, we are performing monthly at Top Secret Comedy Club in London at the moment. We will bring the show back to Australia next year. But also, we are looking to potentially start touring the show around theatres and the rest of the UK. The possibilities are endless!
The Age of Diagnosis is a fascinating read on autism, ADHD, Huntingtons, Lyme Disease and more… Find out more in the blurb and my thoughts in my review below and more about the author, Suzanne O’Sullivan who is very qualified to speak about what is in the content of this book, she herself sounds an interesting person, so her bio is worth a read…
Blurb
THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER A RADIO 4 BOOK OF THE WEEK A BEST BOOK OF 2025 IN THE TIMES, GUARDIAN, LONDON STANDARD, NEW STATESMAN AND IRISH TIMES
‘Covers so many topics that have been troubling me but I hadn’t been able to resolve myself – as a parent and a clinician. An absolutely absorbing read’ – CHRIS VAN TULLEKEN
‘A brilliant study of the dangers of overdiagnosis’ – GUARDIAN
‘Compassionate and bracingly independent thinking’ – THE TIMES
From autism to allergies, ADHD to long Covid, more people are being labelled with medical conditions than ever before. But can a diagnosis do us more harm than good? The boundaries between sickness and health are being redrawn.
Mental health categories are shifting and expanding all the time, radically altering what we consider to be ‘normal’.
Genetic tests can now detect pathologies decades before people experience symptoms, and sometimes before they’re even born.
And increased health screening draws more and more people into believing they are unwell.
An accurate diagnosis can bring greater understanding and of course improved treatment. But many diagnoses aren’t as definitive as we think. And in some cases they risk turning healthy people into patients.
Drawing on the stories of real people, as well as decades of clinical practice and the latest medical research, Dr Suzanne O’Sullivan overturns long held assumptions and reframes how we think about illness and health.
*As heard on Good Morning Britain, Sky News, Radio 4 Today and more.*
Review
Dr. Suzanne O’Sullivan has written a fascinatingly balanced book that’s been incredibly well-researched to the point where she has gained real people’s permission to tell their stories of diagnosis, the impact that’s had on their lives, both negative and positive.
The book could have been dry, but its not, its very readable and also, rather importantly, easy to understand. It’s written with a mix of factual evidence and anecdotes from the people she interviewed in a clear, concise manner. At no point do you feel too bogged down with anything.
This is a book that is such a fascinating read and from someone who has all the relevant expertise and you really feel like you’re picking up information from someone highly knowledgeable from the work she does. She certainly puts a different perspective on things.
About the author
I am a London based neurologist who cares deeply about reducing the stigma of psychosomatic disorders and normalising the reality of the mind-body connection and the havoc it can wreak. I campaign for healthcare improvements and long to see time spent with medical professionals better resourced to improve diagnosis and patient satisfaction. Technology is great – but people make people feel better.
I was born in Dublin but am now London based as a specialist at the National Hospital for neurology and Neurosurgery. I longed to be a writer since I was a child but didn’t actually start writing until I hit my forties and decided I had to realise the dream or give it up. So I realised it! My first book, It’s All in your Head was inspired by how difficult it had been to watch my patients struggle with serious psychosomatic disability with each feeling they were alone. Knowing this was a difficult subject, I was really touched by how the book was received and was honoured to be awarded the Wellcome Book Prize for it. I have since written Brainstorm that teaches people about the brain through stories of people with epilepsy and The Sleeping Beauties about mass psychogenic illness.
Stories are powerful. I have been honoured to have been told many thousands of stories over my lifetime, first as a doctor and now as a writer. I continue to work as a full time doctor and continue to try to effect change through the stories I’m told. My latest obsession is with medical overdiagnosis which has seen me write the Age of Diagnosis which tells the brave and nuanced stories of some incredible people who have both benefitted from and struggled through all that modern diagnosis has to offer.
Christmas is just around the corner and there’s been some cracking Autobiographies/Memoirs published in 2024. Here are my top 5 for Christmas present ideas or for your own personal reading time. They range from the self-development, music, travelogue, tv and more in their topics.
The Older I Get – How I Repowered My Life By Fern Britton
Part Memoir, part almost self-help, Fern Britton, wisely imparts her lived experience and knowledge with tips everyone can use to start a new year repowering their lives. It’s thought-provoking, inspiring and practical whatever your age and stage of life is.
One for The Chase and stand-up comedy fans, Once Sinha Lifetime takes readers into the life of a doctor who changed his life forever by taking up stand-up comedy, showcasing his material at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival and how he became a quizzer. Check out my full review here: Once Sinha Lifetime See my review of Paul Sinha at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival: Paul Sinha in Edinburgh
In Search of Beethoven – A Personal Journey By John Suchet
Part memoir, part travelogue, discover John Suchet’s almost lifelong love of Beethoven. It’s a heart warming and informative read. The opportunity to delve into how Beethoven’s and John Suchet’s lives have intertwined, even years apart, with one dead, one alive. Join him from your comfiest chair on his travels to Vienna with his wife Nula as they explore deeper than they have before in this profound relationship. Check out my review here: In Search of Beethoven
Getting Away With Murder, My Unexpected Life on Page, Stage and Screen By Lynda La Plante
Lynda La Plante has written critically acclaimed books that have made it onto tv, perhaps the best known one is Prime Suspect starring Helen Mirren, which she has now got a book series charting Jane Tennison’s career in the police force in Tennsion. There’s much more to Lynda La Plante that meets the eye and this emotional, fascinating memoir reveals a lot of them women behind the writing as she charts her career and let’s readers into some of her personal life. See my review here: Getting Away With Murder
The Sun Over The Mountains, A Story of Hope, Healing and Restoration By Suzie Fletcher
Suzie Fletcher is famed for The Repair Shop, but life wasn’t always on a tv programme. It’s a deep look into her talent with crafting with leather and how her life changed. Suzie Fletcher has been through incredibly challenging times in her life, including a certain relationship. Discover my review here: The Sun Over The Mountains
Getting Away With Murder My Unexpected Life on Page, Stage and Screen By Lynda La Plante
Written By Louise Cannon
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
Getting Away with Murder is what Lynda La Plante has been doing on page and screen for a fair bit of her life. Now, as a reader and viewer of the books, fan are in for a real treat and a real eye-opener to her varied career. I was incredibly fortunate to have been on a Zoom call with her earlier in the year with a small group of people. It was fascinating what she had to say. I am so pleased to share the book that followed.
Blurb
‘Screamingly funny and deliciously candid, full of wisdom and joie de vivre, this is memoir with the grip of a thriller‘ ERIN KELLY
Lynda La Plante has lived an illustrious life and has the stories to prove it.
From her early days in Liverpool to her unexpected acceptance into RADA, joining peers Anthony Hopkins, John Hurt and Ian McShane; from beginning her scriptwriting career with Widows and Prime Suspect and becoming a BAFTA award-winning writer and producer, Lynda’s tales of stage and screen will have you gasping in shock as well as laughing in the aisles.
Lynda has an important story to tell, one of breaking down stereotypes and blazing a trail for others along the way. Starting her writing career in the eighties, an era of entrenched gender inequality both in front of and behind the camera, Lynda faced innumerable obstacles to her vision.
Getting Away with Murder shows how she overcame them to create generation-defining television and become a multi-million-copy Sunday Times bestselling author. Still at the very top of her game, Lynda shares her story on her own terms, in a way that’s guaranteed to make you laugh, cry and be inspired to live a life without limits.
Review
Lynda La Plante, a household name from Liverpool with her creation of Widows, Prime Suspect and most recently, the Tennison series. She was and still is seen as a trail-blazer for women. She, like the characters she created is a strong woman who has been in positions to break down stereotypes. She hasn’t always had things easy, it was the 1980’s and women and girls had many more inequalities than they do today to overcome… Oh the people she’s met though and the stories she can tell, which are fascinating to read. She has been fortunate to work with some of the greats, spanning a hugely long career that isn’t over yet… That’s part of the more glitzy part of her life, if you like. It all sounds such a dream, but really she’s had much to conquer and lived through a lot. People haven’t always made easy pathways, other people don’t always and she’s had her relationship problems and go through divorce. Despite the adversities, she has overcome them to win top awards. She doesn’t sugar-coat things though and I think that’s a good thing.
There’s much to discover as not everyone knows much more than what they’ve seen on tv and in her biggest sellers in books. It’s an absolutely compelling read and you can even see and feel what she’s talking about in-between the lines. That takes real skill to write like that.
There’s humour, warmth, emotion and just fascinating information to be garnered from reading this. Ultimately what she says makes you admire her even more. Even now, she is doing things on her own terms, such as telling her life story with what she wants to write. It’s quite remarkable in still, a world where people want to tell you what to do and how to do it. She had found routes to do it her way and that’s inspiring.
It’s stocked in many good bookshops in paperback, hardback, signed editions and in libraries.
Many people, including myself have watched Monty Python’s Life of Brian and have enjoyed the Monty Python work and what followed in their careers. This delves deeply beyond the famous/infamous film and will suit fans of it, especially since its author, Julian Doyle has worked on the filming of the Life of Brian.
Blurb
In the 8th November 1979, Monty Python’s movie ‘Life of Brian’ was released to hymn singing protestors, but went on to break box office records. Julian Doyle the film’s editor threatens to re-ignite the furore by revealing the many scenes that undercut the story of Jesus as normally presented to us. While the Python’s treated Jesus with respect, the protestors missed the real reason the Pythons, should have been visited by the Spanish Inquisition and burnt at the stake. While the Python’s were just out to make a comedy, and succeeded as it was voted Britain’s top comedy of all time! But because they are all well educated individuals they took events in the film to their logical conclusions. And those conclusions were explosive! Even images, like putting skeleton’s on crosses, questions the Jesus story, where they make a cross, Jesus carries it to Golgotha, they dig a hole and nail him up, but after just a few hours, he drops dead, and is taken down. What an incredible waste of time and money to kill a criminal. The idea that every Sabbath, the Romans army took down Jewish criminals is absurd. No, put the criminal on show to rot in agony till he is a skeleton, that makes sense. Then there is the stoning scene. In the Bible Jesus is found guilty by the Sanhedrin and sentenced to death. They then stone him and his body is hung on a tree as demanded by Deuteronomy 21:22. Whops! That is the story in two Jewish documents. No the Gospels say, they don’t stone him? They take him to a reluctant Pilate who says: “Take him and judge him by your own law,” (John 18:29) Pilate is quite right, he is no judge of Jewish blasphemy laws. But look at the excuse the Chief Priests make: But we have no right to execute anyone,” What? If there was such a rule how come Pilate does not know about it? And if the Sanhedrin, did stone a blasphemer, what punishment would Pilate inflict? A good spanking!? But forget it because straight after this the Sanhedrin stone Stephen! ‘The elders dragged Stephen out of the city, and began stoning him (Acts 7) Did anyone complain that the stoning in the movie was wrong? No of course not, because it is so obvious that stoning was not banned by the Romans. So there is something strange about the crucifixion of Jesus, that we discovered when we tried to crucify the Pythons. In the film, Brian is in Jerusalem in Judea, and so is Jesus, curing lepers there. This is confirmed by John’s Gospel that places Jesus in Jerusalem most of the time. But we are told Jesus functioned in Galilee and finds his first disciples, Simon Peter and his brother Andrew by the sea of Galilee and they are fishermen who leave their employ on a whim. But this is totally contradicted by John 1:40, which says these same brothers, are followers of the Baptist who meet Jesus in Judea where they live. And in ‘Acts, 10:39 Peter is actually reported as saying: ‘Now I, and those with me, can witness to everything he did throughout the countryside of Judea and in Jerusalem itself.’ Biblical expert, Professor Eisenman confirms: ‘A great deal of trouble is taken by these writers to get Jesus to Galilee.’ And the answer to all this becomes obvious once you study ‘Monty Python’s Life of Brian’. Every scene in the film reveals some tantalizing information to investigate, and it all began when Julian Doyle watched the Python’s being crucified, and realized something was seriously wrong. And so began the research that has resulted in this book, that only a very naughty boy, would have dared to write.
Review
The After Life of Brian delves deeply into the hard facts of what is depicted in Life of Brian, especially when it comes to the crucifix. The author, Julian Doyle has clearly done a lot of research into historical events and the science of them too. It’s a rather meaty book with some references back to the film, but mostly its delving into what has been uncovered by Doyle in the attempt to separate fact from fiction. There are certain references to the film, but not lots, but its subject matter and the origins of inspiration for this book are clear and the style of writing is fine. It’s perhaps out to do a bit of what The Life of Brian did with its shock factor of that time, but there are many Christians who now like that film and will understand the book, after all there have been studies into certain things around Jesus before that can be accepted by the open-minded Christian and the in-depth research and lengths it goes to can be interesting and appreciated. A bit more Monty Pythonesque humour would have been good. There is some humour, but it truly is more fact than I expected. It was fine though and piques enough curiosity to keep going with it and history and how we see thing in present times is often fascinating.
The After Life of Brian is an interesting read of what is discovered in research, not “Spamalot”.
Part memoir, part travelogue, discover John Suchet’s almost lifelong love of Beethoven. It’s a heart warming and informative read. The opportunity to delve into how Beethoven’s and John Suchet’s lives have intertwined, even years apart, with one dead, one alive. Join him from your comfiest chair on his travels to Vienna with his wife Nula as they explore deeper than they have before in this profound relationship.
Lynda La Plante has written critically acclaimed books that have made it onto tv, perhaps the best known one is Prime Suspect starring Helen Mirren, which she has now got a book series charting Jane Tennison’s career in the police force in Tennsion. There’s much more to Lynda La Plante that meets the eye and this emotional, fascinating memoir reveals a lot of them women behind the writing as she charts her career and let’s readers into some of her personal life.
Bookmarks and Stages by Lou 