Alex Burghart

Politics. 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: @alexburghart

THE 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-shows

29 January: Norwich, Playhouse - EXTRA DATE

2 February: Salford, Lowry

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, Komedia

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

4 April: London, Bloomsbury Theatre - EXTRA DATE

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Fleet

Natalie 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: @NatalieFleetMP

SEE Matt at on tour until March 2025, including his extra date at The Bloomsbury Theatre: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows

2025

29 January: Norwich, Playhouse - EXTRA DATE

2 February: Salford, Lowry

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, Komedia

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

4 April: London, Bloomsbury Theatre - EXTRA DATE

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Yelland

This 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: @davidyelland

SEE Matt at on tour until March 2025, including his extra dates at The Bloomsbury Theatre: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows

2024

14 December: London, Bloomsbury Theatre - EXTRA DATE

2025

29 January: Norwich, Playhouse - EXTRA DATE

2 February: Salford, Lowry

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, Komedia

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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_McGovern

ORDER 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-shows

2024

6 December: London, Bloomsbury Theatre - EXTRA DATE

14 December: London, Bloomsbury Theatre - EXTRA DATE

2025

29 January: Norwich, Playhouse - EXTRA DATE

2 February: Salford, Lowry

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, Komedia

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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-shows

2024

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

2 February: Salford, Lowry

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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-shows

2024

20 November: York, The Crescent

21 November: Chorley, Little Theatre

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

2 February: Salford, Lowry

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seth Harris - US Election Special

Well, 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: @MrSethHarris

SEE Matt at on tour until March 2025, including his extra dates at The Bloomsbury Theatre: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows

2024

14 November: Basingstoke, The Haymarket

15 November: Colchester Arts Centre

20 November: York, The Crescent

21 November: Chorley, Little Theatre

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

2 February: Salford, Lowry

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Darren Jones - Budget Special

This 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-shows

2024

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

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

2 February: Salford, Lowry

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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-shows

2024

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

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

2 February: Salford, Lowry

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Graham Brady

What's it like telling a Prime Minister their time is up?

Sir Graham chaired the 1922 Committee throughout the tenure of five Conservative Prime Ministers. 

In this entertaining interview he tells us what those private moments with them were like and how each of them used their power differently.

This is the thrilling inside account of the most tumultuous political time in living memory. 

BUY Sir Graham's book 'Kingmaker' here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kingmaker-Secrets-Truth-about-Ministers/dp/1804188263

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.