Graham Chalmers And Charles Hutchinson Podcasts

After a weather sabotaged attempt to record this podcast, Charles and Graham regroup in time to discuss the underground appearance of U2's Bono and The Edge in Kyiv as a show of rock solidarity. Graham previews his forthcoming Charm Gig in support of Harrogate Theatre's restoration fund featuring the Harrogate return of singer songwriter, Karl Cull…

Straight in with an interruption, Graham updates on the Sheffield Leadmill closure threat. Charles welcomes Gary Barlow's new show with a difference. Graham and Charles feel emotional about the threat to the licence fee and what it could mean for the BBC's future. Graham is underwhelmed by the new Fontaines DC album, Skinty Fia. Charles falls under…

Charles reviews Grayson Perry's live gig A Show for Normal People in Harrogate as the artist/presenter/documentary maker/social observer asks who and what is normal? Graham sheds light on the slightly blurred state of affairs regarding National Record Store Day, or is it days? Graham ponders why Father John Misty (aka Josh Tillman) attracts hatred …

Graham has been away for the weekend, visiting Kettle's Yard, a Cambridge contemporary art gallery, to view the latest retrospective by Chinese artist, Ai WeiWei - and unexpectedly meet him too. Back north, he revelled in revisiting the live glories of Echo & The Bunnymen and Groove Armada in Leeds. Charles, meanwhile, has attended the unmasking of…

Graham and Charles interview music writer, Martin Hutchinson about his new book on The Kinks. Graham reports on the outcome of the Ed Sheeran Shape of You copyright trial and what it was like seeing Stanley Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange on the big screen again.By Graham Chalmers and Charles Hutchinson

In this week's episode, Charles celebrates York Open Studios but ponders what's happening to Staithes Festival, then joins Graham in dissecting the fallout on Oscars night. The duo discuss the latest music venue to come under threat, the legendary Leadmill in Sheffield. Graham argues that the Oscars missed an opportunity with the latest Michael Bay…

Charles and Graham ponder if the Oscars have lost the plot and look forward to Live at Leeds embracing the open air. Graham can't let go of Ed Sheeran and the concept of pop plagiarism, which sends him back to a certain Moody Blues song. The duo reflect on the untimely demise of Foo Fighters' drummer, Taylor Hawkins. Charles wonders if Paul McCartn…

With Covid still causing cancellations and postponements in the performance world, Graham and Charles contest the rights and wrongs of current government policy for live shows. Graham reports on his interview with Bobby Elliot, veteran drummer with The Hollies as they embark on their 60th anniversary tour. Graham also takes a look at Souvenir, Mich…

As sanctions against Russia take hold, Charles and Graham discuss the implications for Russian culture in the UK. Graham feeds back on his revealing interview with Barenaked Ladies frontman Ed Robertson and updates us on his progress through Harry Sword's book on drone-based music, Monolithic Undertow. Charles reviews Richard Bean's new play, 71 Co…

The duo start by interviewing comedic storyteller Sam Freeman about his new show about love, Every Little Hope You Ever Dreamed (But Didn’t Want to Mention), bound for Harrogate and York on an extensive tour. Graham takes a look at Joseph Mount's undervalued British electronic music group, Metronomy, who have just released their seventh album, Smal…

Reeling from the shock of Marcelo Bielsa parting company with Leeds United and the continuing atrocities in Ukraine, Charles and Graham then discuss the latest attempt to jolt some life back into cinema audiences. Graham celebrates the new album, If Words Were Flowers by soul singer Curtis Harding and Charles reports on the powerful new documentary…

Graham and Charles chew over the second album by Black Country, New Road. They also take a look back at the life, writing and influence of libertarian US writer, P J O'Rourke. Graham demystifies the confusion over the latest Beatles release, which is part of Peter Jackson's Get Back documentary project and presents a sparkling new version of the le…

Graham and Charles share their experiences of interviewing former Wet Wet Wet singer Marti Pellow about his latest solo tour and ruminate on the way his smart thinking has helped him become the entertainer he is today, mixing stage musicals with experimental albums. From this, Charles explores the history of bands who for one reason or another have…

In a Harrogate special, Graham pulls together the threads of his week; attending the funeral of Harrogate D-Day hero, John Rushton; the launch gig for Harrogate band, The Paper Waits and on to a community hall above Hebden Bridge to see Heath Common's Kerouac Lives. Owner of Harrogate art gallery 108 Fine Art, Andrew Stewart has released his debut …

Charles and Graham discuss Kenneth Branagh's latest film, Belfast and Leeds band Yard Act's debut album, Overload. Graham reflects on his latest interview with 10cc's Graham Gouldman and explores why, yet again, it didn't quite go to plan. Charles reviews Geordie comedian Ross Noble's Humournoid show at York's Grand Opera House.…

This week, Graham interviews Heath Common, poet, journalist and musician, about his latest project, ‘Kerouac Lives’, which celebrates the life, work, and impact of legendary Beat writer Jack Kerouac, at Hebden Bridge on February 4, and Charles looks at the impact of the freezing - and potential easing out - of the BBC licence fee. http://heathcommo…

Charles and Graham swap notes on Paul Thomas Anderson's Licorice Pizza and Graham makes the case for comparing and contrasting it with Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon A Time In Hollywood. Graham also harks back to late-1970s' Bruce Springsteen with the DVD and CD release of his No Nukes gig at Madison Square Gardens, before 1984's Born In The USA sen…

In a quiet start to the new year, Graham wrestles with the notion of Charles in a robe before Charles explores the Covid-enforced difficulties of having to replace your panto Dame - and not just any old Dame but the country's longest-running Dame - at short notice for the Grand Opera House's Dick Turpin Rides Again. Graham is awe-struck by Peter Ja…

Charles and Graham tear into the new film and music releases coming up in 2022, highlighting those they are most looking forward to, and Charles selects theatre and comedy shows whetting his appetite too. Graham pays tributes to two titans of letters and movies: journalist and counterculture writer Joan Didion and screen actor Dean Stockwell, who b…

Charles and Graham discuss the latest streaming figures that demonstrate how BBC shows like Line of Duty are streets ahead in streaming numbers compared to their major rivals, Netflix and Amazon Prime before launching into their celebration of the films, music and theatre that they enjoyed in 2021.By Graham Chalmers and Charles Hutchinson

Charles and Graham pick over the many cancellations as Omicron devastates pantomimes this Christmas. Graham review's Adam McKay's latest film, Don't Look Up, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep and Jonah Hill. Graham also reports on Harrogate and its surrounding area's contribution to film and television culture. Charles tak…

As Omicron starts to cause havoc for theatres and venues across the UK, Charles and Graham revisit the race to be Christmas Number one. Graham, at last, gets to reflect on Ayn Rand and her novel Atlas Shrugged and the way it documents the faded and fabled American Dream and reveals the political emptiness behind it. Charles and Graham review Spielb…

As Christmas rapidly approaches, Graham takes a closer look at claims that streaming hits are catching up to the viewing numbers of traditional television. Graham and Charles choose their Top Ten albums of the year for 2021 and Charles gives his verdict on Damon Albarn's bleakly beautiful gig at York Minster. Finally, the always hotly contested Chr…

Graham kicks off with a heartfelt apology to Adele for anything that might have caused her offence; Charles joins in to assess her ban on shuffle play for 30. Charles and Graham swap gig notes with Graham unable to accompany Charles to Leeds First Direct Arena because he had to see Yorkshire's foremost metal act, live in a brewery. Charles reflects…

Graham interrupts early with memories of BB King's Eighties and Nineties' gigs in Yorkshire as we learn the late blues great will have his own TV channel next year. Charles and Graham mull over rising cinema attendances and changes in cinema-going experiences as Hutch attends a ViP screening of Spencer at Cineworld York, string quartet et al. Charl…

Charles and Graham reflect on the first new album from ABBA in forty years and then recommend their favourite releases of the year so far. Graham reports on the return of his own Charm Gigs, starting in January 2022. Charles explains why Soft Cell's homecoming gig in Leeds as part of the tour celebrating their debut album's 40th anniversary was not…

Charles and Graham interview the director, Jonathan Zaurin, and lead actor, Pat Garrett, from new British horror film Wyvern Hill (aka Hollow). The film is fresh from its Best Feature award at York's Dead Northern Film Festival, as Jonathan and Pat drop in to talk about making the film during lockdown for an incredibly low budget of £5,000. Charles…

Charles interviews Aesthetica Magazine's Cherie Federico about the eleventh edition of the Aesthetica Short Film Festival in York and online. Graham discusses Adele and the algorithms that continue to amplify her success. Charles reports back on The Ballad Of Johnny Longstaff, folk trio The Young'uns' latest gig - or is it gig/theatre? Graham ponde…

Charles proselytizes Graham for one of his favourite days out, a visit to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, and the duo give their verdict on the latest Wes Anderson film, The French Dispatch. Graham brings Charles up to speed on the opening of the new Met Film School campus in Leeds with the success of one of the London Met School's more recent gradua…

Charles and Graham are joined by special guest, Rory Hoy to discuss Rory's latest book about the Beatles, which coincides with the release of a newly mastered version of The Beatles' Let It Be album. As The Beatles - Acting Naturally (Obscure, Rare, Unfinished and Abandoned Film and TV Projects Of The Fab Four) is out now. Rory Hoy is a multi award…

As Graham readjusts to life outside the Cairngorms and Charles reacts to the less enjoyable side of the job of the critic the duo give their verdict on the latest Bond film, No Time to Die. Graham reports on his first visit to the new-ish V & A museum in Dundee and its exhibition, Nightfever and on seeing Field Music live at Brudenell Social Club, …

With Graham dropping in from the Cairngorms, Charles and his podcast partner of choice reflect on the length of the new James Bond film, No Time to Die. Graham reports on the return of two stellar music acts, 70s legends Genesis with what threatens to be their final tour and 80s pop experimentalists, Scritti Politti, both of whom were back in Leeds…

Late to the microphone after his tour of petrol stations to observe queues and 'Out of Fuel' notices, Charles gets straight down to business with the much anticipated release of No Time to Die, the latest instalment in the Bond franchise and the last hurrah for Daniel Craig as 007. Charles asks Graham if this is an attempt to change the blueprint f…

Charles reports back on a busy week in York theatres as the Grand Opera House re-opens with The Woman in Black, York Theatre Royal presents a new play, Mugabe, My Dad and Me. Graham reflects on the potential confusion for venues with the latest government climbdown as it decides to not go ahead with Covid Passports and the duo reflect on the appoin…

Shh! Someone's a little under the weather...but not enough to hold up the latest episode. Charles and Graham report back on their trip to Edinburgh (the trip done many times over the years and the inspiration for the name of this podcast) and their experience at this year's hybrid Film Festival. As Charles watched his beloved Leeds at Elland Road f…

How “normal” is London and its arts scene now as Graham reports back on his weekend trip? In turn, Charles talks up York after Step 4. The duo respond to shouts that M Night Shyamalan is back on form with his latest film, Old, and Graham assesses Manchester City and Gallagher brothers’ photographer Sharon Latham’s exhibition of Noel's High Flying B…

Graham introduces this episode with a quick report on a special first edition of the first Harry Potter book and Charles reflects on his first full-capacity performance for a long time, at York Theatre Royal, of Ralph Fiennes' solo performance of T S Eliot's surprisingly topical poem Four Quartets. Graham has had a busy week hosting the legendary m…

Fresh from a trip to Wales, Charles gets up to date with what's happening culturally in York and Harrogate and how the pandemic continues to cast a long and confusing shadow. Graham reports on the current Barbara Hepworth Exhibition at the Hepworth Gallery in Wakefield and the duo debate her work alongside that of fellow Yorkshire artist and friend…

Graham and Charles discuss the financial viability of artists who rely on streaming, reflecting on the news that Nadine Shah, one of the UK's most celebrated indie artists has had to move back in with her parents. Charles wonders whether the arts can learn anything from the recent Euro 2020 final and reminds Graham it is not too late to see Sir Ala…

Charles and Graham take a look at new British film, Supernova starring Stanley Tucci and Colin Firth, with a wider look at the releases we can and cannot look forward to over the coming months. A new play written by writer/performer Daniel Bye and singer/songwriter and former Chumbawumba guitarist Boff Whalley, These Hills Are Ours is about to visi…

We drop in as Charles and Graham lock horns over the status of Radiohead - the cream of British rock or curdled? Graham starts warming to the idea of a new Beatles documentary helmed by Peter Jackson, Get Back. Charles launches a ferocious attack on the ubiquity of Glastonbury, even though there has not been a festival this year, nor indeed last. J…

Off the back of a nervy nil-nil draw between England and Scotland in Euro 2020, Englishman Charles and Scotsman Graham assess where we are with further re-openings for cultural venues and events following the decision not to re-open fully, as planned, on 21 June. Graham proposes that Ben Wheatley, the British director responsible for In A Field in …

Graham and Charles have invited Harrogate based nature writer, Rob Cowen back onto the podcast to talk about the publication of his new book of poems, The Heeding, with illustrations by Nick Hayes. The book contains 35 poems written over the past year, reflecting on the pandemic. Rob also reads two of the poems, sharing his thoughts on their writin…

Charles reports back on his fresh air visit to the new sculptures at The Himalayan Gardens and Graham reminds us of some of the more advanced thinking at the heart of T-Rex's musical culture. Charles reviews Velma Celli's new drag shows at the double in York and Graham celebrates ten years of Metronomy's album, English Riviera. Graham also gives us…

Charles and Graham head straight to the subject of musical re-evaluation, as they explore the evolution of reputations around such luminaries as Nick Drake and Sinead O'Connor. Graham lets Charles in to his secret Thursday Night Film Club with a focus on the work of Jean-Luc Godard. Graham feeds back his thoughts on the public art commission on tou…

Fresh from a trip to the Lake District, Graham reflects on the glory that is the Lakes and gives his verdict on multiple Oscar winning film Nomadland. Charles feels sorry for the UK's Eurovision entrant with his now legendary nul points and Graham bigs up the even bigger legend that is Paul Weller with his sixteenth solo album release, Fat Pop. Cha…

Charles and Graham chew over the latest news in the easing of lockdown and assess the opportunities to get out and about. Graham looks at some local gigs coming up and Charles explains how he is suddenly busy reviewing the new shows at the Theatre Royal, and 41 Monkgate in York and the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough. Graham gets all glam wit…

Charles and Graham take stock of the impact of the recent elections; decry the proposed fifty percent cut to the arts in academia and give a cautious welcome to the news from the Young Vic that they will be live streaming all their productions going forward: what will this mean for other organisations? Graham reports back on two new art exhibitions…

A spiky Charles fumes at the possible threat to the return of live events, Graham introduces the new album by indie stalwarts Teenage Fanclub and Charles bangs the drum for Riz Ahmed's current film, Sound of Metal. As has been reported, Tom Cruise has been filming Mission Impossible 7 locally. Charles and Graham take a look at his enduring appeal. …

Charles and Graham discuss Oliver Stone's upcoming JFK documentary as his controversial political drama celebrates its 30th anniversary, accompanied by a special online interview for Harrogate Film Festival. The duo review Mick Jagger's lockdown knockdown single, Eazy Sleazy, recorded with Foo Fighters' Dave Grohl, and reflect on the passing of Bay…