Dr Tom May
@dreamcargoes.bsky.social
Television historian, writing a book about Play for Today (BBC1, 1970-84). Associate Lecturer, Northumbria University. Book Reviews Admin for Critical Studies in Television journal.
Reposted by Dr Tom May
You should watch Mr Nobody against Putin www.theguardian.com/film/2025/ja...
Russia is fucking cooked.
Russia is fucking cooked.
Mr Nobody Against Putin review – a teacher fights back in a powerful documentary
A primary school teacher in Russia pushes back on cruel nationalist propaganda in a fascinating and daring look at everyday encroachment
www.theguardian.com
November 26, 2025 at 2:40 PM
You should watch Mr Nobody against Putin www.theguardian.com/film/2025/ja...
Russia is fucking cooked.
Russia is fucking cooked.
My review of the fine documentary MR. NOBODY AGAINST PUTIN (2025), as viewable on BBC iPlayer. Teacher Pavel bravely, semi-covertly stands against the conformist pack in Russia, documenting how militaristic propaganda has supplanted any true education in the school he works in.
boxd.it/bQPlVl
boxd.it/bQPlVl
A ★★★★ review of Mr. Nobody Against Putin (2025)
This documents militarism and patriotism supplanting any true education in a Russian school in the small city Karabash in the Urals, Chelyabinsk Oblast. Teacher Pavel is extraordinarily brave in doing...
boxd.it
November 26, 2025 at 11:06 PM
My review of the fine documentary MR. NOBODY AGAINST PUTIN (2025), as viewable on BBC iPlayer. Teacher Pavel bravely, semi-covertly stands against the conformist pack in Russia, documenting how militaristic propaganda has supplanted any true education in the school he works in.
boxd.it/bQPlVl
boxd.it/bQPlVl
Reposted by Dr Tom May
My book Where We Stand, Where We fall is now up for pre-order. It's about the politics of Doctor Who, the themes the show keeps returning to over sixty years.
I mentioned this last week, but now there's a proper post about it, with a 30% discount code from the publisher: lmmyles.com/2025/11/26/b...
I mentioned this last week, but now there's a proper post about it, with a 30% discount code from the publisher: lmmyles.com/2025/11/26/b...
November 26, 2025 at 2:18 PM
My book Where We Stand, Where We fall is now up for pre-order. It's about the politics of Doctor Who, the themes the show keeps returning to over sixty years.
I mentioned this last week, but now there's a proper post about it, with a 30% discount code from the publisher: lmmyles.com/2025/11/26/b...
I mentioned this last week, but now there's a proper post about it, with a 30% discount code from the publisher: lmmyles.com/2025/11/26/b...
Reposted by Dr Tom May
Racial abuse in school days is much like bullying in school.
It's so commonplace for the abuser that they don't think about it and don't remember it with any distinction.
It's so awful for the abused that they remember it for the rest of their lives.
It's so commonplace for the abuser that they don't think about it and don't remember it with any distinction.
It's so awful for the abused that they remember it for the rest of their lives.
November 26, 2025 at 10:20 AM
Racial abuse in school days is much like bullying in school.
It's so commonplace for the abuser that they don't think about it and don't remember it with any distinction.
It's so awful for the abused that they remember it for the rest of their lives.
It's so commonplace for the abuser that they don't think about it and don't remember it with any distinction.
It's so awful for the abused that they remember it for the rest of their lives.
Reposted by Dr Tom May
Robbie Gibb said if he doesn't get his way, he'll blow the BBC up. It's ridiculous that a man like that has a spot on the BBC's board. Our public broadcaster MUST be independent. Agree? Sign to get Gibb sacked: 38d.gs/stne
Sack Sir Robbie Gibb from the BBC board
Robbie Gibb said if he doesn't get his way, he'll blow the BBC up. It's ridiculous that a man like that has a spot on the BBC's board. Our public broadcaster MUST be independent. Agree? Sign to get Gi...
38d.gs
November 26, 2025 at 11:22 AM
Robbie Gibb said if he doesn't get his way, he'll blow the BBC up. It's ridiculous that a man like that has a spot on the BBC's board. Our public broadcaster MUST be independent. Agree? Sign to get Gibb sacked: 38d.gs/stne
Reposted by Dr Tom May
"For a century, the BBC has been our classroom, our concert hall, our stage, our storyteller and our window on the world. Politicians need reminding: its much more than a news channel."
Defending our national treasure: the voice of the nation
Politicians see the BBC through the lens of TV news, but those who want to undermine it threaten a central plank of our national culture
eastangliabylines.co.uk
November 25, 2025 at 7:21 PM
"For a century, the BBC has been our classroom, our concert hall, our stage, our storyteller and our window on the world. Politicians need reminding: its much more than a news channel."
Reposted by Dr Tom May
Evening folks. In a little nook of the leafy Sunderland suburbs is Ashbrooke - the “Lords” of Mackem sporting heritage.
This place is enormously significant for both the sports you expect and don’t expect.
This place is enormously significant for both the sports you expect and don’t expect.
November 25, 2025 at 7:26 PM
Evening folks. In a little nook of the leafy Sunderland suburbs is Ashbrooke - the “Lords” of Mackem sporting heritage.
This place is enormously significant for both the sports you expect and don’t expect.
This place is enormously significant for both the sports you expect and don’t expect.
Reposted by Dr Tom May
In case you missed this, the BBC edited a historian's speech about Trump to remove the claim that he's "the most openly corrupt president in US history." This came after Trump had threatened a $1 billion lawsuit.
Elite capitulation continues.
Read all about it here:
newrepublic.com/article/2036...
Elite capitulation continues.
Read all about it here:
newrepublic.com/article/2036...
Trump Angrily Threatened to Sue BBC. Then Things Took a Darker Turn.
First, British Broadcasting Corporation execs resigned after Trump complained about a segment. Now the BBC edited out a line from a historian that was critical of Trump. Where does this end?
newrepublic.com
November 26, 2025 at 12:30 PM
In case you missed this, the BBC edited a historian's speech about Trump to remove the claim that he's "the most openly corrupt president in US history." This came after Trump had threatened a $1 billion lawsuit.
Elite capitulation continues.
Read all about it here:
newrepublic.com/article/2036...
Elite capitulation continues.
Read all about it here:
newrepublic.com/article/2036...
Reposted by Dr Tom May
20 people (and counting) can’t all be wrong, I’d trust them over the racist toad any day of the week. If you were bullied and harassed by someone even as a teenager that’s hard to forget.
November 26, 2025 at 8:46 AM
20 people (and counting) can’t all be wrong, I’d trust them over the racist toad any day of the week. If you were bullied and harassed by someone even as a teenager that’s hard to forget.
Reposted by Dr Tom May
RIP Jack Shepherd. One of the greats. He’s most famous for Wycliffe, but his legacy goes way beyond that, particularly with his performance as the eponymous Bill Brand in Trevor Griffiths’ brilliant series, and also for being the original Ricky Roma in Glengarry Glen Ross.
November 25, 2025 at 7:20 PM
RIP Jack Shepherd. One of the greats. He’s most famous for Wycliffe, but his legacy goes way beyond that, particularly with his performance as the eponymous Bill Brand in Trevor Griffiths’ brilliant series, and also for being the original Ricky Roma in Glengarry Glen Ross.
Reposted by Dr Tom May
I’m beyond proud of Peter Ettedgui speaking out about Farage and the vile antisemitic abuse he endured. I first heard Peter’s story nearly 20 years ago when Farage was a virtual nobody. It’s not a hit job. Just the truth
November 25, 2025 at 7:12 PM
I’m beyond proud of Peter Ettedgui speaking out about Farage and the vile antisemitic abuse he endured. I first heard Peter’s story nearly 20 years ago when Farage was a virtual nobody. It’s not a hit job. Just the truth
Reposted by Dr Tom May
Very glad I was introduced to Jack Shepherd two years ago at Trevor Griffiths' funeral. I was able to tell him how much his performance in Trevor's series Bill Brand meant to me as an 18 year old. A fine, forceful actor and a lovely man with an incredibly strong body of work to remember him by. RIP.
November 26, 2025 at 10:23 AM
Very glad I was introduced to Jack Shepherd two years ago at Trevor Griffiths' funeral. I was able to tell him how much his performance in Trevor's series Bill Brand meant to me as an 18 year old. A fine, forceful actor and a lovely man with an incredibly strong body of work to remember him by. RIP.
Reposted by Dr Tom May
A fabulous piece by Jude Rogers that teases out fascinating behind the scenes stories with aplomb and leaves us with a question about the lack risk in our now embattled public service broadcasting. thequietus.com/opinion-and-...
Why Edge Of Darkness Makes So Much Sense in 2025 | The Quietus
Judge Rogers speaks to several key members of the team who made the ecologically-minded thriller for the BBC
thequietus.com
November 26, 2025 at 10:07 AM
A fabulous piece by Jude Rogers that teases out fascinating behind the scenes stories with aplomb and leaves us with a question about the lack risk in our now embattled public service broadcasting. thequietus.com/opinion-and-...
Reposted by Dr Tom May
If you've never seen Trevor Griffiths' indictment of a failing dream, here's #ThroughTheNight with Alison Steadman at her most subtle, and Jack Shepherd at his most searing. If he can stay awake... youtu.be/uX9g7V_-iuY?... Send a copy to Wes Streeting.
November 25, 2025 at 10:26 PM
If you've never seen Trevor Griffiths' indictment of a failing dream, here's #ThroughTheNight with Alison Steadman at her most subtle, and Jack Shepherd at his most searing. If he can stay awake... youtu.be/uX9g7V_-iuY?... Send a copy to Wes Streeting.
Reposted by Dr Tom May
“Playground banter” doesn’t involve speaking about gassing Jewish people or praising Hitler. Farage is a truly despicable individual.
November 25, 2025 at 6:21 PM
“Playground banter” doesn’t involve speaking about gassing Jewish people or praising Hitler. Farage is a truly despicable individual.
Reposted by Dr Tom May
The best Renfield. #TheFilmCrowd
RIP Jack Shepherd (1940-2025), one of the most significant among Play for Today's endlessly rotating constellation of ensemble actors. 'All Good Men' (1974) & 'Through the Night' (1975) were his best PfT roles. It was wonderful to have three phone interviews with him in 2022: he was generous & wise.
November 26, 2025 at 9:10 AM
The best Renfield. #TheFilmCrowd
Reposted by Dr Tom May
Kalima — Where Is The Sunshine [US, Jazz, Spiritual] (1981) As beautiful as it is rare
https://redd.it/1ohksdf
https://youtu.be/EjM7OZ-KzmE
https://redd.it/1ohksdf
https://youtu.be/EjM7OZ-KzmE
Kalima — Where Is The Sunshine [US, Jazz, Spiritual] (1981) As beautiful as it is rare
youtu.be
November 26, 2025 at 8:20 AM
Kalima — Where Is The Sunshine [US, Jazz, Spiritual] (1981) As beautiful as it is rare
https://redd.it/1ohksdf
https://youtu.be/EjM7OZ-KzmE
https://redd.it/1ohksdf
https://youtu.be/EjM7OZ-KzmE
Reposted by Dr Tom May
Brazil’s Supreme Court ordered Jair Bolsonaro, former president, to begin serving his 27 year sentence at the Federal Police headquarters—
I find myself simultaneously envious & hopeful the #Trump regime will find a similar moment of accountability
I find myself simultaneously envious & hopeful the #Trump regime will find a similar moment of accountability
November 25, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Brazil’s Supreme Court ordered Jair Bolsonaro, former president, to begin serving his 27 year sentence at the Federal Police headquarters—
I find myself simultaneously envious & hopeful the #Trump regime will find a similar moment of accountability
I find myself simultaneously envious & hopeful the #Trump regime will find a similar moment of accountability
RIP Jack Shepherd (1940-2025), one of the most significant among Play for Today's endlessly rotating constellation of ensemble actors. 'All Good Men' (1974) & 'Through the Night' (1975) were his best PfT roles. It was wonderful to have three phone interviews with him in 2022: he was generous & wise.
November 26, 2025 at 8:56 AM
RIP Jack Shepherd (1940-2025), one of the most significant among Play for Today's endlessly rotating constellation of ensemble actors. 'All Good Men' (1974) & 'Through the Night' (1975) were his best PfT roles. It was wonderful to have three phone interviews with him in 2022: he was generous & wise.
Reposted by Dr Tom May
RIP Jack Shepherd, seen here in a TV adaptation of Robert Aickman's delightful story "The Hospice"
November 25, 2025 at 7:48 PM
RIP Jack Shepherd, seen here in a TV adaptation of Robert Aickman's delightful story "The Hospice"
Reposted by Dr Tom May
Terrible, terrible loss. Jack Shepherd's heartfelt, honest, earnestness was 70s socialism incarnate, in #BillBrand and #ThroughTheNight on TV. On stage he made Bill Bryden's Dream & Mysteries zing: the canniest Puck, & the Devil incarnate. RIP you best of players.
RIP Jack Shepherd, seen here in a TV adaptation of Robert Aickman's delightful story "The Hospice"
November 25, 2025 at 9:51 PM
Terrible, terrible loss. Jack Shepherd's heartfelt, honest, earnestness was 70s socialism incarnate, in #BillBrand and #ThroughTheNight on TV. On stage he made Bill Bryden's Dream & Mysteries zing: the canniest Puck, & the Devil incarnate. RIP you best of players.
Reposted by Dr Tom May
Hope in the Year Two (1994) was my entry point for Trevor Griffiths - and with that Jack Shepherd. An actor of such presence. Later, I discovered Bill Brand, All Good Men, McGill, and even got to ask him about that time he was on the cover of The Listener in just his pants. youtu.be/wRUjcVzDtcM
Late Show preview of Hope in the Year Two
YouTube video by Ian Greaves
youtu.be
November 25, 2025 at 10:12 PM
Hope in the Year Two (1994) was my entry point for Trevor Griffiths - and with that Jack Shepherd. An actor of such presence. Later, I discovered Bill Brand, All Good Men, McGill, and even got to ask him about that time he was on the cover of The Listener in just his pants. youtu.be/wRUjcVzDtcM
Reposted by Dr Tom May
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
November 25, 2025 at 9:26 AM
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
Reposted by Dr Tom May
We need some whistleblowers from inside the BBC. People who have screenshot the emails and recorded the conversations and can tell us exactly where this stuff is coming from.
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
November 25, 2025 at 12:21 PM
We need some whistleblowers from inside the BBC. People who have screenshot the emails and recorded the conversations and can tell us exactly where this stuff is coming from.