Robert Hutton
@roberthutton.co.uk
RobDotHutton from the broken site. Parliamentary sketches and film columnist for The Critic, co-host of classic cinema love-in War Movie Theatre. New spy book "The Illusionist" is out now.
Pinned
Robert Hutton
@roberthutton.co.uk
· Apr 26
The Illusionist is now out in paperback! It's the "enthralling", "superbly entertaining", "delightful", and "satisfying" true story of an eccentric genius who made magic into a weapon of war.
[I apologise in advance]. Fifteen years of prime ministerial travel ruined me for the real world. Planes held for you if there was traffic on the M25. No safety rules. When I flew on a real plane after a couple of years, I caused an incident because I'd forgotten you can't stand up on landing.
The one time I got to travel on a Prime Ministerial plane, the thing that sticks in my mind is that it turns out to be entirely OK to stand around chatting over a glass of champagne *while taxying to the runway*, so long as you sit down for the actual take-off. Any safety announcement? Forget it.
November 25, 2025 at 5:28 PM
[I apologise in advance]. Fifteen years of prime ministerial travel ruined me for the real world. Planes held for you if there was traffic on the M25. No safety rules. When I flew on a real plane after a couple of years, I caused an incident because I'd forgotten you can't stand up on landing.
More niche question: is it acceptable to wear aeroplane pyjamas at home?
(In the glory days of Tony Blair's global tours, I used to come back from each trip with a new set of BA First Class PJs.)
(In the glory days of Tony Blair's global tours, I used to come back from each trip with a new set of BA First Class PJs.)
Is it acceptable to wear pyjamas on a flight?
61% of Brits say no, echoing US transport secretary Sean Duffy who criticised PJ-clad passengers yesterday
However, generations differ: 71% of 18-24yr olds say it is acceptable, compared to 11% of over-65s
yougov.co.uk/topics/socie...
61% of Brits say no, echoing US transport secretary Sean Duffy who criticised PJ-clad passengers yesterday
However, generations differ: 71% of 18-24yr olds say it is acceptable, compared to 11% of over-65s
yougov.co.uk/topics/socie...
November 25, 2025 at 4:54 PM
More niche question: is it acceptable to wear aeroplane pyjamas at home?
(In the glory days of Tony Blair's global tours, I used to come back from each trip with a new set of BA First Class PJs.)
(In the glory days of Tony Blair's global tours, I used to come back from each trip with a new set of BA First Class PJs.)
Reposted by Robert Hutton
Reposted by Robert Hutton
Brilliant. As ever. Kamala Harris...storming the Capitol...
Auntie In The Dock: my SKETCH of Today in People Who Love The BBC And Definitely Didn't Leak Anything To The Telegraph.
Auntie in the dock | Robert Hutton | The Critic Magazine
“I have been defined by these two years at Number 10,” Robbie Gibb complained, sounding for all the world like the chap in the joke who only shagged one sheep. How dare anyone suggest that this…
thecritic.co.uk
November 25, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Brilliant. As ever. Kamala Harris...storming the Capitol...
Reposted by Robert Hutton
Guys whose worldview was formed by exposure to Gladiator in their formative years, yet have misunderstood the entire premise.
Hegseth is now threatening to recall Sen. Mark Kelly to active duty in order to court martial him.
November 25, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Guys whose worldview was formed by exposure to Gladiator in their formative years, yet have misunderstood the entire premise.
No, go back and tell me more about the crypto food delivery idea.
Founders on LinkedIn still seem to be struggling with the difference between telling people about their humble beginnings and admitting to straight up committing fraud.
November 25, 2025 at 12:59 PM
No, go back and tell me more about the crypto food delivery idea.
Reposted by Robert Hutton
It's rare that things described as "so bad they're good" are truly enjoyable, but this review of what sounds like a dreadful film was very enjoyable. Everyone's growing disbelief and anger at how the Biggles movies misfires and betrays the books was genuinely funny.
A beloved British hero, a masked German, a super-weapon, and... a time-travelling 1980s New York executive? We're watching the ultimate crime against literature and cinema: the Biggles movie. With @wallaceme.bsky.social of Total Politics, who was scarred for life by this film.
pod.fo/e/3564bb
pod.fo/e/3564bb
November 24, 2025 at 6:50 PM
It's rare that things described as "so bad they're good" are truly enjoyable, but this review of what sounds like a dreadful film was very enjoyable. Everyone's growing disbelief and anger at how the Biggles movies misfires and betrays the books was genuinely funny.
Reposted by Robert Hutton
We just moved into a new 2 bedroom house (completed in April) and it apparently would’ve been the same value in 1991 as the 5 bedroom house that sold in March for three times what ours did
I’m interested to find what imagined disaster wiped 2/3 off the value of our house in the intervening 30 years
I’m interested to find what imagined disaster wiped 2/3 off the value of our house in the intervening 30 years
November 25, 2025 at 10:47 AM
We just moved into a new 2 bedroom house (completed in April) and it apparently would’ve been the same value in 1991 as the 5 bedroom house that sold in March for three times what ours did
I’m interested to find what imagined disaster wiped 2/3 off the value of our house in the intervening 30 years
I’m interested to find what imagined disaster wiped 2/3 off the value of our house in the intervening 30 years
Reposted by Robert Hutton
I am old enough to remember when repeatedly putting off revaluations for the rates became so politically toxic that they came up with the Poll Tax as an alternative.
November 25, 2025 at 10:32 AM
I am old enough to remember when repeatedly putting off revaluations for the rates became so politically toxic that they came up with the Poll Tax as an alternative.
Twenty years since I had to sit and listen to David Miliband pretending that postponing council tax revaluation was a brave political decision, rather than a cowardly mistake.
These reports the Government could revalue council tax bands F, G and H don't make sense to me. Here's what could actually be going on:
November 25, 2025 at 10:11 AM
Twenty years since I had to sit and listen to David Miliband pretending that postponing council tax revaluation was a brave political decision, rather than a cowardly mistake.
Reposted by Robert Hutton
What would be your favourite version of Civilisation presented by someone with the surname Clark or Clarke, dear readers? Feel free to write in.
Alan Clark’s Civilisation, however, would focus primarily on racism and extra marital affairs.
It would be incredibly well written though.
It would be incredibly well written though.
November 25, 2025 at 8:45 AM
What would be your favourite version of Civilisation presented by someone with the surname Clark or Clarke, dear readers? Feel free to write in.
Reposted by Robert Hutton
The only report on the Beeb's governance you need to read.
Although it does make you wonder if someone at the water company accidentally flipped the switch from 'fluoride' to 'crazy pills'.
Although it does make you wonder if someone at the water company accidentally flipped the switch from 'fluoride' to 'crazy pills'.
Auntie In The Dock: my SKETCH of Today in People Who Love The BBC And Definitely Didn't Leak Anything To The Telegraph.
Auntie in the dock | Robert Hutton | The Critic Magazine
“I have been defined by these two years at Number 10,” Robbie Gibb complained, sounding for all the world like the chap in the joke who only shagged one sheep. How dare anyone suggest that this…
thecritic.co.uk
November 25, 2025 at 8:04 AM
The only report on the Beeb's governance you need to read.
Although it does make you wonder if someone at the water company accidentally flipped the switch from 'fluoride' to 'crazy pills'.
Although it does make you wonder if someone at the water company accidentally flipped the switch from 'fluoride' to 'crazy pills'.
Reposted by Robert Hutton
November 24, 2025 at 9:43 PM
Reposted by Robert Hutton
I guess it’s a compliment that the top story on BBC London’s TV/online output today is a direct lift of a month-old London Centric story? But once again the BBC is consistently the worst news outlet for actually remembering to credit others.
November 25, 2025 at 7:52 AM
I guess it’s a compliment that the top story on BBC London’s TV/online output today is a direct lift of a month-old London Centric story? But once again the BBC is consistently the worst news outlet for actually remembering to credit others.
Reposted by Robert Hutton
Brilliant thecritic.co.uk/auntie-in-th...
November 24, 2025 at 10:06 PM
Brilliant thecritic.co.uk/auntie-in-th...
Reposted by Robert Hutton
Auntie In The Dock: my SKETCH of Today in People Who Love The BBC And Definitely Didn't Leak Anything To The Telegraph.
Auntie in the dock | Robert Hutton | The Critic Magazine
“I have been defined by these two years at Number 10,” Robbie Gibb complained, sounding for all the world like the chap in the joke who only shagged one sheep. How dare anyone suggest that this…
thecritic.co.uk
November 24, 2025 at 9:43 PM
Auntie In The Dock: my SKETCH of Today in People Who Love The BBC And Definitely Didn't Leak Anything To The Telegraph.
Reposted by Robert Hutton
Beeb-a-licious Sketch from Rob Hutton today:
thecritic.co.uk/auntie-in-th...
A great gag in every line.
thecritic.co.uk/auntie-in-th...
A great gag in every line.
Auntie in the dock | Robert Hutton | The Critic Magazine
“I have been defined by these two years at Number 10,” Robbie Gibb complained, sounding for all the world like the chap in the joke who only shagged one sheep. How dare anyone suggest that this…
thecritic.co.uk
November 24, 2025 at 10:31 PM
Beeb-a-licious Sketch from Rob Hutton today:
thecritic.co.uk/auntie-in-th...
A great gag in every line.
thecritic.co.uk/auntie-in-th...
A great gag in every line.
Reposted by Robert Hutton
“This was conceived as a private memo to 14 people,” Prescott explained, an astonishing utterance from someone who worked even for four years as the political editor of a Sunday newspaper... “Six days after I sent the memo,” he said in a tone of shock, “there it was in the Telegraph!”
Auntie In The Dock: my SKETCH of Today in People Who Love The BBC And Definitely Didn't Leak Anything To The Telegraph.
Auntie in the dock | Robert Hutton | The Critic Magazine
“I have been defined by these two years at Number 10,” Robbie Gibb complained, sounding for all the world like the chap in the joke who only shagged one sheep. How dare anyone suggest that this…
thecritic.co.uk
November 24, 2025 at 9:51 PM
“This was conceived as a private memo to 14 people,” Prescott explained, an astonishing utterance from someone who worked even for four years as the political editor of a Sunday newspaper... “Six days after I sent the memo,” he said in a tone of shock, “there it was in the Telegraph!”
Auntie In The Dock: my SKETCH of Today in People Who Love The BBC And Definitely Didn't Leak Anything To The Telegraph.
Auntie in the dock | Robert Hutton | The Critic Magazine
“I have been defined by these two years at Number 10,” Robbie Gibb complained, sounding for all the world like the chap in the joke who only shagged one sheep. How dare anyone suggest that this…
thecritic.co.uk
November 24, 2025 at 9:43 PM
Auntie In The Dock: my SKETCH of Today in People Who Love The BBC And Definitely Didn't Leak Anything To The Telegraph.
Reposted by Robert Hutton
At my funeral I want the priest to read out a long bit about how much I loved darts. I don’t love darts but my family and friends will be like “wow we never really knew him”.
November 24, 2025 at 5:18 PM
At my funeral I want the priest to read out a long bit about how much I loved darts. I don’t love darts but my family and friends will be like “wow we never really knew him”.
Can I mention again the point in this week's @warmovietheatre.bsky.social that in a 1950s attempt to make the early Biggles books more child-friendly, "whisky" was replaced with "lemonade"?
Replace cigarettes with lollipops. In the future, when cinema wants to code a character as cool, they should be taking big drags of a Charms.
You know how science invented vaping, for people who want the hit of smoking a cigarette while looking like an absolute dweeb? When will science invent a cigarette for people who don't want to smoke but do want to kid themselves that they are Paul Heinreid in 'Now Voyager'?
November 24, 2025 at 8:25 PM
Can I mention again the point in this week's @warmovietheatre.bsky.social that in a 1950s attempt to make the early Biggles books more child-friendly, "whisky" was replaced with "lemonade"?
Reposted by Robert Hutton
Just a cv and two page cover letter? They should at least make the next DG jump through the same hoops everyone else has to on their job portal and record a 30s video response outlining their best qualities
November 24, 2025 at 6:55 PM
Just a cv and two page cover letter? They should at least make the next DG jump through the same hoops everyone else has to on their job portal and record a 30s video response outlining their best qualities
Reposted by Robert Hutton
I'd like a distinguished-looking man to approach my family after my funeral and say "Agent Kestrel did so much for his country." Bonus points if it's in a foreign accent.
November 24, 2025 at 5:29 PM
I'd like a distinguished-looking man to approach my family after my funeral and say "Agent Kestrel did so much for his country." Bonus points if it's in a foreign accent.
Reposted by Robert Hutton
November 24, 2025 at 12:36 PM
Somehow "Day 4 and 5 tickets" look less appealing this week.
November 24, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Somehow "Day 4 and 5 tickets" look less appealing this week.