John Williams
@worldoftelly.bsky.social
I like telly and I talk about it here https://www.youtube.com/@WorldofTelly and write about it here https://worldoftelly.beehiiv.com/
Started watching the new series of Stranger Things tonight and terminated after forty minutes because of overwhelming ennui.
November 28, 2025 at 2:02 AM
Started watching the new series of Stranger Things tonight and terminated after forty minutes because of overwhelming ennui.
Reposted by John Williams
if you steal a cell phone or wallet in paris they kick you out of the french thieve's guild for insufficient whimsy
Thieves have stolen €90,000 worth of fine French snails destined for some of the country’s most prestigious restaurants
Thieves take €90,000 of snails meant for Michelin-starred restaurants
French police are on the trail of ‘experienced’ criminals who stole a whole year’s worth of produce from Jean-Mathieu Dauvergne’s L’Escargot des Grands Crus
www.thetimes.com
November 27, 2025 at 9:45 PM
if you steal a cell phone or wallet in paris they kick you out of the french thieve's guild for insufficient whimsy
Reposted by John Williams
buttondown.com/cooray_smith... We're on the lip of apocalypse at Psychic Paper, as we revisit Serial C. In the right order this time. For paid subscribers only, but why not become one and get access to the archive?
The Edge of Destruction
“Back from the edge. Back from the dead. Back before demons took control of my head.” The third Doctor Who serial has a writing and production history almost...
buttondown.com
November 27, 2025 at 1:31 PM
buttondown.com/cooray_smith... We're on the lip of apocalypse at Psychic Paper, as we revisit Serial C. In the right order this time. For paid subscribers only, but why not become one and get access to the archive?
I'm also very pleased to hear about Paul's forthcoming book When Saturday Came. My pre-order will be in like a shot once it appears on the Telos Publishing site.
An article, a video, and a new book announcement!
My latest blog entry, announcing the publication next year of my new book When Saturday Came and talking about some related bits and pieces.
My latest blog entry, announcing the publication next year of my new book When Saturday Came and talking about some related bits and pieces.
Another Saturday in November 1950
The blog of writer and radio producer Paul Hayes.
notanovelistyet.blogspot.com
November 27, 2025 at 3:22 PM
I'm also very pleased to hear about Paul's forthcoming book When Saturday Came. My pre-order will be in like a shot once it appears on the Telos Publishing site.
Reposted by John Williams
An article, a video, and a new book announcement!
My latest blog entry, announcing the publication next year of my new book When Saturday Came and talking about some related bits and pieces.
My latest blog entry, announcing the publication next year of my new book When Saturday Came and talking about some related bits and pieces.
Another Saturday in November 1950
The blog of writer and radio producer Paul Hayes.
notanovelistyet.blogspot.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:48 PM
An article, a video, and a new book announcement!
My latest blog entry, announcing the publication next year of my new book When Saturday Came and talking about some related bits and pieces.
My latest blog entry, announcing the publication next year of my new book When Saturday Came and talking about some related bits and pieces.
This is a terrific and illuminating watch. I knew virtually nothing about Whirligig and now I can whistle the theme tune. Really great archaeology as usual from Paul.
Exactly 75 years ago, BBC Television had just begun regular broadcasting at Saturday teatimes, with the opening episode of Whirligig at 5pm.
We all know what happened 13 years later - but how does this story begin...?
Here's my first ever YouTube TV history video - The Story of Whirligig:
We all know what happened 13 years later - but how does this story begin...?
Here's my first ever YouTube TV history video - The Story of Whirligig:
The Story of Whirligig
YouTube video by Paul Hayes
www.youtube.com
November 27, 2025 at 3:19 PM
This is a terrific and illuminating watch. I knew virtually nothing about Whirligig and now I can whistle the theme tune. Really great archaeology as usual from Paul.
Reposted by John Williams
Exactly 75 years ago, BBC Television had just begun regular broadcasting at Saturday teatimes, with the opening episode of Whirligig at 5pm.
We all know what happened 13 years later - but how does this story begin...?
Here's my first ever YouTube TV history video - The Story of Whirligig:
We all know what happened 13 years later - but how does this story begin...?
Here's my first ever YouTube TV history video - The Story of Whirligig:
The Story of Whirligig
YouTube video by Paul Hayes
www.youtube.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Exactly 75 years ago, BBC Television had just begun regular broadcasting at Saturday teatimes, with the opening episode of Whirligig at 5pm.
We all know what happened 13 years later - but how does this story begin...?
Here's my first ever YouTube TV history video - The Story of Whirligig:
We all know what happened 13 years later - but how does this story begin...?
Here's my first ever YouTube TV history video - The Story of Whirligig:
Reposted by John Williams
Pharrell Williams confirmed as another world famous multi-millionaire who chose to live in a house that looks like it should be called the North Strabane Esat-Digifone Retail Hub & Business Park.
November 26, 2025 at 11:51 PM
Pharrell Williams confirmed as another world famous multi-millionaire who chose to live in a house that looks like it should be called the North Strabane Esat-Digifone Retail Hub & Business Park.
I’ve cheered myself up by buying a big new desk and rearranging my study. For a few days, I can entertain the fantasy that thanks to this change, everything I do from this desk will be a masterpiece. I’ll give it till Monday before the feeling wears off.
November 26, 2025 at 7:22 PM
I’ve cheered myself up by buying a big new desk and rearranging my study. For a few days, I can entertain the fantasy that thanks to this change, everything I do from this desk will be a masterpiece. I’ll give it till Monday before the feeling wears off.
Reposted by John Williams
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 John Williams
I do these exclusive A6 and A5 cards for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas etc. Do get in touch if you’d like me to create them. Email [email protected] for more info. Thanks.
November 26, 2025 at 8:16 AM
I do these exclusive A6 and A5 cards for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas etc. Do get in touch if you’d like me to create them. Email [email protected] for more info. Thanks.
Reposted by John Williams
Bar book-related plugs and FLA episodes, won’t be on here much for a while. Genuinely quite scared about the future and the lack of paid work. If you know of any book editorial work coming up, do email me (email in bio). PS I do have to work from home at the moment. Thanks c
November 26, 2025 at 8:06 AM
Bar book-related plugs and FLA episodes, won’t be on here much for a while. Genuinely quite scared about the future and the lack of paid work. If you know of any book editorial work coming up, do email me (email in bio). PS I do have to work from home at the moment. Thanks c
Reposted by John Williams
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 John Williams
Absolutely spellbinding in "Ready When You Are, Mr McGill". I think I need to dig that out as a tribute.
November 25, 2025 at 7:29 PM
Absolutely spellbinding in "Ready When You Are, Mr McGill". I think I need to dig that out as a tribute.
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.
I'm enjoying watching Magee and Ayer on BBC4 talking about Russell and Frege. At one point, Ayer said "I don't want to talk about Wittgenstein at any length" and Magee replied "I'm glad because we're devoting the entire next episode to him."
November 24, 2025 at 11:42 PM
I'm enjoying watching Magee and Ayer on BBC4 talking about Russell and Frege. At one point, Ayer said "I don't want to talk about Wittgenstein at any length" and Magee replied "I'm glad because we're devoting the entire next episode to him."
Also in this Face the Music, Robin Ray mentions that Ken Russell is making a film about Liszt, and he’s looking forward to it. Imagine living in a time before Lisztomania.
November 24, 2025 at 10:23 PM
Also in this Face the Music, Robin Ray mentions that Ken Russell is making a film about Liszt, and he’s looking forward to it. Imagine living in a time before Lisztomania.
Watching Face the Music, and genuinely interested - for once - in the guests, but sad to learn that Cyril Smith (not that one) died just two months after the episode was shown. He was talking about rehearsing a piece with his wife over the summer, but he died in August.
November 24, 2025 at 10:11 PM
Watching Face the Music, and genuinely interested - for once - in the guests, but sad to learn that Cyril Smith (not that one) died just two months after the episode was shown. He was talking about rehearsing a piece with his wife over the summer, but he died in August.
Reposted by John Williams
(Our) Christmas (special podcast) is coming! The episode will be out Dec 17. Play the clip below with sound on for a tiny preview of our guest - Mark Gatiss
November 24, 2025 at 9:42 PM
(Our) Christmas (special podcast) is coming! The episode will be out Dec 17. Play the clip below with sound on for a tiny preview of our guest - Mark Gatiss
This is a great piece - loved the final paragraph in particular which sums up why the best television happens.
And another! Stories and interviews with the team behind one of the BBC's greatest ever TV dramas – "a revenge thriller, a mystical nuclear-and-environmental-apocalypse fable, a clear-eyed political document of the mid-1980s, a ghost story" – by me for @thequietus.com 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 24, 2025 at 9:32 PM
This is a great piece - loved the final paragraph in particular which sums up why the best television happens.
I love The Golden Shot, love Bob Monkhouse, and love John's stuff, so this is a triple win for me.
Brand new on Dirty Feed: just how reliable are Bob Monkhouse's memories of The Golden Shot?
www.dirtyfeed.org/2025/11/poor...
www.dirtyfeed.org/2025/11/poor...
November 24, 2025 at 7:45 PM
I love The Golden Shot, love Bob Monkhouse, and love John's stuff, so this is a triple win for me.
Reposted by John Williams
Brand new on Dirty Feed: just how reliable are Bob Monkhouse's memories of The Golden Shot?
www.dirtyfeed.org/2025/11/poor...
www.dirtyfeed.org/2025/11/poor...
November 24, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Brand new on Dirty Feed: just how reliable are Bob Monkhouse's memories of The Golden Shot?
www.dirtyfeed.org/2025/11/poor...
www.dirtyfeed.org/2025/11/poor...
Reposted by John Williams
And another! Stories and interviews with the team behind one of the BBC's greatest ever TV dramas – "a revenge thriller, a mystical nuclear-and-environmental-apocalypse fable, a clear-eyed political document of the mid-1980s, a ghost story" – by me for @thequietus.com 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 24, 2025 at 9:38 AM
And another! Stories and interviews with the team behind one of the BBC's greatest ever TV dramas – "a revenge thriller, a mystical nuclear-and-environmental-apocalypse fable, a clear-eyed political document of the mid-1980s, a ghost story" – by me for @thequietus.com thequietus.com/opinion-and-...
Reposted by John Williams
Exciting news: throughout January BFI Southbank has a season of documentaries and early feature films linked to the publication on 8 January of Magic Rays of Light: The Early Years of Television in Britain.
First details here...
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk/magic-rays-o...
First details here...
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk/magic-rays-o...
Magic Rays of Light: the BFI season - Illuminations
John Wyver writes: Exciting news just released by the British Film Institute: throughout January BFI Southbank has a season of documentaries and early feature films linked to the publication of my mon...
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk
November 24, 2025 at 8:23 AM
Exciting news: throughout January BFI Southbank has a season of documentaries and early feature films linked to the publication on 8 January of Magic Rays of Light: The Early Years of Television in Britain.
First details here...
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk/magic-rays-o...
First details here...
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk/magic-rays-o...
Another cracker.
NEW! #FirstLastAnything Episode 34: As a big fan of the album Pearlies by Emma Anderson (@emmaandersonmusic.bsky.social), I was delighted that Emma joined me on my music textcast to discuss it, her career in Lush and Sing-Sing, and some favourite recordings. firstlastanything.co.uk/2025/11/23/f...
FLA 34: Emma Anderson (23/11/2025)
As a first-year university student, one of the first songs of the 1990s I cherished was ‘De-Luxe’ by the London-based quartet Lush, who were signed to the independent record label 4AD. I was in the…
firstlastanything.co.uk
November 23, 2025 at 10:31 PM
Another cracker.