Phil's Marvellous Machine isn’t my first self-published book. But it's the first one I’ve actually tried hard to promote.I realise that may seem strange. Why would anyone go to the trouble of writing and publishing a book, then not tell anyone about it?There is a reason. I’ve always had social media anxiety. In 2018, I … Continue reading This isn’t my first self-published book, but it’s the first time I’ve promoted one
Review: My Favourite Doctor Who Audio Spin-offs
Contains mild spoilers Jago and Litefoot Starring Christopher Benjamin and Trevor Baxter. 13 x 4-part full-cast series released as ‘box sets’ from 2010 – 2017 by various writers. Henry Gordon Jago (Benjamin) is a theatre impresario, master of ceremonies, a booker of talents, and king of the art of alliteration. His best friend is Professor … Continue reading Review: My Favourite Doctor Who Audio Spin-offs
Exploding retro tech, dark mysteries, and 10 tales to tickle ribs and chill Spines
I’m thrilled to share the news that my short story collection, Phil’s Marvellous Machine and Other Stories, is officially available now across multiple formats. Suitable for teens, and adults of (almost) all ages, this collection brings together ten different tales of comedy, mystery, and a touch of the uncanny. Phil’s Marvellous Machine: Phil’s childhood friend, old Mr. … Continue reading Exploding retro tech, dark mysteries, and 10 tales to tickle ribs and chill Spines
Retroscopic Round-up: My Week of Self-Curated Classic British TV
Contains mild spoilers When linear television was at its height in the UK, I had my own schedule. I’d flit between channels to catch my favourite programmes, and use things from my own video-cassette collection when there was nothing else worth watching. I had my own schedule: a personal routine of programmes, slotted in perfectly … Continue reading Retroscopic Round-up: My Week of Self-Curated Classic British TV
The Daleks’ Master Plan – The Surreal Dream Begins
Where does a lifelong fan of Doctor Who even begin to describe the thrill of anticipation before watching two old but new episodes of my favourite programme on a bank holiday afternoon? Turning up sixty years after their original broadcast, two episodes of the twelve-part Doctor Who story, The Daleks' Master Plan are available to … Continue reading The Daleks’ Master Plan – The Surreal Dream Begins
The Bill & I Part 7: Is the quality slipping? I feel a sob coming on
Continuing to watch the earliest years of the long-running British police drama, The Bill. Since the last entry in this viewing diary, I have watched another five episodes. Before I started this watch-through, I wondered if channels like UK Gold avoided repeating the earliest episodes of The Bill for a specific reason. Maybe these episodes … Continue reading The Bill & I Part 7: Is the quality slipping? I feel a sob coming on
The Bill and I: Part Two – ‘Woodentop’ (At last!)
I feel like a Ghostbuster today. Not because I’ve converted my car into Ecto-1 or because I’ve strapped on a proton back to zap some nasties into ectoplasm. I’m not that kind of ghostbuster. More of an exorcist. Today I’m laying a ghost to rest., or starting the process of. For years I used to … Continue reading The Bill and I: Part Two – ‘Woodentop’ (At last!)
Classic BBC Radio comedy: Dad’s Army and To The Manor Born
Two full-cast radio adaptations of television comedy classics reviewed.
From the archive: Edward & Mrs Simpson DVD review
Ever since Network DVD went into administration in 2023, I have made it my mission to pick up releases from their back catalogue wherever I see one that might appeal to me - for a sensible price of course. Generally speaking, I don’t like biopics. I’m not especially enamored with the Royal Family, and truthfully … Continue reading From the archive: Edward & Mrs Simpson DVD review
BLAKE’S-7 WATCHTHROUGH: Mission to Dreary – sorry – Destiny
We take a Mission to Destiny in the seventh installment of our watch-through of classic 1970's science fiction drama Blake's-7.
