Julie Andrews' Charming Take on Jane Austen: Top Audio Shows This Week
Pick of the Week
Pride & Prejudice
Who better to recount Jane Austen’s best-loved story compared to her royal highness Julie Andrews? It may lack Colin Firth in a wet shirt, the iconic actress acts as a charming and true narrator of the original romcom classic featuring Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy. The series, which is broken down into 25 episodes, not only marks the quarter-millennial of Austen’s birth – it also marks Andrews’s ninetieth birthday this year, too!
Accessible on many platforms, new episodes each week
Grand Designs Deconstructed
Such is the strain when creating an individual large residence, this property series is among the handful of TV property shows where divorce is common as opposed to an error. Kevin McCloud teams up with Greg James for this amiable offshoot aimed at enthusiasts – and confesses that he was close to dipping into his own chequebook for budget-challenged contributors.
On Spotify, episodes weekly
Woman’s Hour Guide to Life
Each Sunday, the presenter Nuala McGovern a focused segment addressing a particular topic through well-known speakers and experts. She kicks off on the theme of friendships – how to make space for them and keep in touch – by interviewing Dolly Alderton, Claire Cohen, Dr Samuel and expert Franco. The tone is chatty, useful and, most importantly, supportive.
On BBC Sounds, new shows each week
Music, Money & Mayhem
From Pink Floyd and Blur, EMI featured a deluge of major UK artists. This podcast presented by Chris Atkins will certainly satisfy both music nerds and business heads, as it ably charts the company's downfall via interviews with the likes of Neil Tennant and contentious former chairman Guy Hands.
Widely available, weekly releases
Coining It
Led by Goodall, this fresh show sounds like it may turn into a typical cryptocurrency narrative. Gladly, this account of a man who uncovered a digital flaw offering endless money and propelled him from Blackpool to Dubai proves to be a vibrant and highly entertaining adventure – though undoubtedly a cautionary one.
Widely available, new episodes each week
