Advertise on podcast: TWICE UPON A TIME (with Janet Ellis)

In this special episode with the brilliant British artist Maggi Hambling, released on Maggi's birthday, host Janet Ellis finds out about Maggi's love for all things 'Just William'. Having been introduced to the books by Richmal Crompton at a young age, and often identifying with the lead character, Maggi tells Janet how the books have continued to provide her with joy throughout her life. Maggi's achievements are many and varied, including the distinction of being the first artist in residence at the National Gallery. As a painter and sculptor, Maggi's notable works include her intricate land and sea paintings, as well as her sculptures; the memorial to Mary Wollstonecraft, A Conversation with Oscar Wilde and the Scallop on Aldeburgh Beach celebrating the composer Benjamin Britten.From 20th November 2025 to 24th January 2026, 'OOO LA LA: Maggi Hambling and Sarah Lucas' is at Sadie Coles HQ and Frankie Rossi Projects in London www.frankierossiart.com.  The book Maggi Hambling, published by Rizzoli New York, is released 28 October 2025 www.rizzoliusa.com

In a suitably macabre special episode for the season, Janet returns this week to speak to Jeremy Dyson, author, musician, screenwriter and of course, member of the League of Gentleman. Jeremy introduces his childhood book 'Haunted Britain' by the curiously named Anthony D. Hippisley Coxe; a brilliant, terrifying and often unintentionally amusing guide to the most haunted spots in the UK. Where, for example, might you see the ghost of Sir Francis Bacon's chicken? Which spot did young Jeremy beg his parents to take him to visit? Are the photos within the book bad or just haunted? How did this first book inspire Jeremy in his later career? Join Jeremy and Janet to find out! For pictures from the book please visit our instagram @twiceuponpod A Hat Trick Podcast Twice Upon A Time is presented by Janet Ellis Recording and editing by John Wakefield and Diggory Waite Produced by Caroline Raphael Executive Producer Claire Broughton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recorded live at the Chiswick Festival, Phyllis Logan (Secrets and Lies, Lovejoy, Downton Abbey) joins Janet to discuss her favourite childhood book Alison's Spy Adventure - a rollicking tale of espionage set in Scotland with Alison and her childhood friend solving the great mystery before the adults do. Sheila Stuart wrote 15 books in the Alison series in all, as well - wholly unconnectedly - a few guides to antiques. Little exists to be found about her private life but only that Sheila Stuart was her pen name (her real name was Gladys May Baker). Daughter of a minister and born in Scotland, she trained as a journalist in Dundee before going on to write the Alison books. Twice Upon A Time is presented by Janet Ellis The Producer is Caroline Raphael Recording and Editing by John Wakefield. Follow us on instagram @twiceuponpod for pictures of the guests and their books. Thanks to the Chiswick Book Festival and organisers Jo James and Torin Douglas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this show, recorded LIVE at the Lyric Theatre Hammersmith, Janet is delighted to welcome actor, writer and magician Andy Nyman to discuss his choice of spooky of book (so spooky he never could bring himself to read it, but was fascinated by the pictures within...). Andy's choice; 'Monsters of the Movies' by Denis Gifford (perhaps the greatest British comics collector in history) whose passion for monsters inspired a generation. To see pictures of the books and our guests - and in this instance images from the recording itself - visit @twiceuponpod on Instagram. Twice Upon A Time is a Hat Trick podcast. Producer is Claire Broughton Recordist and Editor is John Wakefield With thanks to Nathalie Bristow and the team at The Lyric Hammersmith Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Children's Laureate, creator of the beloved 'Tracy Beaker' and one of the countries 3 most borrowed authors, Dame Jaqueline Wilson joins Janet to discuss P. L. Travers enduring classic 'Mary Poppins' - having loved the book and and yet never seen the Disney adaptation. For pictures from the book please visit our instagram @twiceuponpod A Hat Trick Podcast Twice Upon A Time is presented by Janet Ellis Recording and editing by John Wakefield and Diggory Waite Produced by Caroline Raphael Executive Producer Claire Broughton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Janet is joined by fellow Blue Peter Alumnus, author and presenter Konnie Huq who brings along her choice, 'Superfudge' by Judy Blume. For pictures from the book please visit our instagram @twiceuponpod A Hat Trick Podcast Twice Upon A Time is presented by Janet Ellis Recording and editing by John Wakefield and Diggory Waite Produced by Caroline Raphael Executive Producer Claire Broughton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In conjunction with Primadonna Festival, Andi Osho writer and actress, most recently from the brilliant 'Blue Lights' joins Janet to discuss her book choice 'Willie The Squowse' by Ted Allan. Andi will shortly be a judge at the Primadonna Festival, awarding the prize of a book contract for an unsigned, un-agented author. For more about the festival and to buy tickets head to www.primadonnafestival.com For more about the podcast head to our instagram @twiceuponpod Produced by Caroline Raphael Recorded and edited by Diggory Waite and John Wakefield. Twice Upon A Time with Janet Ellis is a Hat Trick Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lorraine Kelly OBE; presenter, broadcaster and host of her own eponymous and beloved show on ITV since 2010, joins Janet with her choice of 'Claudine at St.Clare's' by Enid Blyton. Warm reflections on growing up, school days and the escapism of Enid Blyton. For pictures of our guests and their books please visit our instagram @twiceuponpod A Hat Trick Podcast Twice Upon A Time is presented by Janet Ellis Recording and editing by John Wakefield and Diggory Waite Produced by Caroline Raphael Executive Producer Claire Broughton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Diane Morgan, actress, writer and known to many as the brilliant Philomena Cunk, chooses The Iron Man by Ted Hughes as her book in this episode. As you'd expect, a hilarious chat this week, partly due to Diane's reaction to re reading the book for the pod! For pictures of our guests and their books please visit our instagram @twiceuponpod A Hat Trick Podcast Twice Upon A Time is presented by Janet Ellis Recording and editing by John Wakefield and Diggory Waite Produced by Caroline Raphael Executive Producer Claire Broughton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's our pleasure to welcome Nick Mohammed to the pod this week, star of Ted Lasso and creator of the brilliant Mr Swallow. Nick introduces Janet to his favourite childhood book 'Pocket Magic' by Peter Eldin, a veritable cornucopia of tricks and tips for the budding magician. In this episode Nick talks about the beginning of his fascination with magic in childhood and how a love of magic has been a constant throughout his career. For pictures from the book please visit our instagram @twiceuponpod A Hat Trick Podcast Twice Upon A Time is presented by Janet Ellis Recording and editing by John Wakefield and Diggory Waite Produced by Caroline Raphael Executive Producer Claire Broughton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this show, recorded LIVE at the Lyric Theatre Hammersmith, Janet is delighted to welcome musician and all round superstar Sophie Ellis-Bextor to discuss her choice of book and find out if parental reading during her childhood was really up to scratch! Sophie chose Just Awful by Alma Marshak Whitney (of whom, not a huge amount is known) but the images in the book are brilliantly drawn by Lilian Hoban, a celebrated illustrator, who brings this simple but heartwarming story to life. To see pictures of the books and our guests - and in this instance images from the recording itself - visit @twiceuponpod on instagram. Twice Upon A Time is a Hat Trick podcast. Producer is Caroline Raphael Recordist and Editor is John Wakefield With thanks to Nathalie Bristow and the team at The Lyric Hammersmith Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Quintessential English actress Hayley Mills, star of numerous films including the original Parent Trap, That Darn Cat and the BAFTA winning Whistle Down The Wind joins Janet this week with her choice 'My Friend Flicka' by Mary O'Hara. This book which enthralled the young Hayley still holds the adult reader now with its examination of adult perspectives within the book as well as the bond between horses and their humans. Reminiscences about Hayley's early life include where she used to read as a child and how her home life was kept resolutely normal after her filming commitments had pause. Twice Upon A Time is a Hat Trick Podcast Produced by Caroline Raphael Post Production by Diggory Waite and Andy Goddard Exec Producer Claire Broughton Follow the pod @twiceuponpod for pictures of the guests and their vintage books. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Best-selling author Anthony Horowitz is known not only for his original works such as the Magpie Murders and the Hawthorne Series but also for managing to inhabit existing characters such as Sherlock Holmes and James Bond in his hugely successful continuation novels of these series. For generations of younger readers however it is his Alex Rider novels that have proved hugely popular and also a gateway for many to properly addictive reading. His choice is The Seven Crystal Balls, a Tintin mystery (and the first half of a two part mystery). Anthony's latest novel 'A Twist of A Knife' is the latest Hawthorne Mystery available now. Twice Upon A Time with Janet Ellis is a Hat Trick Podcast. The Producers are Claire Broughton and Caroline Raphael Recording and Editing by Andy Goddard and Diggory Waite Follow us on @twiceuponpod on instagram for pictures of the books and the interviewees Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Celebrated novelist Victoria Hislop joins Janet this week to talk about 'I Am David' by Anne Holm. Victoria describes wonderfully how she remembers the book being to her class by their teacher and also how it inspired her in her own writing. Victoria's latest book Maria's Island is a brilliant children's adaptation of her bestseller The Island. Twice Upon A Time with Janet Ellis is a Hat Trick Production Producers are Caroline Raphael and Diggory Waite Executive Producer for Hat Trick is Claire Broughton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Champion Quizzer Paul Sinha joins Janet this week with his choice of - of course - The Guinness Book of Records (1982 edition, year specifically chosen by Paul). Expect facts galore, an examination of 1982 as a whole and how Paul and Janet would best each qualify for entry into this distinguished tome. Twice Upon A Time with Janet Ellis is a Hat Trick Podcast Follow us @twiceuponpod for pictures of our guests and their books Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.