Pottering with Tom Allen

It was my absolute pleasure to welcome the ever so charming Harry Hadden Paton into the garden this week for another episode of Pottering. A superb actor, Harry is perhaps best known for his turn as Bertie in Downton Abbey and as Martin Charteris in The Crown, both of which would make wonderfully classy Christmas viewing. Harry also appears in the brand new film Downton Abbey The Grand Finale, available to watch now and perfect for popping on straight after the King’s Speech. We chatted about working with the incomparable Dame Maggie Smith, the sheer joy of Broadway and Harry’s proper countryside credentials, which include pigs and a nuclear bunker! Did you know you can also watch the podcast on Youtube? Just search for @tomallen.   So pour yourself a vintage port, grab a handful of Doc Martin's fudge and tune the wireless to another episode of Pottering.

The utterly fabulous national treasure that is Natalie Cassidy popped into my garden for a spot of Pottering this week. EastEnders legend, cultural icon, podcaster and noted trumpet aficionado, she was, as you would expect, an absolute delight from start to finish! Her joyous new book Happy Days is out now which, may I say, would make a marvellous Christmas present. We chat Ronnie Corbett on Strictly Come Dancing, the incomparable taste of homegrown tomatoes and the many joys of hun culture. Things also took a decidedly festive turn which I did not mind one bit! Did you know you can also watch the podcast on Youtube? Just search for @tomallen.   So pop on those wellies, pour yourself an eggnog and join us for another episode of Pottering. 

The lovely Lee Peart joined me in the garden this week for a spot of Pottering! A splendid stand up, actor and presenter, Lee is the ever charming warm up for Loose Women on ITV and has just popped the cork as co-host of brand new podcast, Bottoms Up, where he shares his wine wisdom with Alan Carr. We chatted LGBTQ+ in comedy, classic soap actress scenarios and seeing Adele in concert. Lee also shares his love for cocktails as we rustle up a couple of refreshing mojitos to enjoy in the afternoon sun feeling terribly pleased with ourselves.  Did you know you can also watch the podcast on Youtube? Just search for @tomallen.   So, put down that copy of GQ magazine, pour yourself something nice, and come Pottering with us.  

Oh, I had such a lovely time pottering with my dear friend Amy Annette, a marvellous comedian, writer and broadcaster and an all round delight. Amy joined me fresh from the triumph of her Edinburgh show Busy Body, and if you have not yet seen it, do catch it on tour early next year! It's always a delight to see Amy! We discuss Mr Blobby, the rise of misinformation and why the future of streaming may just belong to Angela Lansbury. We also have a go at our very own Tavern Fantasy Play, yes that's right, and enjoy some bouquet building. Did you know you can also watch the podcast on Youtube? Just search for @tomallen.   So put down that episode of Murder, She Wrote, pick up your pruning shears, and join us in the garden for another episode of Pottering.

What a joy it was to be back in the garden for another episode of Pottering, this time with none other than James Acaster. A splendid stand up, author and of course everyone’s favourite genie waiter! It was an absolute delight to spend an afternoon in the sunshine with James. We discuss mindfulness apps, the trials and tribulations of home decorating, and the fascinating world of anime. I also encounter the term 'Catio' and well, what a charmed existence those cats must have! Did you know you can also watch the podcast on Youtube? Just search for @tomallen.   So, as the weather begins to turn a little chilly, let us put the kettle on, retrieve those thick socks from the depths of the drawer, and go Pottering.