Toby Hadoke

I always liked Pavel Chekhov. It’s quite a thing though, isn’t it, to play a supporting character who will be part of the fabric of popular culture forever? Good for him. He made a lot of people happy. RIP Walter Koenig.

Fancy a Halloween treat? Have a listen to a cracking podcast talking about a cracking horror film!

Had the pleasure of watching the incomparable James perform some gothic poetry last night. He’s a singular talent: vocally and physically mesmerising. If you like the things that I like you’ll love him: so I’m drawing your attention to him here just in case. Give him a follow.

Another one! It's like @johnrain.co.uk has some #halloween #podcast season going on @smershpod.com with guests like @tobyhadoke.bsky.social

“It’s in the trees, it’s coming…” Love this movie, love this pod. What’s not to love? Oh, I’m in it. Ah well, you can’t have everything…

And on this note, surely signing the petition to save Radio 4 Extra can't hurt: you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/sa...

Tomorrow...

Look where else, do you get shows like this about such major important figures. TV has given up on arts programming.

I made a little show as an extra for BBC Radio 4 Extra (pretty much in my own time): it’s being repeated to mark 20 years since the death of Nigel Kneale. This sort of bonus (dare I say it Reithian?) content will not be possible once the station goes in March. Enjoy: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...

The anniversary of Quatermass II is an appropriate time to remind people that me and the Quatermassive* are back in Derby to watch, discuss and celebrate this classic serial (and a bit of Beasts too). 5 December at Derby QUAD.

As well as Quatermass/Lifeforce on 1st Nov, I’m being all Halloweeny at HOME on 29th Oct for a double bill of the newly restored Dracula (with missing bits!) and Dracula Has Risen From the Grave: introducing the screening with my bud @mrgeetsromo.bsky.social Details: www.homemcr.org/whats-on/dra...

I love Radio 4 Extra and it gave me some of my favourite jobs including Newsjack. I am gutted to hear this news, not least because it is my almost constant companion in my car. I want to be able to stumble across programmes that I might not have chosen to listen to - please sign the petition

If closing surely the least expensive radio channel the BBC has (run by a tiny number of people, broadcasting the work of mainly dead people), bothers you, then why not sign this petition you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/sa...

Some nice coverage by Chortle and a link to a petition to save Radio 4 Extra: www.chortle.co.uk/features/202...

Very excited about @tobyhadoke.bsky.social’s 2nd Quatermass book. The 1st one was remarkable. This evening I’ve watched the existing two episodes of Experiment & am now re listening to Toby’s excellent Happy Times and Places commentary on them. Superb and recommended. Go listen on all podcatchers.

I love 4 Extra. It's my favourite radio station. I love how it flows as a linear station. I love how it schedules programmes I'd otherwise never have heard. It's my go-to escape. I'm very sad to read that it is to close.

Wait, is Radio 4 Extra going? Even given however residuals work in the streaming/DAB age, it surely must cost less to run than a dehumidifier?

Happy 97th birthday to that splendid actor Colin Jeavons. I was delighted to meet him just under a year ago (something I thought would never happen) and he was an absolute delight! So many terrific performances - Blue Remembered Hills, House of Cards, Kinvig, Sherlock Holmes, Blackeyes, etc etc

On Sundays I observe Quatermass: on 1st Nov I will be introducing (alongside @mrgeetsromo.bsky.social) a thrilling double bill of Quatermass and the Pit (film) and Lifeforce. Big trouble & frenzied destruction in London: sci-fi horror-tastic. Tickets selling fast! www.homemcr.org/whats-on/qua...

Final plug for our latest episode. If modern life is getting you down, why not cheer yourself up with this? youtu.be/pFPP6FjpGOI?...

A trainspotter is on my train. The man opposite is quizzing him with no sense of disdain or pity - engaging with the man’s passion even though it’s not remotely his thing. I love them both. Easily the most heartening distraction I’ve had in a train in years. More of this kind of thing please!

Remembering Cyril Shaps, born this day in 1923.

The event will showcase the first three episodes of “The Daleks’ Master Plan”, courtesy of Film is Fabulous! riversidestudios.co.uk/seats/342601/

Q&A With Film is Fabulous! Sue Malden and John Franklin will take part in an ‘extended’ panel discussion with Q&A at Riverside Studios on Saturday, 31st October. This will follow the screening of the recently recovered episodes of Doctor Who. riversidestudios.co.uk/whats-on/uC7...

We've just received a new crop of reprints. You Are Not Alone, Penda's Fen: Scene by Scene, Maximum Power! and David Whitaker in an Exciting Adventure with Television are all back in stock. Phew! Order now from tenacrebooks.co.uk

Some of last night's muppetational birthday delights, with @tobyhadoke.bsky.social, @thekatebutch.bsky.social, Jess Fostekew, and The Puppet Folk Experience. A gorgeous show, and next year it's our 30th so we better get planning something bloody spectacular...

29 years! Not bad. Seems to make people happy so that’s good. I can think of no better way to have spent the majority of my Tuesdays on this planet. Moths was born there, we’ve housed pretty much every great comic to emerge this century, and I have the best chums doing the actual proper work. Yay!

Stephanie Cole Guardian obit by me (very fast turnaround so be kind). Huge big thanks to @andypodding.bsky.social who sent above and beyond to help me out! www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...

Broadcaster and actor Peter Purves got in touch to say how much he’d enjoyed our book The Quatermass Experiment, @tobyhadoke.bsky.social’s definitive guide to TV’s first sci-fi classic, available now from tenacrebooks.co.uk 🚀

Tonight I’m headlining @xsmalarkey.com in what many people are saying is the best line up of the year (don’t bother checking, just believe me) so if you’re in Manchester head on down to 53North and watch me, the greatest comedian of my generation, plus a fantastic support and Compere

I’m on one of these. Hooray!

I’ve done three brand new commentaries on this with a gang of game and good fun participants: should be jolly additions to some damn fine extras and amazing restoration. A lot of love has gone into this, hope everyone enjoys the results: youtu.be/Y-5CpC-NO_Y?...

RIP Gilly Brown: Ohica in The Brain of Morbius. Never had the pleasure but she sounds like she was a lot of fun.

Playwright Simon Stephens came all the way to see us do his play Maria at 53Two. He was clearly delighted with the production and couldn’t have been nicer. One show left : tomorrow. Do pop on if you can.

Two nights only left to see Maria (which I am in) at 53Two. Tonight’s show is nearly sold out though so be quick and get those tickets bought! www.creativetourist.com/event/maria-...

If you do so, please support your local bookstore or buy direct from the publisher. We do not supply Amazon but we are distributed by Gardners Books. Thank you. tenacrefilms.bigcartel.com/product/pend...

This will be VERY good 👇

Three years ago, me, @hermetic-arts.bsky.social and @tobyhadoke.bsky.social, helped by an extraordinary cast and crew brought The Quatermass Experiment back home to Alexandra Palace. Were you there?

If you‘re free and in the vicinity of Manchester this Tuesday night, you should make haste to @xsmalarkey.com - here’s why!

Rare And Missing Episodes Trustees from Film is Fabulous! visited the BBC Archives at BBC Broadcast Centre in London on Tuesday, 14th July 2026. During the visit, various BBC film prints and negatives were donated, for preservation purposes. youtu.be/EjiVzOflMAE?...

Cult Manchester’s comedy pick of the month… @mrgeetsromo.bsky.social previews @samnicoresti.bsky.social at @xsmalarkey.com

I had a great time at Whooverville! Got on like a house on fire with @tobyhadoke.bsky.social 😄 Came home with a pile of books…

Rough Draft vs Final Draft