Rosebud with Gyles Brandreth

A man who needs no introduction: comedian, writer and TV host Jimmy Carr. In this conversation we find out what makes Jimmy tick and hear about his origin story: he tells Gyles about his childhood in Slough, and his close relationship with his charismatic mother. We hear about his dyslexia, and how teachers at school encouraged him to apply to Cambridge. We hear about what, if anything, is off-limits in comedy, and the importance of being present for your children. Gyles and Jimmy also discuss the distinction between charm and charisma. Plus we hear about Jimmy's new movie, Fackham Hall, out in the UK on December 12 2025 (today!)

This is a revealing, wise and yes, charming, conversation with one of the most well-known comedians in the UK.

In January 2026 Rosebud will be launching their subscribers' club: The Rosebud Family. We'll be giving you more info about this throughout December, so keep listening! Cue the music!

On this episode of More Rosebud we meet the celebrated biographer and journalist Roger Lewis, "a bundle of nerves and rage and disappointment". Roger is the author of several acclaimed biographies, including Erotic Vagrancy, about Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, and The Life and Death of Peter Sellers. In this extremely funny and fascinating episode, Roger tells Gyles about his childhood in South Wales: he was the precocious eldest son of an affluent family of butchers and farmers. He talks about his university days, how he studied under John Bayley, and how he became a writer. Woven through this life story are interesting discussions of memory and recollection, and of the self and identity, and of Roger’s unconventional approach to writing biography. This episode is well worth your time, and Roger's unstinting honesty as he talks about himself and others will stop you in your tracks and make you laugh. Enjoy this.

At the end of this episode Gyles and Harriet have an exciting announcement about the Rosebud Family, the new subscription service we're launching in the new year 2026. More details coming soon!