The Political Party

Kirsty Wark - LIVENewsnight star. Late Show legend. Celebrity Masterchef contestant...Kirsty Wark is a gifted broadcaster and is at her charismatic and hilarious best in front of a live Edinburgh audience. She shares stories from her phenomenal career and gives her take on the state of British and Scottish politics, as well as her experience with Gregg Wallace. This is a corker. THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE6 October: Bridget PhilipsonSEE Matt's brand new stand-up tour 'Defying Calamity' across the UK:January28 Birmingham Glee Club29 Dorking Halls30 Northampton Royal and Derngate TheatreFebruary5 Lancaster Grand Theatre6 Brighton Corn Exchange12 Tunbridge Wells Theatre14 London Bloomsbury Theatre18 Faversham The Alex19 Maidstone Hazlitt Theatre20 Milton Keynes The Stables26 Canterbury The Gulbenkian27 Bridport Electric PalaceMarch1 Guildford Yvonne Arnaud Theatre3 Buxton Opera House4 Shrewsbury Theatre Severn5 Isle of Wight Shanklin Theatre6 Paignton Palace Theatre19 Leicester Y Theatre20 Durham Gala Theatre25 Sunderland Fire Station26 Alnwick Playhouse27 Barnard Castle The WithamApril9 Winchester Theatre Royal15 Worcester Huntingdon Hall16 Swansea Taliesin Arts Centre17 Monmouth Savoy Theatre18 London Bloomsbury Theatre22 Cheltenham Town Hall23 Bath Komedia24 Swindon Arts Centre26 Salford Lowry28 Leeds City Varieties29 Lincoln New Theatre Royal30 Chorley TheatreMay1 Chester Playhouse7 Norwich Playhouse8 Oxford Northwall Arts Centre13 Plymouth Quad Theatre14 Launceston Town Hall15 Exeter Northcott20 Stamford Corn Exchange21 Chelmsford Theatre22 Bury St Edmunds The Apex27 Lowestoft Marina Theatre29 Maidenhead Norden Farm31 Nottingham Theatre RoyalJune4 Coventry Warwick Arts Centre5 Cambridge Junction6 Sheffield Steamworks9 Liverpool Everyman Theatre10 Chipping Norton TheatreDONATE to the RNOH Charity here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sadiq Khan - LIVEThe Mayor of London is on top form in this special episode recorded at the Edinburgh Festival. What's his analysis of Labour's first year in power?Will Sadiq and Trump meet during the State Visit?If so, where in London will Sadiq take him..?SEE Matt's brand new stand-up tour 'Defying Calamity' across the UK:https://www.mattforde.com/live-showsJanuary28 Birmingham Glee Club29 Dorking Halls30 Northampton Royal and Derngate TheatreFebruary5 Lancaster Grand Theatre6 Brighton Corn Exchange12 Tunbridge Wells Theatre14 London Bloomsbury Theatre18 Faversham The Alex19 Maidstone Hazlitt Theatre20 Milton Keynes The Stables26 Canterbury The Gulbenkian27 Bridport Electric PalaceMarch1 Guildford Yvonne Arnaud Theatre3 Buxton Opera House4 Shrewsbury Theatre Severn5 Isle of Wight Shanklin Theatre6 Paignton Palace Theatre19 Leicester Y Theatre20 Durham Gala Theatre25 Sunderland Fire Station26 Alnwick Playhouse27 Barnard Castle The WithamApril9 Winchester Theatre Royal15 Worcester Huntingdon Hall16 Swansea Taliesin Arts Centre17 Monmouth Savoy Theatre18 London Bloomsbury Theatre22 Cheltenham Town Hall23 Bath Komedia24 Swindon Arts Centre26 Salford Lowry28 Leeds City Varieties29 Lincoln New Theatre Royal30 Chorley TheatreMay1 Chester Playhouse7 Norwich Playhouse8 Oxford Northwall Arts Centre13 Plymouth Quad Theatre14 Launceston Town Hall15 Exeter Northcott20 Stamford Corn Exchange21 Chelmsford Theatre22 Bury St Edmunds The Apex27 Lowestoft Marina Theatre29 Maidenhead Norden Farm31 Nottingham Theatre RoyalJune4 Coventry Warwick Arts Centre5 Cambridge Junction6 Sheffield Steamworks9 Liverpool Everyman Theatre10 Chipping Norton TheatreDONATE to the RNOH Charity here:https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/mattforde Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joanna Cherry - LIVEThis is a corker. Joanna Cherry doesn't hold back on what it was like to be inside the SNP, but outside the Sturgeon clique. Following the publication of the former First Minister's memoir, Joanna gives a comprehensive analysis of the failings of the last few years. This is absolutely compelling from the very first second.Oh, and it also includes some quality music chat. COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY AT THE EDINBURGH FRINGE:21 August: Kirsty Warkwww.mattforde.comSEE Matt's brand new stand-up tour 'Defying Calamity' across the UK:https://www.mattforde.com/live-showsDONATE to the RNOH Charity here:https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/mattforde Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian Murray - LIVEThis is an absolute hoot.For years Ian Murray was the only Labour MP in Scotland. Now he's in the Cabinet as Secretary of State. He takes us inside Labour's first year and tells some cracking stories along the way including meeting Donald Trump off his plane when he recently visited Turnberry.It's a classic. COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY AT THE EDINBURGH FRINGE:13 August: Joanna Cherry17 August: Sadiq Khan21 August: Kirsty Warkwww.mattforde.comSEE Matt's new stand-up show 'Defying Calamity' at the Edinburgh Festival:https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/matt-forde-defying-calamityDONATE to the RNOH Charity here:https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/mattforde Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Cleverly - REPLAYJames Cleverly is back on the Conservative Party Frontbench.Back in 2018 he'd just been made Deputy Chairman of the Tory Party.He's on top form in this riotous hour.  He would go on to be, among other things, Home Secretary and Foreign Secretary, before standing for the leadership in 2024. Hear where it all began...COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY AT THE EDINBURGH FRINGE:7 August: Ian Murray13 August: Joanna Cherry15 August: Sadiq Khan21 August: Kirsty Warkwww.mattforde.comSEE Matt's new stand-up show 'Defying Calamity' at the Edinburgh Festival:https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/matt-forde-defying-calamityDONATE to the RNOH Charity here:https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/mattforde Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ed Miliband - REPLAYEd Miliband is one of the most powerful politicians in the country.But in 2018 he was in a very different place.Three years after his emotional resignation as leader, he was rebuilding his political career in the middle of the Corbyn era. This is a fascinating interview from The Political Party back catalogue. COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY AT THE EDINBURGH FRINGE:7 August: Ian Murray13 August: Joanna Cherry15 August: Sadiq Khan21 August: Kirsty Warkwww.mattforde.comSEE Matt's new stand-up show 'Defying Calamity' at the Edinburgh Festival:https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/matt-forde-defying-calamityDONATE to the RNOH Charity here:https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/mattforde Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oliver CoppardOliver has been the Labour Mayor for South Yorkshire since 2022. It's an area at the centre of many of our biggest political discussions. Health is his big priority, but does he have the powers he needs to create real change and how would he measure it?This is an entertaining, engaging hour with a young politician whose Jewish heritage has meant he's not always had the easiest relationship with his own party. He's led a fascinating life... but what are the experiences that were formative in his politics?COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE!14 July: Michael Govehttps://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/7 August: Ian Murray13 August: Joanna Cherry15 August: Sadiq Khan21 August: Kirsty Warkhttps://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/the-political-party-with-matt-fordeDONATE to the RNOH Charity here:https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/mattfordeSEE Matt's new stand-up show 'Defying Calamity' at the Edinburgh Festival:https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/matt-forde-defying-calamitywww.mattforde.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Gove - LIVEOne of the most transformational and impactful Cabinet ministers of recent years is on top form as he reminisces about his biggest moments. What was going through his mind at that press conference the morning after the Brexit referendum?How did Boris react when he changed his mind about backing him?How did he end up throwing shapes in an Aberdeen nightclub?Michael also gives his take on Reform and Nigel Farage. How worried should we be about him becoming Prime Minister?This is an outrageous and incisive interview with a phenomenal political brain. COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY AT THE EDINBURGH FRINGE:7 August: Ian Murray13 August: Joanna Cherry15 August: Sadiq Khan21 August: Kirsty Warkwww.mattforde.comSEE Matt's new stand-up show 'Defying Calamity' at the Edinburgh Festival:https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/matt-forde-defying-calamityDONATE to the RNOH Charity here:https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/mattforde Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Louise Haigh - LIVERecorded live at the Crossed Wires festival in Sheffield, Louise Haigh reflects on Labour's first year in power.Louise is on top form and has a unique perspective, having served in Cabinet and now sitting on the backbenches. How did the government get itself in a mess over welfare?Where can Labour improve?Plus why Louise got pepper sprayed... COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE!14 July: Michael Govehttps://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/7 August: Ian Murray13 August: Joanna Cherry21 August: Kirsty Warkhttps://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/the-political-party-with-matt-fordeDONATE to the RNOH Charity here:https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/mattfordeSEE Matt's new stand-up show 'Defying Calamity' at the Edinburgh Festival:https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/matt-forde-defying-calamitywww.mattforde.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sonia KumarSonia has been an MP for almost a year and has used her platform to lead the first ever Parliamentary debate on incontinence. It's a subject very close to Matt's bladder and Sonia tells him how her career as a physiotherapist led her to raising it as an issue and standing for Parliament in the first place.Plus Sonia explains her position on assisted dying and gives the most compelling reason for visiting Dudley you are ever going to hear. Book your train tickets now!COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE! 6 July: Andy Burnham (in Sheffield)https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/crossed-wires-presents-the-political-party-with-guest-andy-burnham14 July: Michael Govehttps://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/DONATE to the RNOH Charity here:https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/mattfordeSEE Matt's new stand-up show 'Defying Calamity' at the Edinburgh Festival:https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/matt-forde-defying-calamitywww.mattforde.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mims DaviesPrepare to be blown away.Mims has had to deal with so many astonishing life events. Not only that, she's handled them with remarkable humour.What made her a Conservative? Why didn't she think party membership was for people like her?How do the Tories stave off the threat from Reform and assert their dominance as the party of the right?Mims shares her incredible life story, with a bit of politics mixed in . COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE! 6 July: Andy Burnham (in Sheffield)https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/crossed-wires-presents-the-political-party-with-guest-andy-burnham14 July: Michael Govehttps://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/ GET FREE tickets to Radio 4's The Matt Forde Focus Group here: https://www.sroaudiences.com/application.asp?show_id=579DONATE to the RNOH Charity here:https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/mattfordeSEE Matt's new stand-up show 'Defying Calamity' at the Edinburgh Festival:https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/matt-forde-defying-calamitywww.mattforde.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick Thomas-SymondsNick has just negotiated the UK/EU Trade Deal.So what's in the deal and what impact will it have?And did he have to drink Slovakian red wine to get the deal done?This is a superb behind-the-scenes account of high-level negotiations. COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE! 6 July: Andy Burnham (in Sheffield)https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/crossed-wires-presents-the-political-party-with-guest-andy-burnham14 July: Michael Govehttps://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/ GET FREE tickets to Radio 4's The Matt Forde Focus Group here: https://www.sroaudiences.com/application.asp?show_id=579DONATE to the RNOH Charity here:https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/mattfordeSEE Matt's new stand-up show 'Defying Calamity' at the Edinburgh Festival:https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/matt-forde-defying-calamitywww.mattforde.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kemi BadenochThe Conservative leader is on top form in this personal and funny interview. Kemi outlines the challenges her party faces in opposing Labour as well as trying to stave off Reform and the resurgent Lib Dems. It's a fascinating hour assessing how the Conservatives move on from their record in government. We tackle all the big questions. How do the Tories defeat Reform? Why does the timing of policy announcements matter? What's her favourite McDonalds order?It flies by.  COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE! 6 July: Andy Burnham (in Sheffield)https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/crossed-wires-presents-the-political-party-with-guest-andy-burnham14 July: Michael Govehttps://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/GET FREE tickets to Radio 4's The Matt Forde Focus Group here: https://www.sroaudiences.com/application.asp?show_id=579DONATE to the RNOH Charity here:https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/mattfordeSEE Matt's final 'End of an Era Tour' shows:12 June: York, The Crescent 13 June: Chelmsford Theatre 14 June: Faversham, The Alex www.mattforde.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Guto HarriGuto has done it all.From covering domestic and international politics for the BBC, to working for Boris Johnson in Number 10.He's got some great stories from his varied career, including the storm surrounding him taking the knee live on GB News. An optimist, he's drawn to positive characters and despairs at the state of all the major parties. So what does he think will happen? And would he ever go into elected politics? COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE! 9 June: Kemi Badenoch14 July: Michael GovePlus more to be announced...Get tickets for all shows here: https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/ GET FREE tickets to Radio 4's The Matt Forde Focus Group here: https://www.sroaudiences.com/application.asp?show_id=579DONATE to the RNOH Charity here:https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/mattfordeSEE Matt at on tour until June 2025, including his extra date at The Nottingham Playhouse: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows4 June: Leeds City Varieties 5 June: Nottingham Playhouse 6 June: Cambridge Junction 12 June: York, The Crescent 13 June: Chelmsford Theatre 14 June: Faversham, The Alex  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Delivery. It's a popular word in politics, but how to Prime Ministers ensure it happens?Michelle is Researcher in Residence at 10 Downing Street and Lecturer in Government Studies at The Strand Group, King's College.She has written a new book 'The Art of Delivery: The Inside Story of How the Blair Government Transformed Britain’s Public Services'. This is a wonderful insight into the inner workings of 10 Downing Street and how Tony Blair changed his approach to the civil service during his premiership.Michelle brings the internal machinations to life in this fascinating and entertaining interview.  BUY Michelle's book here: https://www.bitebackpublishing.com/books/the-art-of-delivery COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE! 9 June: Kemi Badenoch14 July: Michael GoveGet tickets for all shows here: https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/ GET FREE tickets to Radio 4's The Matt Forde Focus Group here: https://www.sroaudiences.com/application.asp?show_id=579 DONATE to the RNOH Charity here:justgiving.com/campaign/mattforde SEE Matt at on tour until June 2025, including his extra date at The Nottingham Playhouse: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows29 May: Chipping Norton Theatre30 May: Swindon Arts Centre 4 June: Leeds City Varieties 5 June: Nottingham Playhouse 6 June: Cambridge Junction 12 June: York, The Crescent 13 June: Chelmsford Theatre 14 June: Faversham, The Alex  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alan RhodesA few weeks ago Reform took control of Nottinghamshire County Council on a landslide. How did this happen and why didn't Nottinghamshire vote Labour instead?Alan Rhodes has been a Labour councillor in Nottinghamshire for nearly 40 years.He understands the shifting politics of the county and the country. This is a fantastic analysis of what's happening at a local and national level.It's also a brilliant insight into local government with a dedicated public servant. Enjoy! COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE! 9 June: Kemi Badenoch14 July: Michael GovePlus more to be announced...Get tickets for all shows here: https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/ GET FREE tickets to Radio 4's The Matt Forde Focus Group here: https://www.sroaudiences.com/application.asp?show_id=579DONATE to the RNOH Charity here:https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/mattfordeSEE Matt at on tour until June 2025, including his extra date at The Nottingham Playhouse: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows29 May: Chipping Norton Theatre30 May: Swindon Arts Centre 4 June: Leeds City Varieties 5 June: Nottingham Playhouse 6 June: Cambridge Junction 12 June: York, The Crescent 13 June: Chelmsford Theatre 14 June: Faversham, The Alex  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wes Streeting - LIVEThe Health Secretary is on cracking form as he defends Labour's progress so far but demonstrates a clear impatience to deliver change as quickly as possible.We discuss all the big questions:What is Labour getting right?Are the government scared of Reform?What is that cucumber for?It'll all make sense... COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE! 9 June: Kemi Badenoch14 July: Michael GovePlus more to be announced...Get tickets for all shows here: https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/ GET FREE tickets to Radio 4's The Matt Forde Focus Group here: https://www.sroaudiences.com/application.asp?show_id=579DONATE to the RNOH Charity here:https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/mattfordeSEE Matt at on tour until June 2025, including his extra date at The Nottingham Playhouse: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows29 May: Chipping Norton Theatre30 May: Swindon Arts Centre 4 June: Leeds City Varieties 5 June: Nottingham Playhouse 6 June: Cambridge Junction 12 June: York, The Crescent 13 June: Chelmsford Theatre 14 June: Faversham, The Alex Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Local Elections Analysis with John McTernanWhy were the local elections so bad for Labour and how do they reverse their fortunes?Is there a ceiling on Nigel Farage's popularity?Does Labour lack confidence?This is a dose of mega political strategy with Tony Blair's former Political Secretary.It's electric.  COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE! 12 May: Wes Streeting9 June: Kemi Badenoch14 July: Michael GovePlus more to be announced...Get tickets for all shows here: https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/ GET FREE tickets to Radio 4's The Matt Forde Focus Group here: https://www.sroaudiences.com/application.asp?show_id=579DONATE to the RNOH Charity here:https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/mattfordeSEE Matt at on tour until June 2025, including his extra date at The Nottingham Playhouse: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows29 May: Chipping Norton Theatre30 May: Swindon Arts Centre 4 June: Leeds City Varieties 5 June: Nottingham Playhouse 6 June: Cambridge Junction 12 June: York, The Crescent 13 June: Chelmsford Theatre 14 June: Faversham, The Alex  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matt Forde Focus Group is my new comedy series for Radio 4 and tickets are now available! We are recording a run though on May 7th at The Bush Hall is London. For tickets visit sroaudiences.com or click on this link The Matt Forde Focus Group See you there! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following the unanimous Supreme Court ruling that a woman is defined by biological sex under equalities law, Julie tells us how and why we got here. This is a fascinating history not just of women's rights, but of the distinct needs of the lesbian and gay communities. If you've wondered how this issue became so big and how it's come to dominate so much of our discourse, Julie is here to explain the roots of it all.This is absolutely compelling. BUY Julie's new book Lesbians, Where Are We Now? here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lesbians-Where-are-we-now/dp/1800754272/   COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE! 12 May: Wes Streeting9 June: Kemi Badenoch14 July: Michael Gove Plus more to be announced... Get tickets for all shows here: https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/ DONATE to the RNOH Charity here:https://www.rnohcharity.org/donate/donate-online SEE Matt at on tour until June 2025, including his extra date at The Nottingham Playhouse: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows29 May: Chipping Norton Theatre30 May: Swindon Arts Centre 4 June: Leeds City Varieties 5 June: Nottingham Playhouse 6 June: Cambridge Junction 12 June: York, The Crescent 13 June: Chelmsford Theatre 14 June: Faversham, The Alex  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.