The Third Act: Recent Episodes
Auriens, Catherine Fairweather
What if we all saw age, not as a barrier, but as a new beginning? Featuring sparkling conversation from vintage minds, The Third Act is a podcast that celebrates later life – by putting it centre-stage.
Each episode, writer and journalist Catherine Fairweather chats to some of the world’s most experienced artists, adventurers, actors and entrepreneurs – hearing tales of triumphs and setbacks, exploring the intimate secrets of a life well lived and unpacking tricks for ageing gracefully (or otherwise). Over lunch at the sumptuous Culfords restaurant in Auriens Chelsea, each guest reflects openly and honestly about how they are redefining later living and embracing life’s next act. Warm, witty and invariably wise, this series will leave you with the strong belief that the best is yet to come.
The Third Act is brought to you by Auriens – a luxury residence in Chelsea that redefines later living.
For the final episode of Series Four of The Third Act, Gyles Brandreth returns to Auriens. Fondly dubbed the “Peter Pan” of Auriens, following his time in the wellness programme where he emerged feeling fitter than ever.He likely needs no introduction. A broadcaster, author, former politician, podcaster and even a jumper designer, he’s also a familiar face on beloved programmes such as Countdown, Just a Minute and Celebrity Gogglebox.In conversation with Catherine Fairweather, he reflects on how young he really feels, what happiness means to him, royalty, and the art of embracing change.
Hosted by Catherine Fairweather, this episode features an inspiring conversation with Lynne Charles, Artistic Director of English National Ballet School.With a remarkable career spanning over 35 years, Lynne has performed internationally, including 12 seasons with Hamburg Ballet, before dedicating herself to teaching. She has worked with leading companies such as English National Ballet, Hamburg Ballet, Royal Danish Ballet, and San Francisco Ballet, helping to shape the next generation of dancers.Residents at Auriens Chelsea recently had the pleasure of experiencing Lynne’s choreography during a special festive performance on site.
This episode features an insightful conversation with entrepreneur and business leader Jeremy King.Jeremy reflects on his journey from his early ventures to co-founding the renowned restaurant group Caprice Holdings, sharing the pivotal moments, challenges, and decisions that shaped his career. He discusses how the hospitality industry continues to evolve, including changing consumer habits, with people drinking and dining out less than before.Drawing on decades of experience, Jeremy shares his perspective on leadership, resilience, and innovation in a fast-paced industry, as well as lessons from his new book Without Reservations: Lessons from a Life in Restaurants.
Auriens is proud to present Series Four, Episode Nine of ‘The Third Act’ hosted by Catherine Fairweather, in conversation with celebrated actress Harriet Walter. With a career spanning stage, screen, and television, Harriet has brought Shakespearean heroines and modern characters alike to life, earning acclaim for her fearless performances and lifelong commitment to storytelling. In this episode, Harriet reflects on decades of acting and the enduring power of theatre, exploring themes of forgiveness, loving later in life, health, daily rituals, and the mortality of assisted dying, where Harriet explains: “You can’t process death. It’s impossible to imagine or process… We’re sentient beings, we cannot conceive of not being.”
Series Four of The Third Act continues with Episode Eight, the original podcast from Auriens, hosted by Catherine Fairweather.
In this inspiring episode, legendary British fashion designer Zandra Rhodes reflects on her extraordinary journey from art college to international acclaim. She recounts the pivotal moment a meeting with Vogue editor Diana Vreeland opened the doors to success in the United States, and shares the story behind founding the Fashion and Textile Museum — a lasting legacy celebrating creativity and design.
With candour and characteristic optimism, Zandra speaks about the role of instinct, resilience and hard work in shaping her career, as well as her refreshing philosophy on ageing and experience:
“I don’t think we should live with regrets. We’ve got to think it was a bad decision and hope that we can regroup to make the right decision.”
A thoughtful and uplifting conversation, this episode explores creativity, courage, and what it truly means to live a life well lived.
In this episode, host Catherine Fairweather sits down with esteemed British author and journalist Sofka Zinovieff, whose latest book Stealing Dad has been described by The Observer as “funny, sad and full of beautiful writing.”Their conversation looks at the themes at the heart of Sofka’s work: inherited identity, complex family dynamics, and the rituals that, as she puts it, “give shape to loss.” Drawing on both personal experience and professional insight, Sofka discusses how these ideas informed Stealing Dad and why they continue to resonate with readers.
In tribute to Sir Tom Stoppard, who died last week, we are reposting this conversation from our archives.Sir Tom Stoppard was one of the most widely acclaimed playwrights and screenwriters of his generation. His award-winning body of work includes the screenplay for Shakespeare in Love and the plays Arcadia and The Real Thing. His final major work, Leopoldstadt—often described as his most personal play—is set in the Jewish community of early 20th-century Vienna. It won the Olivier Award for Best New Play after its celebrated West End run and is currently playing on Broadway.In this episode, Sir Tom speaks with Catherine Fairweather about his childhood, his writing process, the benefits of getting older, and the tick-tock of the universe.
Legendary Canadian journalist Graydon Carter joins Catherine Fairweather for Episode Five of The Third Act. Best known as the former Editor-in-Chief of Vanity Fair, co-founder of the ground-breaking satirical magazine Spy, and founder of the digital weekly Air Mail, Graydon has spent decades shaping how we read, think, and stay curious.In this episode, Graydon reflects on the golden age of print, the thrill and challenge of reinventing journalism for a digital world, and why satire should always “punch up.” He also shares his thoughts on keeping one’s mind sharp, staying endlessly inquisitive, and embracing the joy of reinvention in later life.
In this episode of The Third Act, host Catherine Fairweather sits down with acclaimed actress Jenny Seagrove. Known for her roles in Local Hero and A Woman of Substance, Jenny has also dedicated much of her life to animal welfare through the Mane Chance Sanctuary.Together, they explore themes of love, loss, resilience and the evolving journey of self-worth, and how Jenny continues to discover new purpose in later life.
This week, Catherine Fairweather is delighted to welcome the extraordinary garden designers Isabel and Julian Bannerman to the podcast. Since 1983, the Bannermans have created exceptional gardens, culminating in the honour of receiving the Royal Warrant from King Charles III in 2024. Speaking from their home at Ashington Manor in Somerset, they reflect on their favourite projects, their celebrated ‘no-rules’ approach, and their enduring philosophy of planting for future generations.
Hosted by journalist Catherine Fairweather, this episode features the celebrated British photographer Martin Parr. Together, they explore the quirks, curiosities and creative obsessions that have defined his career, and his unique way of looking at the world.Recorded at the Martin Parr Foundation, Catherine goes behind the scenes to reveal stories that go far beyond the lens. Parr’s attention to detail and his wry lens reshape our perspective on the British, while his observations on how we see beauty and seek pleasure resonate deeply with the concept of later living at Auriens, proud sponsors of this podcast.
In this episode, Harry Enfield joins Catherine Fairweather to reflect on the joy and legacy of his career. With his trademark mischievous wit and incisive humour, he has helped define British comedy. Together, they explore how humour shapes the way we connect and navigate life’s chapters while also revealing a few guilty pleasures and secret talents along the way.
Penelope Tree is as engaging a podcast guest as she is a debut novelist, captivating listeners with her intelligent candour and timeless elegance. Her reflections on her teenage and young adult years, filled with both glamour and grit, serve as the foundation for Piece of Your Heart—a novel that vividly captures the soaring highs and the frankly hellish lows of the 1960s fashion world. To pen such an accomplished debut novel in her 70s is not only an incredible achievement but also a source of inspiration. It’s a reminder that creativity knows no age and that it’s never too late to embrace new ambitions and share your story. It’s a novel and a story, that makes you feel there’s hope for us all.
Over drinks and the sound of clinking ice at Auriens, host Catherine Fairweather meets Bruce en route to his first major retrospective in Prague. He reflects on shaping the zeitgeist of the eighties and nineties with his sometimes provocative yet always glamorous campaigns for Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein. Bruce muses on a show that celebrates the unique relationships he forged with his subjects, from the late Stella Tennant, whom he deeply admired, to Kate Moss and countless others. We discuss how fortunate we were to experience the glory days of print journalism—and the unfortunate ways in which 9/11 truly marked the end of an era. Stay tuned for his favourite poem to live by at the end.
In this episode of The Third Act, Catherine Fairweather sits down over tea at Auriens Chelsea with British film and style icon, Bill Nighy. Together, they dive into his upcoming role in Joy, in which he portrays pioneering IVF surgeon Patrick Steptoe. Nighy also reflects on the highs and lows of life on stage, sharing candid stories about stage fright and the pressures of live performance. Join us for a droll conversation with 'a national treasure', whose dry and, sometimes, irreverent wit; and whose immaculate sense of timing has engaged audiences for decades
At 91, Dame Sheila Hancock reflects on a life rich in experiences which have sometimes tested, sometimes burnished her resilient and independent spirit. Known for her dynamic career on stage and screen— Cabaret, Sweeney Todd, and The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas—Dame Sheila has spent the more recent decades captivating a new audience of readers with her writing and sharp wit, the most recent being the captivating memoir of a long life well lived in Old Rage. Yet her drive extends well beyond the arts; Sheila is something of an activist and campaigner, whose life is as powered by compassion and espousing causes as it is a restless thirst for knowledge. This episode offers an inspiring glimpse into the wisdom, humour, and tenacity of one of the UK’s most talented Dames.
Host Catherine Fairweather is joined by the legendary Pattie Boyd, who many know her as the muse who inspired some of the greatest love songs of all time, but Pattie is much more than just a muse; she’s an accomplished photographer, an author, and a woman who has continually reinvented herself. In our latest episode, we dive into her fascinating life, the rumours of her demise, and how she's embraced a newfound freedom.
Explorer and environmentalist Robin Hanbury-Tenison recounts his life journey with host Catherine Fairweather, from early adventures in the far reaches to a near-death experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. They discuss his transformative coma visions, dedication to Indigenous rights and the environment with Survival International, and his transition from explorer to advocate for preserving natural and cultural heritage. Robin reflects on the evolution of exploration with modern technology and muses on the importance, psychologically, of getting lost.
In this episode of The Third Act, host Catherine Fairweather reconnects with Susannah Constantine, the famed TV presenter and fashion guru, after nearly three decades. Susannah opens up about her struggle with alcoholism, her path to sobriety, and the profound influence of her family history on her personal battles. She also shares humorous and poignant anecdotes about her experiences within royal circles and the evolution of her career.
Catherine Fairweather sits down with Bill Wyman, the iconic ex-Rolling Stones bassist, for an intimate conversation at Auriens Chelsa.Bill Wyman is the most unlikely rockstar, a man given to quieter pursuits such as metal-detecting, archiving, photography and writing - the latest memoir being Billy in the Wars which they discuss here over a glass of wine at Auriens. Catherine also talks to the legendary bassist about why he left The Rolling Stones at the height of its fame, how we can learn from our mistakes and bad, and the dual sense of loneliness and community in his wartime London childhood.Tune in to hear Catherine and Bill discuss gifts of later life and the legacy of love bestowed by his adored grandmother.
In this episode, former Bloomsbury editor-in-chief Alexandra Pringle shares her journey from a Chelsea girl to a leading figure in the literary world. With host, Catherine Fairweather she reminisces about her colourful Chelsea childhood, the romantic and challenging life on a houseboat, and her recent pivot to hosting writing masterclasses in Marrakesh. Alexandra opens up about her adventurous spirit, the significance of finding joy with her "Fun Squad," and her passion for storytelling, both in helping others and potentially exploring her own family history. She also touches on her views on financial independence, freedom of speech, and the importance of embracing risks and living fully at any age. Join us for an inspiring conversation that weaves together personal anecdotes, professional triumphs, and a zest for life.
Welcome to the third series of sparkling conversations with vintage minds. We're honoured to be speaking to Sir Michael Palin – a cultural icon, national treasure, and knighted in 2019 for his contributions to culture and travel. Known for his journeys covering 99 countries over three decades on the BBC and Channel 5’s “Palin’s Travels,” he embodies courteous curiosity and quintessential English charm. Yet, his observations often come from left field, reflecting the anarchy of his Monty Python days with unforgettable sketches and groundbreaking films like "Monty Python's Life of Brian."Also an author of nearly 15 publications, including novels, travelogues, and quirky limericks, we sat down at Auriens to get into it.
Listen to the trailer for the much-anticipated third series of our podcast, The Third Act. Writer and journalist Catherine Fairweather chats with some of the world's most experienced artists, adventurers, actors, and entrepreneurs – hearing tales of triumphs and setbacks, exploring the intimate secrets of a life well-lived, and unpacking tricks for ageing gracefully (or otherwise).Featuring legendary travel documentarian Michael Palin, renowned publisher Alexandra Pringle, rock icon Bill Wyman, and the indomitable Lady Glenconnor, who penned her first bestseller at 87. Warm, witty, and invariably wise, this series will leave you with the strong belief that the best is yet to come.
Tina Brown is the trailblazing dynamo and former editor of Tatler, Vanity Fair and The New Yorker and famous for bringing the heady mix of the high low to magazine content. Her latest book on the Royals, the Palace Papers was revelatory and brilliantly researched but even she couldn't predict the seismic changes in the past year, the death of the Queen, the coronation and fresh mudslinging from some familiar members of the family. On the eve of her launch of the Truth Tellers Summit in Investigative Journalism, Tina joins host Catherine Fairweather to muse over the trajectory of a stellar career that isn’t over yet.
This week we welcome actor, writer and all-round cultural powerhouse, Simon Callow to the Third Act podcast. It was his part as Mozart in Amadeus that made him a star in the world of theatre, while Four Weddings and a Funeral made him a household name. As well as penning biographies on a variety of geniuses from Vagner to Dickens, Callow has proved that he can also turn his talents to song and dance as a director and opera producer.With host Catherine Fairweather, this prolific storyteller muses over the unexpected joys of growing older and also recalls the many performers, writers, performances and events that have left an indelible mark on his life.
We are thrilled to welcome Paulene Stone, the face of the sixties and Auriens' latest advertising campaign, to the ninth episode of the podcast. David Bailey's iconic photograph of Paulene kneeling down to kiss a squirrel in the park, which helped launch both their careers hangs in her new bathroom at Auriens Chelsea. Married four times, widowed twice, a single mother at 23 years old and the tragic loss of two of her three adult children, her life is the stuff of novels. With host Catherine Fairweather, Paulene muses over the perils of leaving school without a vocation, finding her feet as a supermodel and the joys of finding new friends at Auriens.
The renowned photographer Steve McCurry's most famous image, Afghan Girl with the green eyes, is just a snapshot of a searing portfolio of work conjuring vanishing cultures and ancient traditions. Throughout his 40-year career which has taken him through some of the world’s most dangerous war zones, McCurry has demonstrated a unique ability to transcend boundaries of culture and language to discover and document the human experience.In our eighth episode, he takes time out of his global wanderings to discuss settling down, the intersection of art and reportage, as well as the challenges of this magnum photographer's life in the next act with host Catherine Fairweather.
Rosie Boycott, now Baroness Boycott, reaches the parts that other peers can't reach. She is guaranteed to hold strong views on a variety of subjects from food waste to feminism, from obesity to domesticity, to motherhood and marriage, to the environment and the legalisation of drugs. A true opinion former, she cut her editorial teeth as co-founder and editor of Spare Rib magazine before moving on to becoming editor of Esquire, The Independent and The Daily Express.A self-confessed recovering alcoholic, a smallholder, a literary guru and a committed traveller, Rosie discusses her passions and reinventions with host Catherine Fairweather in our seventh episode of The Third Act.
Theo Fennell is best known as a leading British jeweller and silverware designer who has specialised in original, handmade jewellery for over 40 years. He has also recently penned a self-deprecating yet heart-warming memoir “I Fear For This Boy” at the age of 70, which depicts his journey from financial despair to the glittering celebrity world of the rich and famous.With host Catherine Fairweather in our sixth episode of The Third Act podcast, he muses over sobriety, the consequences of his ill-judged outfit on the first day of art school and the perils of taking one's self too seriously.
English society and celebrity photographer Richard Young is self-taught and started experimenting with a gifted Nikon camera on the streets of London in the seventies. Now with a career spanning almost 5 decades, Young has photographed the likes of Kate Moss, Tracey Emin and Sir Elton John as well as publishing four books. With Catherine Fairweather, he discusses his first big break photographing a recently released Paul Getty III and reflects on the immense scope of his career.
John Kasmin, or 'Kas' as he's better known, is one of the most well-known art dealers and collectors. He is perhaps best known for representing David Hockney who was one of Kas's first artists when he set up his own gallery in 1963. Whereas most galleries at the time were domestic in scale, Kas was the first to open his gallery in a large white space to better focus on the work itself. With Catherine Fairweather, he talks about hitchhiking around the world in his teenage years, saving Hockney from poverty, giving up alcohol, his "good eye" for art and his trademark glasses.
Julia Samuel MBE is one of the UK's foremost pyschotherapists and grief counsellors. Author of three books and a regular columnist for The Times, she has been described as the person the nation turns to in times of tragedy and despair. Over a cup of tea at Auriens with Catherine Fairweather, Julia talks about her childhood and the loss and grief suffered by own family. She shares her thoughts on the archetypal British stiff upper lip as a way of coping and love being the strongest medication.
Sir Tom Stoppard is one of the most widely acclaimed playwrights and screenwriters of his generation. His award-winning body of work includes the screenplay for Shakespeare In Love and the plays Arcadia and The Real Thing. His latest work, Leopoldstadt (which has been described as perhaps his most personal play) is set in the Jewish community of early 20th-century Vienna. It won the Olivier Award for Best New Play after its successful run in the West End and is currently playing on Broadway. Tom Stoppard talks with Catherine Fairweather about his childhood, his writing process, the benefits of getting older and the tick tock of the universe.
Michael Heseltine is perhaps best known as a politician and former Secretary of State for the Environment. But he is also a successful entrepreneur, publisher and property developer. In addition, he also has a keen interest in nature and, with his wife, has created one of the UK's most beautiful arboretums. Presenter Catherine Fairweather talks to Lord Heseltine about his time in politics but also about Brexit, dyslexia, risk and his long-standing love of trees.
The Third Act is back by popular demand for a second season of sparkling conversations with vintage minds. Brought to you by Auriens, new episodes will drop weekly from 15th February. Across the series, journalist Catherine Fairweather will be breaking bread with twelve national treasures, and asking them to share their secrets of a life well lived. Guests include playwright Tom Stoppard, journalist Rosie Boycott, politician Michael Heseltine, actor Simon Callow, photographer Steve McCurry and psychotherapist Julia Samuel.
For the final episode of this series, Catherine Fairweather talks to renowned photographer, Sir Don McCullin CBE. For the past 50 years he has proved himself a photojournalist without equal, whether documenting the poverty of London’s East End, or the horrors of wars in Africa, Asia or the Middle East. Simultaneously he has proved an adroit artist capable of beautifully arranged still lifes, soulful portraits and moving landscapes. He also happens to be Catherine's husband which allows her to ask questions she has never yet asked him - about his reputation as a hard-bitten war photographer, his thirst to learn about new cultures and their very first meeting.
While she may be best known for the popular TV series Hart to Hart, Stefanie Powers has made over 30 films as well as 25 mini-series and numerous plays. Alongside her acting career, she is a passionate conservationist having established the William Holden Wildlife Foundation to further her long time partner's work in East Africa. In this penultimate episode of the first series of The Third Act she talks with Catherine Fairweather about her career, her charity work and the challenges of show business.
Colonel John Blashford-Snell CBE is one of the world's most respected and renowned explorers. The founder of the Scientific Exploration Society and Operation Raleigh, his many expeditions include a complete navigation of the Congo River and the first vehicular journey from Alaska to Cape Horn. He also 'invented' white-water rafting during a particularly perilous descent of the Blue Nile in Ethiopia. At the age of 85 he is already planning his next trip to Bolivia. But he takes time out of his preparations to talk with Catherine Fairweather about how he first discovered his love of exploring, the importance of continually challenging yourself and his brush with the Loch Ness monster.
Brigid Keenan was the youngest ever fashion editor at The Sunday Times when she joined the paper in the 1960's. However she gave up her career when she married a diplomat and, in her own words, became 'a trailing spouse'. During her time living in seven different countries, she has written seven books. Her most successful, 'Diplomatic Baggage', was written while in her 60's and is about to republished this summer. Over lunch with Catherine Fairweather, she talks about choosing between marriage and career, her amazing recovery from a stroke 5 years ago and her thoughts on getting older.
Johnny Roxburgh is a party architect who has worked in the events industry for over 40 years. He has dreamt up parties around the globe for everyone from HM The Queen to Sting and played a key role in many landmark events such as Prince William's 21st birthday. With Catherine Fairweather, he discusses bringing his clients ideas to life including floating a tent on the Mediterranean for a dinner for 400 people, organising his own wedding and his secrets to living well.
The colourful and sometime controversial Lt Cl Tim Spicer is a 20 year veteran of the British Army who has found new success as an author. A former Commanding Office of the Scots Guards, Tim saw active service in the Falklands, the Gulf War and the Balkans. Along with An Unorthodox Soldier, an account of his military life, Tim's most recent book is A Dangerous Enterprise which tells the tale of a secret mission by the Navy during World War II to rescue agents from occupied France. With Catherine Fairweather, he talks about the balance between discipline and indulgence, his love of adventure and living life "on the sharp end of things".
One of the UK's most respected actresses, Dame Harriet Walter is currently enjoying great success with recent appearances in hit TV shows such as Succession, Killing Eve, The Crown and Downton Abbey as well as Ridley Scott's latest film The Duel. She talks with Catherine Fairweather about playing 'nasty characters', the secrets to ageing well, the perks of getting married in your 60's and why British stage actors do so well in Hollywood.
Former Arts Editor, John Preston's Third Act sees him enjoying huge success in his 60's. He is the author of books including A Very English Scandal, which became an award-winning TV series starring Hugh Grant, and The Dig, which was adapted into a film starring Ralph Fiennes and Carey Mulligan. Drawn to writing about rogues and risk-takers, John talks about his work including The Fall, his recent book about Robert Maxwell, as well as about finding success later in life. He also discusses his latest work, an upcoming TV drama about Labour minister John Stonehouse which stars Matthew Macfadyen and Keeley Hawes.
Born in Tokyo, raised in Hawaii, Marie Helvin is one the most highly regarded supermodels who graced the cover of Vogue on multiple occasions. Well known for her work with photographer David Bailey, Marie talks about how excited she is for the next stage in her life as she approaches 70.
On this episode Catherine Fairweather chats with Carinthia West. A model, actress, photographer, writer and a muse to rock icons, she was discovered on Chelsea's King's Road. Carinthia always kept a camera by her side, capturing intimate moments of star-studded names who crossed her path such as The Rolling Stones, Carly Simon and Neil Young.
Described as "one of the most important characters in British design" Nicky Haslam is a man who needs no introduction. A friend to everyone from the Duchess of Windsor and Cole Porter to Paris Hilton, Nicky is a successful interior designer, author and raconteur. (Just don't call him a socialite!) Nicky chats to Catherine Fairweather about his life, relationships and work as well as his love of Sicily, surgery and The Times crossword.
Renowned designer Bruce Oldfield has dressed royalty of all sorts from Princess Diana and Diana Ross to Rihanna. He talks to Catherine Fairweather about having to restart his business during lockdown while also revealing the secrets to dressing well in later life, his fashion icons and the secrets to success.
Teasers from some series guests including designer Nicky Haslam, actress Stefanie Powers, photographer Carinthia West, author Tim Spicer and couturier Bruce Oldfield.