In a world where connections often feel fleeting, the collaboration between Miriam Margolyes and Simon Draper stands out as a poignant reminder of the beauty of human relationships. Their podcast, pitched as Margolyes’ ‘final act’, encapsulates not only the essence of their individual journeys but also the deep bond they have forged over the years. The stakes are high, as this creative endeavor represents a culmination of their shared experiences, hopes, and dreams.
Simon Draper, a seasoned TV director, found himself captivated by Margolyes’ vibrant personality and unique perspective on life. Known for her roles in beloved productions like Harry Potter and Call The Midwife, the 84-year-old actress has lived a life rich with stories. Draper, who previously collaborated with her on the 2016 documentary The Real Marigold on Tour, described the challenge of working with Margolyes as both exhilarating and daunting. “I thought getting Miriam Margolyes to make a podcast would be easy, after all, everyone’s doing them, but Miriam’s lifestyle is bonkers,” he remarked, highlighting the unpredictability that comes with her vibrant existence.
Over the course of two years, Draper and Margolyes managed to create just five episodes, a testament to the complexities of their collaboration. Draper even went so far as to sell his guitar collection to finance his travels to Australia, where he worked closely with Margolyes. This sacrifice underscores the depth of their commitment to this project, which aims to capture the essence of Margolyes’ life and the relationships that have shaped her.
Margolyes, who has made over £320,000 from Cameo requests, has a unique lifestyle that reflects her artistic spirit. Living in the basement of her Clapham home with two lodgers, Emily and George, she has created a family-like atmosphere. George, one of her lodgers, shared, “We’re like a family: we eat together, work together and most of all love one another deeply, despite it sometimes feeling like the three of us couldn’t be more different.” This sentiment resonates throughout the podcast, as it explores themes of love, companionship, and the quirks of everyday life.
As Margolyes prepares for a new chapter in her life, planning to move to Tuscany with her partner Heather Sutherland after recently putting her Australian home up for sale, the podcast serves as a reflection of her journey. Having purchased the property in 1993, Margolyes is now ready to embrace change. “The world around us has lost its charm. And we just want each other in a beautiful place which we know,” she expressed, revealing her desire for a serene and fulfilling life in Tuscany.
The podcast, along with the documentary Miriam Margolyes Made Me Me airing on BBC Two, showcases the rich tapestry of Margolyes’ life, filled with laughter, love, and a touch of chaos. Draper’s admiration for Margolyes shines through as he notes, “She has the amazing power to draw the people-pleaser out of everyone, including me.” This dynamic is at the heart of their podcast, where each episode invites listeners into their world, filled with genuine moments and heartfelt discussions.
As they continue to navigate this creative journey together, the future remains uncertain. With only five episodes completed, fans are left wondering what more lies ahead for this dynamic duo. Details remain unconfirmed, but the anticipation surrounding their collaboration is palpable. Will they continue to share their stories, or will this be the final chapter of their podcasting adventure? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the impact of their work will resonate with audiences for years to come.
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