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The Last Line

The Last Line

By James Albarn

Join filmmaker, writer and comedian, James Albarn, as he has interesting chats with interesting figures in the arts and culture, every week.
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23. Stewart Lee

The Last LineFeb 03, 2021

00:00
01:15:37
39. bdrmm
Jun 29, 202355:14
38. Paul Machliss
Apr 24, 202301:28:57
37. Alex Lowe
Apr 02, 202356:46
Crew's Next - Episode 01. Who Is Bernard Handy? - The Prestige

Crew's Next - Episode 01. Who Is Bernard Handy? - The Prestige

Hello Last Line listeners! James here to tell you all about my new podcast with my good friend Elsa Grace, called Crew's Next. Crew's Next is THE podcast about film. Every other week, join James Albarn and Elsa Grace as they review and discuss a film that they have chosen from the filmography of a crew member that worked on the previous film they discussed. They start with Christopher Nolan's Prestige but who knows where they will end up as each different crew members filmography takes them to different years, genres and, let's be honest, quality levels!

In the inaugural episode of Crew's Next? James and Elsa discuss Christopher Nolan's 2006 film, The Prestige. Starring Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale, The Prestige is a physiological thriller, written by Nolan and his brother Jonathan and based on the 1995 novel by Christopher Priest. It follows Robert Angier and Alfred Borden, rival stage magicians in Victorian London who feud over a perfect teleportation trick.

James and Elsa discuss the film's morally questionable characters, the wonderful double act of David Bowie and Andy Serkis and get their teeth stuck into some of the film's many twists and turns before diving into the credits of the film to pick what they'll be watching next from one of the crew's filmography.

Please give it a listen and you can subscribe and listen to future episodes of Crew's Next at the links below:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/40PpDn9ufnC6kvgobtZJ5T?si=82404faa96184bc9

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/crews-next-the-podcast-about-film/id1679037718

Mar 29, 202356:58
36. Clive Stafford Smith OBE

36. Clive Stafford Smith OBE

In this episode of The Last Line, James talks to Clive Stafford Smith a lawyer specialising in civil rights and working against the death penalty in the United States. Recorded in 2021, they discuss the differences between the UK and US criminal justice systems, Clive's work as a lawyer representing those detained in Guantanamo Bay, the death penalty and the response he receives from the public when doing his work. 

Clive co-founded Reprieve in 1999, an organisation that defends marginalised people facing human rights abuses, spotlights cases of injustice and works with Governments to improve legislation. Clive has personally represented over 300 prisoners facing the death penalty in the southern United States and only ever took on the cases of those who could not afford a lawyer and prevented the death penalty in all but six cases.

Clive has also represented more than 80 of the detainees held as enemy combatants since 2002 at the US Guantanamo Bay detention camp and continues to do for the men that are still held there today. He left Reprieve after 15 years and has established a new non-profit called 3DCentre. In 2005, Clive was awarded the Gandhi International Peace Award. 

Clive's TED Talk: https://youtu.be/gMNlRovT5x4

Defending Guantanamo Bay Prisoners VICE Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Hh6avQkijI

Mos Def Force Fed Under Standard Guantanamo Bay Procedure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6ACE-BBPRs

If you have enjoyed the show then please join James on Instagram @jamesalbarn and Twitter @jamesalbarn.

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Mar 17, 202357:33
35. Stephen Tobolowsky
Feb 13, 202258:33
34. Ace Ruele
Dec 07, 202101:06:35
33. Iain Lee
Nov 08, 202101:22:19
32. Tom Williams - Follow The Leader - Track By Track

32. Tom Williams - Follow The Leader - Track By Track

In this episode of The Last Line, James talks to friend of the podcast, singer/songwriter Tom Williams about his latest album Follow The Leader. They discuss the album track by track, exploring the themes of the album, Tom's songwriting process and his collaboration with his band members as well as touching upon some of his inspirations. 

Tom is a singer/songwriter that came to prominence with the band Tom Williams & The Boat who released three albums between 2010 and 2014. After taking a break from band duties Tom released two solo acoustic albums, New House & New Guitar before releasing All Change in 2017 which was chosen as one of the Top Ten albums of that year by BBC 6Music. Tom released his latest studio album, What Did You Want To Be? in 2019 whose tour culminated in a rip-roaring concert at London's Scala, about which James made a documentary that you can find a link to below. His new album Follow The Leader is out now, links to purchase physical copies of the album on Tom's online store are below.

Follow The Leader (Music Video): https://youtu.be/TMaa9dtNqFo

You can buy Follow The Leader here: https://tom-williams-music.myshopify.com/collections/follow-the-leader

Tom Williams - The Scala (Documentary Film): https://youtu.be/MV8mBjmaehs

James's other podcast with musician George Kerridge, Getting Pretentious, can be found at the links below:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/getting-pretentious/id1504881437

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/48GqHY4cQVgTPw9F7EoEuX?si=STXHzOwuTeGzk6_eOpqpWgIf 

If you have enjoyed the show then please join James on Instagram @jamesalbarn and Twitter @jamesalbarn, follow the podcast on Instagram @thelastlinepodcast and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thelastlinepodcast.

You can donate to the show via Patreon at www.patreon.com/thelastline

Jul 29, 202101:26:59
31. Ellie White

31. Ellie White

In this episode of The Last Line, James talks to comedy actor and writer Ellie White. During their conversation, recorded earlier in the year, they talk about Ellie's work including her work with Natasia Demetriou and her appearance on This Time With Alan Partridge, as well as discussing some of Ellie's favourite reality television programmes from the early noughties and the idea of darkness in comedy.

Ellie White is an English comedy actress and writer who attended the University of Bristol where she met fellow comedy actors and writers Jamie Demetriou and Natasia Demetriou, now her long-time comedy partner. White has appeared in a number of television programmes including Stath Lets Flats, Murder in Successville, This Time with Alan Partridge and Semi-Detached. Since 2016 she has played Princess Beatrice in the comedy programme The Windsors and was the lead role in Holly Walsh's sitcom The Other One

Sexy American Girls: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5PCDxIjJNw

Lamp Lady: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRRmB79ox4U

Life Of An Internet Troll: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=To7UmquS_Bk

James's other podcast with musician George Kerridge, Getting Pretentious, can be found at the links below:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/getting-pretentious/id1504881437

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/48GqHY4cQVgTPw9F7EoEuX?si=STXHzOwuTeGzk6_eOpqpWgIf 

If you have enjoyed the show then please join James on Instagram @jamesalbarn and Twitter @jamesalbarn, follow the podcast on Instagram @thelastlinepodcast and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thelastlinepodcast.

You can donate to the show via Patreon at www.patreon.com/thelastline

Jul 16, 202101:11:20
30. Joe Dittmar (9/11 Survivor)

30. Joe Dittmar (9/11 Survivor)

In this episode of The Last Line, James talks to Joseph Dittmar Sr. a 2 World Trade Center survivor of 11th September 2001. Joseph founded the Always Remember Initiative to keep the voices, spirits and memories of the 3,000 victims of that day alive. Joseph makes regular presentations telling the story of the day free of charge simply to make sure that it is never forgotten.

This year, 2021, marks the 20th anniversary of 9/11. 

Joseph Dittmar Sr. - The Always Remember Initiative: http://www.wtceskp.com/home.html

*This episode describes Joseph's experiences in New York on the day of 9/11. As a result, there will be content that you may find upsetting.*

James's other podcast with musician George Kerridge, Getting Pretentious, can be found at the links below:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/getting-pretentious/id1504881437

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/48GqHY4cQVgTPw9F7EoEuX?si=STXHzOwuTeGzk6_eOpqpWgIf 

If you have enjoyed the show then please join James on Instagram @jamesalbarn and Twitter @jamesalbarn, follow the podcast on Instagram @thelastlinepodcast and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thelastlinepodcast.

You can donate to the show via Patreon at www.patreon.com/thelastline

Jun 09, 202101:23:36
29. Charles Cave (White Lies)

29. Charles Cave (White Lies)

In this episode of The Last Line, James talks to songwriter, bassist and member of the band White Lies, Charles Cave. They discuss the 10th Anniversary of the band's debut album To Lose My Life and the 10 Year Anniversary Tour they did in celebration, their "difficult second album" Ritual, the ways in which the band's approach to songwriting has changed and the band's influences.

White Lies are an English post-punk band from London comprising of Harry McVeigh on lead vocals and guitar, Charles Cave on bass guitar and backing vocals and Jack Lawrence-Brown on drums. The band started life under the name Fear Of Flying but, despite early success, retired the band name when they started writing the darker material that would eventually become White Lies. Their first album To Lose My Life debuted at number one in the UK charts in 2009. Since then, White Lies have released four more studio albums; Ritual, Big TV, Friends & 2019's Five. 

White Lies - To Lose My Life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGEjz12YLiM

White Lies - Bigger Than Us: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JW0yynlDmqQ

White Lies - Time To Give: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vz50W0hM0XE

James's other podcast with musician George Kerridge, Getting Pretentious, can be found at the links below:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/getting-pretentious/id1504881437

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/48GqHY4cQVgTPw9F7EoEuX?si=STXHzOwuTeGzk6_eOpqpWgIf 

If you have enjoyed the show then please join James on Instagram @jamesalbarn and Twitter @jamesalbarn, follow the podcast on Instagram @thelastlinepodcast and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thelastlinepodcast.

You can donate to the show via Patreon at www.patreon.com/thelastline

Apr 28, 202101:14:54
28. Beth Jennings

28. Beth Jennings

In this episode of The Last Line, James talks to animal welfare campaigner and founder of the Claws Out Campaign, Beth Jennings. The Claws Out Campaign aims to end the exploitation of captive lions in South Africa. There is a clear correlation between the growth of the captive lion industry and the plummeting of wild lion numbers across Africa. The Claws Out Campaign seeks to make volunteers and tourists more aware of the role they are playing in contributing to the lion bone trade and canned hunting industry. 

After volunteering to 'Live with Lion Cubs in South Africa' in 2015, Beth realised that instead of making a contribution to lion conservation, she was actually faced with the harsh reality regarding the treatment of lions throughout the country. On her return to the UK she committed to raise awareness through her experience, aiming to educate potential volunteers about what is really happening within these parks. This grew into The Claws Out Campaign. Alongside her work with The Claws Out Campaign, Beth works for Four Paws International, and, as James and Beth discuss in the podcast, campaigns against the illegal puppy trade in Europe and the dog and cat meat trade in South East Asia.

Claws Out: https://www.claws-out.com

CLAWS OUT: The Truth About Cub Petting (Short Film): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=el9cSw2BtH4

Four Paws South Africa: https://www.four-paws.org.za/

Born Free Foundation: https://www.bornfree.org.uk/

Blood Lions: https://bloodlions.org/

James's other podcast with musician George Kerridge, Getting Pretentious, can be found at the links below:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/getting-pretentious/id1504881437

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/48GqHY4cQVgTPw9F7EoEuX?si=STXHzOwuTeGzk6_eOpqpWgIf 

If you have enjoyed the show then please join James on Instagram @jamesalbarn and Twitter @jamesalbarn, follow the podcast on Instagram @thelastlinepodcast and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thelastlinepodcast.

You can donate to the show via Patreon at www.patreon.com/thelastline

Apr 02, 202101:01:27
27. Tom Allen

27. Tom Allen

In this episode of The Last Line, James talks to comedian, actor, writer and presenter Tom Allen. Their conversation includes Tom's thoughts on the television drama It's A Sin, Tom's comedy influences, his time spent at the National Youth Theatre and the idea of shame, a subject that Tom covers extensively in his book No Shame.

Tom Allen is a comedian, actor, writer and presenter. In 2005, Tom won the So You Think You're Funny contest against notable names such as Sarah Millican, Joe Wilkinson, Kevin Bridges and friend of the podcast Stuart Goldsmith. As well as his work in stand-up comedy Allen is known to many as a television presenter hosting shows such as Bake Off: The Professionals, The Apprentice: You're Fired and as a regular contributor on The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice. At the end of 2020, Tom released his book No Shame: The Hilarious and Candid Memoir from One of Our Best-Loved Comedians which delves into his childhood, adolescence, and sexuality with his trademark caustic wit and warmth. A link to the book is below:

Tom Allen - No Shame:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/No-Shame-hilarious-best-loved-comedians/dp/1529348900

James's other podcast with musician George Kerridge, Getting Pretentious, can be found at the links below:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/getting-pretentious/id1504881437

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/48GqHY4cQVgTPw9F7EoEuX?si=STXHzOwuTeGzk6_eOpqpWgIf 

If you have enjoyed the show then please join James on Instagram @jamesalbarn and Twitter @jamesalbarn, follow the podcast on Instagram @thelastlinepodcast and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thelastlinepodcast.

You can donate to the show via Patreon at www.patreon.com/thelastline

Mar 10, 202101:13:34
26. Matthew Field

26. Matthew Field

In this episode of The Last Line, James talks to writer, documentary filmmaker, director and producer Matthew Field about his book, that he co-wrote with Ajay Chowdhury, Some Kind Of Hero: The Remarkable Story of the James Bond Films. As well as talking all things Bond, they also discuss The Italian Job, a film about which Matthew is considered a leading authority and his work on behind the scenes documentaries about films such as Terminator 2 and Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again!.

Matthew began his writing career with the book, The Making of The Italian Job, later co-producing and directing a feature length documentary about the film in 2009. He has written numerous books on cinema, notably including the autobiography of Oscar-winning film producer Michael Deeley entitled Blade Runners, Deer Hunters and Blowing the Bloody Doors Off! Matthew has worked on a number of feature films producing behind-the-scenes documentaries and in 2015 released the book Some Kind of Hero: The Remarkable Story of the James Bond Films that he co-wrote with Ajay Chowdhury going into deep detail of the story of the making of the James Bond films in the definitive book for James Bond fans.

James's other podcast with musician George Kerridge, Getting Pretentious, can be found at the links below:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/getting-pretentious/id1504881437

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/48GqHY4cQVgTPw9F7EoEuX?si=STXHzOwuTeGzk6_eOpqpWgIf 

If you have enjoyed the show then please join James on Instagram @jamesalbarn and Twitter @jamesalbarn, follow the podcast on Instagram @thelastlinepodcast and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thelastlinepodcast.

You can donate to the show via Patreon at www.patreon.com/thelastline

Feb 17, 202101:00:49
25. Toby Segar

25. Toby Segar

In this episode of The Last Line, James talks to Parkour athlete, filmmaker and member of STORROR, Toby Segar. During their conversation recorded earlier this year, they discuss the origins of Parkour, how Toby developed his craft as a filmmaker and athlete, STORROR's work on Michael Bay's 6 Underground and they even discuss Toby's love for the film Avatar.

Toby Segar is a parkour athlete and filmmaker and member of the parkour team STORROR. STORROR is a professional parkour and specialist stunt performance team, participating in work for movies, advertising, live performances and much more. The team is comprised of seven members, Max and Benj Cave, Drew Taylor, Callum and Sacha Powell, Josh Burnett-Blake and Toby Segar. At the time of writing this they have over 6.8 Million subscribers on their YouTube page which is linked below.

STORROR YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/StorrorBlog

STORROR Website: https://www.storror.com

Toby Segar Leaves Everyone Speechless on Ninja Warrior UK: https://youtu.be/vs0K_yIM800

James's other podcast with musician George Kerridge, Getting Pretentious, can be found at the links below:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/getting-pretentious/id1504881437

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/48GqHY4cQVgTPw9F7EoEuX?si=STXHzOwuTeGzk6_eOpqpWgIf 

If you have enjoyed the show then please join James on Instagram @jamesalbarn and Twitter @jamesalbarn, follow the podcast on Instagram @thelastlinepodcast and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thelastlinepodcast.

You can donate to the show via Patreon at www.patreon.com/thelastline

Feb 10, 202101:12:29
24. Michael Cumming

24. Michael Cumming

In this episode of The Last Line, James talks to filmmaker Michael Cumming about his new film King Rocker, a documentary about Robert Lloyd, lead singer of 70's post-punk band The Nightingales. During their conversation they discuss the new film, its central protagonist Robert Lloyd, Michael's work on Chris Morris's now legendary Brass Eye and the surprise success of Matt Berry's Toast of London.

Michael Cumming is a director and filmmaker whose back catalogue includes Chris Morris's Brass Eye and Michael's subsequent film about it Oxide Ghosts, Matt Lucas & David Walliams in Rock Profile, the cult classic Snuff Box with Matt Berry. Michael worked with Matt Berry again when he directed the BAFTA winning Toast Of London. 

King Rocker airs on Sky Arts on Saturday 6th February at 9PM. It is presented and written by Stewart Lee who appears in Episode 23 of the podcast.

King Rocker Trailer: https://youtu.be/UEUuvN9S9I4

To see more of Michael's work check out the links below:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/youmatico

Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/michaelcumming

Website: http://www.michaelcumming.co.uk

James's other podcast with musician George Kerridge, Getting Pretentious, can be found at the links below:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/getting-pretentious/id1504881437

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/48GqHY4cQVgTPw9F7EoEuX?si=STXHzOwuTeGzk6_eOpqpWgIf 

If you have enjoyed the show then please join James on Instagram @jamesalbarn and Twitter @jamesalbarn, follow the podcast on Instagram @thelastlinepodcast and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thelastlinepodcast.

You can donate to the show via Patreon at www.patreon.com/thelastline

Feb 03, 202101:11:22
23. Stewart Lee

23. Stewart Lee

In this episode of The Last Line, James talks to comedian Stewart Lee about his new film King Rocker, a documentary about Robert Lloyd, lead singer of 70's post-punk band The Nightingales. During their conversation they discuss the new film, its central protagonist Robert Lloyd, stand up comedy, Stewart's propensity to defend stand up comedians against the views of the general public and his reluctance to participate in podcast interviews.

Stewart Lee is a stand up comedian, writer and director who, in the 90s, was one half of the comedy duo Lee and Herring. After writing and performing in Fist of Fun with Richard Herring, Lee went on to co-write and co-direct West End musical Jerry Springer: The Opera. Stewart is well-known for his stand up comedy and his television series' Stewart Lee's Comedy Vehicle and The Alternative Comedy Experience

King Rocker airs on Sky Arts on Saturday 6th February at 9PM. It is directed by filmmaker Michael Cumming who features in the next episode of The Last Line.

King Rocker Trailer: https://youtu.be/UEUuvN9S9I4

James's other podcast with musician George Kerridge, Getting Pretentious, can be found at the links below:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/getting-pretentious/id1504881437

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/48GqHY4cQVgTPw9F7EoEuX?si=STXHzOwuTeGzk6_eOpqpWgIf 

If you have enjoyed the show then please join James on Instagram @jamesalbarn and Twitter @jamesalbarn, follow the podcast on Instagram @thelastlinepodcast and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thelastlinepodcast.

You can donate to the show via Patreon at www.patreon.com/thelastline

Feb 03, 202101:15:37
22. Stephen Tobolowsky
May 15, 202001:13:16
Getting Pretentious - Episode 01. The 1975 - A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships
Mar 27, 202052:29
21. Tom Williams

21. Tom Williams

Mar 24, 202056:40
20. Richard Porter - Part Two
Dec 20, 201901:23:46
19. Richard Porter - Part One
Dec 16, 201959:42
18. Stuart Goldsmith
Dec 08, 201901:05:28
17. Gordon Buchanan
Oct 11, 201958:19
16. Mick West
Sep 30, 201959:49
15. Alex Lowe
Aug 12, 201901:03:08
14. Stephen Tobolowsky
Jul 20, 201901:09:57
13. Jake Meyer
Jul 05, 201901:04:06
12. Sir John Curtice
Jun 21, 201901:01:60
11. Nick Helm

11. Nick Helm

After a long hiatus, The Last Line is back! 


In this episode James talks to comedian, actor and musician Nick Helm. Nick has been performing shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival since the early 2000s and came to prominence with his 2010 show Keep Hold of the Gold. His 2011 follow-up, Dare To Dream was nominated for the Fosters best comedy show award and won Dave's award for the funniest joke of the 2011 Edinburgh Fringe. Nick regularly appears on television in shows such as 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, Russell Howard's Good News and The Boyle Variety Performance.


In 2014 Nick starred in the lead role in the BBC Three sitcom Uncle which continued until 2017. In 2017 Helm starred in the Channel 4 sitcom Loaded and starred in his own comedic food documentary series Eat Your Heart Out on Dave. Nick is also a BAFTA nominee for his short film Elephant which he co-wrote and co-starred with Esther Smith in 2015. 


During my conversation with Nick at The Pleasance Theatre in London, we touched upon subjects such as Nick's early forays into the world of stand-up, the process of building up to play longer shows, not being deterred by the opinions of others and had a rather long and scientific conversation about belly button fluff.


If you have enjoyed the show then please join me on Instagram @jamesalbarn and Twitter @jamesalbarn, follow the podcast on Instagram @thelastlinepodcast and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thelastlinepodcast.


You can donate to the show via Patreon at www.patreon.com/thelastline 

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Jun 07, 201901:01:26
10. Jerry Buting
Oct 22, 201801:17:22
09. Harald Grosskopf & Eberhard Kranemann (Krautwerk)
Sep 18, 201846:23
08. David Neiwert
Sep 05, 201859:26
07. James Toseland
Aug 20, 201801:05:18
06. Jack Bourke (City Calm Down)
Jul 30, 201848:08
05. Ellie Flynn
Jul 16, 201847:05
04. Tom Williams
Jul 02, 201850:23
03. Shaun Attwood
Jun 19, 201859:06
02. J. Willgoose Esq. (Public Service Broadcasting)
Jun 04, 201859:26
01. Shaun Keaveny
May 21, 201852:25