Pottering with Tom Allen

Эпизоды

• 
  Dorothy Atkinson 10.09.2026 1ч 6мин

  This week, I am joined in the garden by star of stage and screen, Dorothy Atkinson!  You may know Dorothy from the brilliant BBC hit series Ludwig, Mum or perhaps Mr Turner. She's also currently staring in Alan Ayckbourn’s How the Other Half Loves at the Old Vic Theatre, so please do check that out! 🎭 We chat freezing film sets, theatrical mishaps and taking Brief Encounter to Broadway, with David Bowie in the audience no less! Plus, growing up around a flower nursery. 💐 So, dig out your gardening gloves, put those cucumbers to one side, and come Pottering with us. 🥒 🎧 Watch on YouTube and Spotify, or listen wherever you get your podcasts. And please like and subscribe, @tomallen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Uncle Andy 03.09.2026 1ч 1мин

  This week, I welcome someone particularly special into the garden, Uncle Andy! 🌿✨ A close family friend, Uncle Andy was the first person I knew who worked in the glittering world of show business and, to a tiny Tom Allen, proof that a life on the stage was possible! 🎭 We chat about his extraordinary years in the theatre, from eight shows a week with Angela Lansbury to working with THE Barbra Streisand. We also delve into Polari, the realities of being gay in the performing arts and take a truly delightful trip down memory lane. I do very much hope you enjoy! So, curtains up! Grab yourself a freshly squeezed orange juice, settle into your finest chair, and come Pottering with us. 🪴 🎧 Watch on YouTube and Spotify, or listen wherever you get your podcasts. And please do like and subscribe, or leave a review! @tomallen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• 
  JB Gill 27.08.2026 1ч 1мин

  This week, I am joined in the garden by the wonderful JB Gill! 🚜 From boyband sensation JLS to The One Show sofa, there's plenty of reasons to know JB, and these days he’s just as at home in a pair of wellies as he is on stage! It was such a pleasure to have him pop by for a spot of Pottering. 🌱 We chat about boybands and barnyards, the beauty of bees, and teaching the next generation all about the countryside on CBeebies. We also hear about his appearance on ITV’s The Box which is all rather exciting! So, without wanting to Beat Again around the bush, pull on your wellies, pop the kettle on and join us for some Pottering. 🪴 🎧 Watch on YouTube and Spotify, or listen wherever you get your podcasts. And please do like and subscribe, or leave a review! @tomallen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• 
  Gaby French 20.08.2026 54мин

  This week, I've had the pleasure of being joined by the wonderfully talented Gaby French in the garden! 🌿✨ Actor extraordinaire and self-proclaimed Toby Carvery Ambassador, Gaby has appeared everywhere from Enola Holmes and, Alfie's favourite, Military Wives to the award-winning Broadway production of Hangmen. It was a real treat to have a good old catch up! We discuss life on stage and screen, the Carvery tales and nights out in Cardiff. We also hear all about Gaby's pandemic project in her parents' garden and so much more! A true delight, I do hope you enjoy! So, settle into your favourite garden chair, rest those vocal cords and let the Pottering commence! 🪴 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• 
  Nina Conti 13.08.2026 44мин

  This week I was joined among the sunflowers by the fabulous Nina Conti! 🌻 Ventriloquist, writer and director, it was so lovely to catch up and reminisce over our first meeting in Edinburgh many moons ago. Nina is back up at the Fringe next week with the delightfully named Nina's C*nti Cabaret, and do also catch her brand new film Sunlight, available now on Prime Video. 🐒 We chat the snobbery of theatre, monkey business in New Mexico and the shininess of the 80s ladybird. We also briefly discuss growing drugs in our back garden, which is neither medically nor horticulturally accurate. 🐞🌱So yes, take off that monkey suit, pour yourself a refreshing drink and settle in for another dose of Pottering. 🪴 🎧 Watch on YouTube and Spotify, or listen wherever you get your podcasts. And please do like and subscribe, @tomallen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• 
  Anna Haugh 06.08.2026 1ч 10мин

  This week, I am joined in the garden by the incredibly talented and absolutely joyous Anna Haugh! 🌿✨ Irish chef, restaurateur and MasterChef judge, Anna brought with her the most wonderful selection of goodies, which were, unsurprisingly, delicious. 🇮🇪🍽️ Warning: this episode may make you rather hungry! 😋 We chat about the importance of seasonal farming, the role Anna’s Irish heritage has played in her culinary career, and what it’s like working in a professional kitchen. 👨‍🍳 So, can openers in hand, aprons on... Ready, Steady, Pottering! 🍅🫑 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• 
  Jake Lambert 30.07.2026 1ч 8мин

  Welcome back, dear friends, to my garden for another series of Pottering! The sun is still shining, my Pinky Winky are in bloom, and I have a whole host of fabulous guests for you to enjoy. ☀️ This week, I am joined by the ever-delightful Jake Lambert! A hilarious comic and one of life’s marvellous eccentrics, you may be familiar with his splendid social videos or his global stand up success, and it was such a pleasure to invite him into the garden. We chat school bullies, Bee Movie and meditation. And do listen out for some sage advice from Jake on avoiding mouth ulcers. Yes, Pottering is educational too. 🐝 Now, prep the ice bag, pop the kettle on, tea bag in for three minutes please, and join me for some Pottering. 🪴 🎧 Watch on YouTube and Spotify or listen wherever you get your podcasts. And please do comment, like and subscribe, @tomallen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• 
  A Garden Tour 23.07.2026 19мин

  More from me in the garden this week, just pottering away, but normal business will resume next Thursday! Yes, we’ve been busy behind the scenes getting everything ready, and I cannot wait for you to see who we’ve got coming up. ☀️ It is truly such a delight doing this podcast, and I do hope it brings some joyful calm to your commutes, your kitchens, your garden paths, or wherever you find yourselves listening. Please do tell your friends about our quiet corner of the podcast world. Everyone is welcome in the garden. It is a calm and gentle space, pigeons and planes aside, but I would so love you to shout about it. So, pop those parasols up, grab some crisps and dips, and let’s go Pottering. 🪴 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• 
  The Clippings: Part 2 16.07.2026 1ч 22мин

  Another week and more musings from the garden! While Pottering enjoys a small summer sojourn, I’m bringing you another collection of my favourite moments from the series. Clippings, if you will. 🌱 This week, we’ll be joined by Alan Carr, Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Sarah Hadland, Ashley James, Ginger Johnson, Henry Agg, Sara Cox and Philippa Perry. From horticultural heroes to dear comedy colleagues, there really is something for everyone! We discuss lunar mysteries and Mary Berry memories, Strictly secrets and drag delights. We explore the highs and horrors of social media and hark back to the humble fax machine. A simpler time. So, slather on the Factor 50, shoo those Cabbage Whites away and join me in the garden for some Pottering. 🦋 Do like and subscribe to keep up to date with all things Pottering! And why not send me your garden pictures over on Instagram? I’d love to know how your cavolo nero has got on. 🪴 🎧 Watch on YouTube and Spotify, or listen wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• 
  The Clippings: Part 1 09.07.2026 1ч 24мин

  Here’s something a little different for Pottering this week! ☀️ I thought I would hop on to share a few thoughts from the garden, ‘sans guest’, if you will. And while the podcast takes a little summer holiday, I have gathered together some of my favourite moments from the second series to share with you all too. 🌱 I love welcoming you wonderful listeners, and viewers of course, into my garden each week. Whether you spend your days merrily mulching the borders or regularly find yourself wondering when the houseplants last had a drink, everyone is welcome here, and I would be delighted to hear from you. Like and subscribe of course, but also why not share your floral creations with me on Instagram? Tag @tomindeed and use the hashtag #PotteringPod to get involved! Wouldn’t it be wonderful to fill our social feeds with hanging baskets and glorious garden goodies! 🌸 So, slip into your shorts, pause that episode of The Real Housewives, and join me once again for some Pottering. 🪴 -- Click below to discover QVC’s My Garden Escape, whether you're a seasoned gardener or a horticultural novice, it's your ultimate gardening destination. And don’t forget to use the code POTTER for £10 off your first purchase (minimum spends apply, see QVC website for full terms and conditions) https://www.qvcuk.com/content/garden-and-leisure/my-garden-escape.html?cid=PR-IF-Pottering&e22=MGE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• 
  Henry Agg 02.07.2026 49мин

  An absolute joy this week to be joined among the hydrangeas by gardening guru Henry Agg! 🌸Garden designer and social media sensation, I love Henry’s accessible approach to gardening and was thrilled when he agreed to pop by for some Pottering.Listen in as we discuss Henry’s rather dramatic career change from the glamour of IT recruitment to the garden shed, the mental health benefits of spending time outdoors, and our highlights from this year’s Chelsea Flower Show. Henry also tells us all about his brilliant book, The Weekend Gardener, packed with tips, tricks and a plethora of projects to fill your weekends. 📖🌱So, dust off your trug, pour yourself a glass of something cold, and let’s go Pottering. 🪴🎧 Watch on YouTube and Spotify, or listen wherever you get your podcasts.And please like and subscribe! @tomallenClick below to discover QVC’s My Garden Escape, whether you're a seasoned gardener or a horticultural novice, it's your ultimate gardening destination. And don’t forget to use the code POTTER for £10 off your first purchase (minimum spends apply, see QVC website for full terms and conditions)https://www.qvcuk.com/content/garden-and-leisure/my-garden-escape.html?cid=PR-IF-Pottering&e22=MGE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• 
  Ginger Johnson 25.06.2026 49мин

  Joining me in the garden this week is the glorious Ginger Johnson! 🌿😍Champion of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, MasterChef maestro and all round delight, it was such a joy to chat with Ginger. I cannot wait to see her brand new show, Show Pony, hit the road later this year! Tickets are available at gingerjohnson.co.uk. 🎭 We chat about theatrical beginnings, depressing queer cinema, the noughties drag scene and our shared love of Alan Bennett. Ginger also shares a rather harrowing garden tale involving guinea pigs, so that is something to look forward to! Now, sweep away those ants, pause that episode of ’Allo ’Allo!, and come Pottering with me. 🐜🐜🐜🎧 Watch on YouTube and Spotify, or listen wherever you get your podcasts.And please like and subscribe! @tomallen🌎 Get an exclusive 15% discount on your first Saily data plans! Use code tomallen at checkout. Download Saily app or go to to https://saily.com/tomallen ⛵Click below to discover QVC’s My Garden Escape, whether you're a seasoned gardener or a horticultural novice, it's your ultimate gardening destination. And don’t forget to use the code POTTER for £10 off your first purchase (minimum spends apply, see QVC website for full terms and conditions)https://www.qvcuk.com/content/garden-and-leisure/my-garden-escape.html?cid=PR-IF-Pottering&e22=MGE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• 
  Philippa Perry 22.06.2026 1ч 21мин

  Joining me this week in the gentle summer rain is the fabulous Philippa Perry! ☔ Author, psychotherapist, artist and agony aunt, Philippa is perhaps best known for the captivating The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read, and now her brand new cosy crime novel, Shrink Solves Murder, is out too! 📖Join us for a fascinating conversation, and an occasional visualised therapy session, where we chat writing fiction, why Mum’s comments about my chairs hurt more than they should, and newsletter reading newts. We also discuss whether a chatbot would make a good psychotherapist, and the importance of shagging in our youth. 🤖😘 Do take a look at Philippa’s new book, Shrink Solves Murder, and oh I urge you to follow her on Substack! 👈 So, settle down under our murder gazebo, stop scrolling on Rightmove, and let’s go Pottering. 🪴 🎧 Watch on YouTube and Spotify, or listen wherever you get your podcasts.And please do like and subscribe, or leave a review! Just don't mention the postman! @tomallen Click below to discover QVC’s My Garden Escape, whether you're a seasoned gardener or a horticultural novice, it's your ultimate gardening destination. And don’t forget to use the code POTTER for £10 off your first purchase (minimum spends apply, see QVC website for full terms and conditions) https://www.qvcuk.com/content/garden-and-leisure/my-garden-escape.html?cid=PR-IF-Pottering&e22=MGE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• 
  AJ Odudu 11.06.2026 53мин

  Oh, what fun was had this week when the delightful AJ Odudu popped into the garden for a potter and a chat! Brilliant presenter and joyful human being, AJ has graced our screens presenting hit shows such as Big Brother, The Big Breakfast, M&S: Dress The Nation (ah, lovely M&S), and of course, cha cha cha’d her way to the Strictly final in 2021! 🌼💃 This week we chat the thoughts and feelings of plants, discover AJ’s ideal mattress, and discuss the World Cup and its oh so complicated rules. ⚽ We also hear a delightful story involving Channing Tatum, Jessie J and a backroom filled with bottles, so do listen up! 🍸 Now, get down off of that top bunk, pour yourself a Martini and come Pottering with me.  🎧 Watch on YouTube and Spotify, or listen wherever you get your podcasts. And please do like and subscribe, that would be lovely, @tomallen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• 
  Kiri Pritchard-McLean 04.06.2026 49мин

  This week I was joined in my Pottering patch by the glorious Kiri Pritchard-McLean! Stand up comedian, podcaster and all round delight, I’ve known Kiri for a long time so it was such a joy to catch up. 🌸 🐓🌾 Straight from the countryside in her transit van, Kiri arrived with tales of dead rats, learning from the past in her own farming adventures, and her wonderful fostering work. There is also a rather lovely memory involving a stripper in my mum and dad’s kitchen. Ah, wonderful times. Now, pop that kitten back in its box, grab your favourite plant based snack, and come Pottering with us. 🐈 🎧 Watch on YouTube and Spotify, or listen wherever you get your podcasts.And please do like and subscribe, @tomallen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• 
  Sara Cox 28.05.2026 1ч 4мин

  The superb Sara Cox joins me this week for another day of sun in the garden! ☀️🌻Presenter, author and radio extraordinaire, Sara is such a joyful and calming presence, and we had a glorious time chatting about everything from the Radio 1 fax machine to the backside of a bird, and, the sometimes rather arousing, writing process. 👀Sara’s new book The Truth of Us is available to preorder now, and we'll soon all be waking up to a nice cup of tea, perhaps an omelette, and the Sara Cox Radio 2 Breakfast Show! What a treat! ☕🍳🌷 So, skip the marathon training for today, pop the kettle on, and let’s go Pottering. 🎧 Watch on YouTube and Spotify, or listen wherever you get your podcasts.And please do like and subscribe, @tomallen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• 
  Laura Checkley 21.05.2026 1ч

  This week we welcomed the wonderful Laura Checkley in to the garden! A glorious actor and brilliantly funny, you’ll know Laura from King Gary, Action Team, Screw, Detectorists and, well, so many things besides! 🎬 🪴 We chat firing guns in Bulgaria, neighbourhood Facebook groups and what growing up gay did to our wardrobes. My bathroom birdsong also gets another mention, what a successful purchase that has turned out to be! 🐦‍⬛ So, stick on that little beanie hat, grab yourself some chicken wings and let’s go Pottering. 🎧 Watch on YouTube and Spotify, or listen wherever you get your podcasts. 🌷 Please do like and subscribe as they say! 🌎 Get an exclusive 15% discount on your first Saily data plans! Use code tomallen at checkout. Download Saily app or go to to https://saily.com/tomallen⛵ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• 
  Alan Carr 14.05.2026 52мин

  Oh, what a joy it was to welcome my dear friend Alan Carr into the garden for a spot of Pottering! 🌻 Comedian, presenter and turret-loving TV sensation, Alan is always a delight! You’ll know him from the brilliant Changing Ends on ITV, his Mediterranean makeovers with Amanda Holden on BBC One, BAFTA-award winning The Traitors, and of course so much more besides. We shoot the breeze (or should that be the trout?) about Alan’s brand new castle, our favourite National Trust spots, and being shamed by national treasure Dame Mary Berry. Much to enjoy! 🏰🍷🦜🍾 So pop open the bubbles, grab those birdwatching binoculars, and perhaps change out of that Poirot outfit, just in case, as you come Pottering with us.🎧 Watch on YouTube and Spotify, or listen wherever you get your podcasts.And please do like and subscribe, perhaps leave us a review, it's very much appreciated, @tomallen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• 
  Cariad Lloyd 07.05.2026 58мин

  Joining me this week in our little Pottering oasis is the delightful Cariad Lloyd! Comedian, author and podcast sensation, Cariad is co-host of the brilliant Sara & Cariad’s Weirdos Book Club with Sara Pascoe, and part of the all-star improv show Austentatious, which is in the West End and on tour throughout 2026, so do check that out! 🌷🎭We chat nineties nostalgia, the wonderful world of improv, yes and hear all about Cariad’s amazing children’s book Where Did She Go? Both proud members of the Dead Dad Club, Cariad has such a wonderfully honest way of chatting about death and grief. If the conversation intrigues you, please do seek out her books, and take a listen to Griefcast, (once you’re all up to date and subscribed to Pottering, of course!) 😉💕🌹 Now, put a bookmark in that copy of Sense and Sensibility, dust off your old DMs, and let’s go Pottering.🎧 Watch on YouTube and Spotify, or listen wherever you get your podcasts.And please do like and subscribe, @tomallen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• 
  Carol Klein 30.04.2026 40мин

  Oh what a treat it was to chat with true gardening icon Carol Klein! Presenter, author and gardener extraordinaire, Carol is so gloriously entertaining and a true horticultural hero of mine and so many others. It was an absolute pleasure to chat with her, even if the spring sunshine soon swapped out for sleet! ☂️❄️🌸 We discuss the promiscuity of the primrose, the dangers of the Chelsea Flower Show bar and even, briefly, bathing with John Lennon. 🍷🍇If you’ve enjoyed the conversation, I’d highly suggest seeking out Carol’s books, in particular her perfectly named Hortobiography and, brilliant news, the new series of Greatest Gardens with Diarmuid Gavin and Carol Klein is available on BBC iPlayer right now, please do take a look!Now, pour yourself a glass of crisp rosé, pop open those umbrellas and come pottering with us. Quick! Before the sap rises!🎧 Watch on YouTube and Spotify, or listen wherever you get your podcasts.And please do like and subscribe, @tomallen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices