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David Benedict

@eggsbened.bsky.social
8.1K followers 791 following 11K posts

Cultural talk and typing. And singing. Biographer of Stephen Sondheim. Variety, London theatre critic. The Stage, Associate writer. Tristram Hawkshaw in The Archers. Somewhat gay.

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Reposted by David Benedict
Stephen Farrow @stephenfarrow.bsky.social · 3h
Not going to post a link to the story, obviously - it's the Daily Mail, there isn't enough disinfectant in the world - but yes, this is a genuine headline. And it's very, very special:
Headline from the Daily Mail:

Princess Beatrice's friend
Alice Naylor-Leyland is
attacked by rogue owl
during chaotic photoshoot
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David Benedict @eggsbened.bsky.social · 5h
A reminder that when Richard E Grant played Algernon in The Importance of Being Earnest to the Lady Bracknell of Maggie Smith, she referred to him as “Richard, ‘E Can’t”. #celebritytraitors
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James Austin @jamesdaustin.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
When you've got senior members trying to find places to hide and are having to rule out physical violence from proponents... ...maybe a motion is slightly dodgy?
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David Benedict @eggsbened.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Marianne Elliot’s acute, wise and tremendous rethink strips away all misconceptions about Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Not just bitter and sardonic, it’s genuinely funny: not a forgone conclusion in sight. Never-better Gillian Anderson and Billy Crudup are riveting leading a superb quartet. GO!
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David Benedict @eggsbened.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Since it’s #nationalpoetryday, a rueful, wistful favourite by Wendy Cope. 
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Lev Parikian @levparikian.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Even if I rarely watch the programme in question, I will always read a Dempster review.
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David Benedict @eggsbened.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Off to see Gillian Anderson climb the hill that is Martha in Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? I know exactly how steep that hill is because, in my last year at school, I played her. They talk of it still… well, my chum Paul Twivy does because he played George.
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Adam Bienkov @adambienkov.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Kemi Badenoch condemned Reform's ban on critical journalists covering their conference as "authoritarian", saying her own party would never do the same as "we believe in free speech. We believe in a free press." Now the Conservatives have banned Byline Times from their conference
bylinetimes.com
Kemi Badenoch's Conservatives Ban Byline Times From Conference After Condemning Reform for Journalist Ban
The ban comes just weeks after the Conservative leader called Reform's barring of critical journalists from their conference an "authoritarian" attack on the free press
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Parody Nigel Farage @parodypm.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Andy Burnham is coming for your pension! By... er... increasing it by slightly less. Whereas Reform will scrap it completely.
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Otto English @ottoenglish.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
This is so very funny youtu.be/SHUvSffmLIQ?...
youtu.be
Most TV is Just This Now
YouTube video by Michael Spicer
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David Benedict @eggsbened.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
“I am not ‘a Eunice Burns’…” Happy Madeleine Kahn’s birthday. youtu.be/ft0CDRuyNxU?...
youtu.be
What's Up, Doc? Eunice Burns
YouTube video by erogersjr
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David Benedict @eggsbened.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Name a film with a female director: the superb and insanely neglected The Passionate Stranger directed by Muriel Box. Made in 1957, it’s wonderfully surprising, gorgeous to look at (it plays with colour and black and white) and predates all the alternative reality movies by decades.
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David Benedict @eggsbened.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
I was asked about my favourites… mathewlyons.substack.com/p/the-writer...
mathewlyons.substack.com
The writer’s bookshelf: David Benedict
Eight questions about writers, books, and reading…
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Parody Nigel Farage @parodypm.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
I know the next election is not until 2029, but quite frankly I'll do anything to avoid going to either Parliament or Clacton and doing the actual job I'm paid £98,000 to do.
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Wilson @wilsonjettone.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
The Magnificent Cuckold is magnificently funny. A deeply bitter and ultimately ironic look at male jealousy, but played as witty farce. It is gorgeously filmed sex comedy, directed with real skill by Antonio Pietrangeli, the camera moves elegantly, the framing is exquisitely upper-class.
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Michael Warburton @michaelwarburton.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
“The water in Majorca...” HEINEKEN (1985) Sylvestra Le Touzel nailing it an iconic ad from back in the day when Commercials had some wit & guile about then and therefore cultural impact
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David Benedict @eggsbened.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Film you've watched more than six times with a GIF
static.klipy.com
Barbra Streisand in What's Up Doc?
ALT: Barbra Streisand in What's Up Doc?
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David Benedict @eggsbened.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Given how much I love Lily Tomlin - let us count the way - how is it possible I have never seen The Late Show? Egged on by @wilsonjettone.bsky.social, I’m going in.
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David Benedict @eggsbened.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
U R G E N T news.
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David Benedict @eggsbened.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
On Oct. 17 we’re singing the world premiere of Elysian Ode, a lovely work for double choir and cello written for us by the great James MacMillan. Don’t know James’ music? Listen to us singing this then book to hear us in this concert of seriously lush music. youtu.be/QKDX6gz20PU?...
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David Benedict @eggsbened.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
#books question: Aged 11 I read The Hobbit. Found it OK. Later I failed to get through The Lord of the Rings THREE times before accepting I was bored of the rings and simply didn’t care. Am now wondering: are there any women or gays who love his work or is Tolkien solely for straight boys?
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Michael Warburton @michaelwarburton.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Behind the scenes on THUNDERBIRDS (1965-66) Fellow fans will love this.
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David Benedict @eggsbened.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
How? How come I have only ever watched Waiting for Guffman once before? Ten minutes in and already in heaven. #ChristopherGuest #genius
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David Benedict @eggsbened.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Don’t know the ravishing choral sound of James MacMillan? Listen to this track from our 5-star album of his music. On Oct. 17 we’re premiering his Elysian Ode - written for us - in a frankly fabulous concert celebrating our 40th anniversary. Cancel all other engagements! youtu.be/6qQKb_Tq-rs?...
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David Benedict @eggsbened.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Had quite forgotten that the score for the splendid 1946 British thriller Green for Danger is by the neglected composer William Alwyn who once gave my Aunt Pat a piano lesson. It didn’t take. Settling in for a rewatch.
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David Benedict @eggsbened.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Don’t know the ravishing choral sound of James MacMillan? Listen to this track from our 5-star album of his music. On Oct. 17 we’re premiering his Elysian Ode - written for us - in a frankly fabulous concert celebrating our 40th anniversary. Cancel all other engagements! youtu.be/6qQKb_Tq-rs?...
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David Benedict @eggsbened.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
My first crush: Ilya Kuryakin aka David McCallum – not that I was old enough to realise it back then. Happy (heavenly) Birthday to him.
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Tom Reagan’s Hat @rufustsuperfly.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Rosemary Harris is 99. Alfred Molina: ‘During Spider-Man 2, Rosemary & I were suspended in harnesses 40ft above the soundstage floor. We were left hanging there for ages & ran out of small talk. At one point, Rosemary said quietly ‘I’m classically trained, you know.’
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Kevin Daly @kevinddaly.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
John Wilson's complete recording of Guys and Dolls with Sierra Boggess as Miss Sarah Brown is out now.
music.apple.com
Guys and Dolls by Sinfonia of London, John Wilson & Frank Loesser on Apple Music
Album · 2026 · 57 Songs
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David Benedict @eggsbened.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Alan Bennett wrote his Talking Heads monologues for only the most gifted, which is why Stephanie Cole did one. Happily, via mutual friends, I once found myself spending Boxing Day with her in her house in Frome. She was a complete hoot. Happily, we can forever listen to her in Cabin Pressure. RIP
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Tom Cox @dj-acid-reflux.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Grey Charm (January 1967)
Margaret found her first grey hair when she was 19. By the time she was 25 the horned god of the wild earth had lavished her with a whole headful. She gave zero shits, embraced the situation unreservedly, used the money she had recently embezzled from Lord Tollerton-Whitworth to splurge on various requirements, including the first sprawling, half-derelict Gothic house she could find, got her nails done with no expense spared, then headed directly to the rescue centre. “No, not that one,” she said, as a young volunteer fetched a bony tabby for review. “That one there, at the back. The great big wide one with the eyes redolent of a rectal bombshell.”
Babushka groaned. She had been doing her best to melt into the walls. They were always gunning for her, these keen-fingered witchy types. Relentlessly felting tiny pointy hats for her, forcing her into diets against her will and making her pose awkwardly for photographs nobody would ever see. Three of them it had been now, in as many years. Each equipped with an apothecary table, a tarot obsession and a cupboard full of dried herbs. Babs had escaped from them all, only to return here. And now the cycle was renewing itself. Already planning her getaway, she vibrated sarcastically as Margaret sealed the barely accommodating basket. “Ahwwww, isn’t that sweet?” said Margaret. “Fwiends already.” “I’m not purring with you, you sashaying Wicca catastrophe,” thought Babs. “I’m purring at you.” When they arrived back at the house the place’s ambience was exactly the cliche she’d predicted but as they entered the converted attic office Margaret spoke with a candour and passion that surprised her. “This is where I keep the books,” she announced. “You’ll be taking care of those. British Telecom are installing the phone line on Monday. Unlock the front gate for the cunts and don’t disturb me unless it’s absolutely necessary. I worked my fragrant arse off to put myself in a position where I could turn this rea…
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David Benedict @eggsbened.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Thrilled to have written the introduction, interview with conductor John Wilson and - for those who don’t (yet) know the terrific plot inside-out - the entire synopsis of Frank Loesser’s musical comedy masterpiece for the COMPLETE Guys and Dolls: on sale/streaming today! youtu.be/KGAo4NrmMrc?...
youtu.be
Guys and Dolls | John Wilson | Sinfonia of London | Take Back Your Mink
YouTube video by Chandos Records
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Robin Baker @robinalexbaker.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
First complete recording of my favourite musical - and conducted by the great John Wilson, too. A joy. open.spotify.com/album/5aFJV3...
open.spotify.com
Guys and Dolls - Compilation by Frank Loesser | Spotify
Frank Loesser · compilation · 2026 · 57 songs
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David Benedict @eggsbened.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Sparkling, I see, with stars, “gayety” and music. Story of my life.
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David Benedict @eggsbened.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Even Day 5 - grrr - of this ghastly lurgy didn’t stop me having a good time revisiting the gang from Call My Agent.
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Parody Nigel Farage @parodypm.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Just Zia Yusuf having a pop at his parents.
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David Benedict @eggsbened.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
So, the other day I was wondering: whatever happened to Dianne Weist? And now we know.
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David Benedict @eggsbened.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Confession: saw Kimberly Akimbo in NYC, it won 5 Tonys but I hated it: contrived and tonally a total mess. Weirdly, the NYC production didn’t travel but hooray because Michael Longhurst’s Hampstead Theatre version has transformed it. Quirky, and in a bizarrely convincing world of its own.
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David Benedict @eggsbened.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Superb thread on Britten’s early, other-worldly Serenade for tenor, horn and strings.
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David Benedict @eggsbened.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
The legendary costume designer Bob Mackie has died. If you don’t know his style, here’s his work in excelsis: the sensational gown he created for Mitzi Gaynor. youtu.be/wQYdbDusR6s?...
youtu.be
Mitzi Gaynor 'Let Go!' Full 4K Restoration
YouTube video by Michael Lee Stever
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Bernard Hughes @bernardhughes.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
The most I’ve enjoyed a book for a long long time: my review for @theartsdesk.bsky.social of Matthew Sweet’s brilliant biography of Barbara Cartland
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David Benedict @eggsbened.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Wonderful review.
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David Benedict @eggsbened.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Before it was famous: my local Borough Market in 1967 by the great Edward Bawden. In the background is Southwark Cathedral where I was singing Tarik O’Regan and John Adams on Friday night.
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David Benedict @eggsbened.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Good gracious. FAO @bcdreyer.social
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David Benedict @eggsbened.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
HOORAY! She has resisted this for years.
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Alex Andreou @sturdyalex.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
This German comedy sketch (with English subtitles) perfectly captures so much of what is going on right now in the UK, the US, and across Europe. "Playing the 'Nazi Card' in the Third Reich", by Browser Ballett.
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Alison Booth @alidancer.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Gillian Tett enters the chat... 8/5/26 in the FT...
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David Benedict @eggsbened.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
A man who knows, as Oscar Wilde observed, the price of everything and the value of nothing.
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Annalisa Nicholson @apuddleofmuddle.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
It's just weird isn't it when the British Museum is running a sold-out exhibition, when The Odyssey reports $1billion at the box office, when the V&A has just opened the most innovative and accessible museum model in Europe....and this is what our minister for research comes out with.
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David Benedict @eggsbened.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
On tonight’s anniversary of 9/11 I’m singing a memorial concert in Southwark Cathedral incl. John Adams’ giant setting of words recorded on that terrible day: On The Transmigration of Souls. The music is extraordinary – only a handful of tickets left. www.theoutcryensemble.com/events/afate...
theoutcryensemble.com
9/11 Memorial Concert — The Outcry Ensemble
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