Gyles Brandreth

Gyles Brandreth is a podcaster, broadcaster, biographer, novelist, author, actor, former MP and Lord Commissioner of the Treasury in the UK. He is Chancellor of the University of Chester, founder of the Poetry Together project, and an ambassador for the Royal Commonwealth Society. His many books include the best-selling anthology of poetry to learn by heart, Dancing by the Light of the Moon. His favourite poems include Macavity: The Mystery Cat by T. S. Eliot.

Aphra Brandreth

Aphra Brandreth loves Poetry, Pets & Politics! A former Government Economist, she now runs a successful veterinary business with her husband and is a charity trustee for the Castelnau Centre Project. Aphra has been a local councillor and stood as a parliamentary candidate in the 2019 General Election. She lives in South West London with her husband Ian, their three children and their two tortoises Topsy and Tom. Her favourite poems include The Pobble Who Has No Toes by Edward Lear.

Meet some of the Commonwealth Poetry Podcast Team

The Commonwealth Poetry Podcast is hosted by Gyles Brandreth and Aphra Brandreth, and produced by staff and students from the University of Chester. Here are some of the team recording the introductory episode at Clarence House in 2022.

In this photo Gyles Brandreth, Aphra Brandreth, Niall Thomas, HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, Shantall Agoreyo, Dame Joanna Lumley – photo taken by Jon Lingwood.

Celebrating the Commonwealth Poetry Podcast’s Anniversary!

During a gathering at the University’s new exhibition space at Exton Park, attended by students and staff from across the Commonwealth, Gyles and his daughter Aphra helped to celebrate reaching the podcast halfway point around the Commonwealth. Here are a few photos from the day.

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