The collaboration between Miriam Margolyes and Simon Draper has resulted in a unique podcast project that highlights the vibrant and unconventional lifestyle of the renowned actress. Margolyes, who is 84 years old and has captivated audiences with her performances in productions like Harry Potter and Call The Midwife, has described this podcast as her ‘final act’. This endeavor not only showcases her personality but also marks a significant moment in her extensive career.
Simon Draper, a TV director known for his previous work with Margolyes on the 2016 documentary The Real Marigold on Tour, faced challenges in producing the podcast. Draper remarked, “I thought getting Miriam Margolyes to make a podcast would be easy, after all, everyone’s doing them, but Miriam’s lifestyle is bonkers.” This statement reflects the complexities involved in capturing Margolyes’ essence in a podcast format.
Over the course of two years, Draper and Margolyes managed to create only five episodes of the podcast. This slow pace can be attributed to the unpredictable nature of Margolyes’ lifestyle, which Draper described as both challenging and rewarding. The podcast aims to delve into Margolyes’ life experiences, offering listeners a glimpse into her world filled with humor and warmth.
Margolyes has had a successful career, making over £320,000 from Cameo requests, showcasing her popularity and the affection audiences have for her. Despite her success, she leads a modest life in Clapham, South London, where she resides in the basement of her home with two lodgers, Emily and George. George described their living situation, saying, “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 familial bond adds a layer of warmth to Margolyes’ life.
In addition to her podcasting efforts, Margolyes has recently put her Australian home, which she purchased around 1993, up for sale with a price guide ranging from £3.95 million to £4.2 million. This decision comes as she plans to move to Tuscany with her partner, Heather Sutherland, with whom she has shared a relationship for 58 years. Margolyes expressed her desire for a change, stating, “The world around us has lost its charm. And we just want each other in a beautiful place which we know.”
As the podcast continues to develop, it remains to be seen how Margolyes’ lifestyle and experiences will resonate with listeners. The documentary Miriam Margolyes Made Me Me is set to air on BBC Two, further expanding her reach and influence in the entertainment industry. With her unique perspective and engaging storytelling, Margolyes is likely to captivate audiences once again.
While the podcast has already garnered interest, details remain unconfirmed regarding future episodes or additional projects stemming from this collaboration. As Margolyes and Draper navigate their creative partnership, fans are eager to see what unfolds next in this intriguing journey.
