Thank you to George Eaton at the New Statesman for encouraging me to write this article.
Article: Kids, Covid and the Johnson government
Trouble in the Fields
Nanci Griffith, who died last week, was a hero in our house. My daughter is a singer, and I’d say her early influences were Nanci and – of course – my sister Edana, who is a jazz singer.
I once took the young Louisa to hear Nanci in Shepherds Bush, and she was so overwhelmed she wept throughout the show. It was a precious evening.
When I was in hospital with Covid, horribly lonely and facing an uncertain outcome, Louisa recorded this for me. I’m not sure how she managed to do it when she must have been frightened out of her wits. It’s one of our favourites, Trouble in the Fields.
RIP and thank you, Nanci Griffith. If this rain can fall, these wounds can heal.
Protected: The Real Tony Blair
The Conversation
It’s pretty much exactly 16 years since Labour won a general election. This election broadcast film, The Conversation, was a memorable part of that campaign. It was produced by my partner at Lucas/Minghella, Mark Lucas, and directed by my brother, Anthony.
Video courtesy of Silverfish Films.
PS. There’s a terrific untold story about the filming of The Conversation. I’m minded to turn it into a drama. Watch this space!!