In a significant cultural collaboration, Simon Draper has joined forces with Miriam Margolyes to produce a podcast that Margolyes has dubbed her ‘final act.’ This partnership, which has unfolded over two years, has resulted in just five episodes, highlighting the complexities of working with the 84-year-old actress known for her roles in Harry Potter and Call The Midwife.
Draper, a seasoned TV director, previously collaborated with Margolyes on the 2016 documentary The Real Marigold on Tour. Their latest project has not only showcased Margolyes’ vibrant personality but also revealed the challenges inherent in her ‘bonkers’ lifestyle, as Draper himself described it. He initially thought creating a podcast with her would be straightforward, but the reality proved to be quite different.
Margolyes, who has made over £320,000 from Cameo requests, has a unique living situation in Clapham, South London, where she resides in the basement of her home with two lodgers, Emily and George. This unconventional setup reflects her eclectic life, which Draper has found both inspiring and challenging. The duo’s creative process has been marked by a familial bond, with George stating, “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.”
In addition to her podcasting endeavors, Margolyes has recently put her Australian home, purchased in 1993, up for sale with a price guide ranging from £3.95 million to £4.2 million. She plans to relocate to Tuscany with her long-time partner, Heather Sutherland, with whom she has shared 58 years. This move signifies a new chapter for Margolyes, who has expressed a desire to find beauty and charm in her surroundings, stating, “The world around us has lost its charm. And we just want each other in a beautiful place which we know.”
The podcast project, which Draper described as a labor of love, has been a testament to Margolyes’ enduring appeal and the deep connection she fosters with those around her. Despite the slow pace of production, the episodes aim to encapsulate her rich experiences and insights. Draper even sold his guitar collection to fund his travels to Australia, emphasizing his commitment to the project and to Margolyes herself.
As the podcast nears its completion, the anticipation surrounding its release continues to grow. Margolyes’ fans are eager to hear her stories and reflections, which promise to be as captivating as her performances on screen. The documentary Miriam Margolyes Made Me Me, which airs on BBC Two, further showcases her multifaceted career and personal journey.
While the podcast is set to conclude Margolyes’ illustrious career, uncertainties remain about its impact and the potential for future projects. Details remain unconfirmed regarding how her audience will receive this final offering and what legacy she will leave behind in the entertainment industry.