British Culture: Albion Never Dies

From China With Love - A Brit in Chengdu [Episode 211]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Thomas Felix Creighton shares his experiences from a month in Chengdu (Sichuan Province, China). He previously lived in Shenzhen (Guangdong Province) 2015-2021 and Turkish Cyprus 2001-2008 – he draws on both these experiences as he discusses how experience, language ability, and the company we keep can shape our perceptions of culture. Naturally, he talks about some Chengdu highlights a little, so skip to the end if that’s what you are primarily interested… or listen to the whole thing and enjoy the ride! Thomas recommends:Daniel Gaster: his Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DanielGaster The jacket review Thomas mentions: https://fromtailorswithlove.co.uk/james-bonds-no-time-to-die-massimo-alba-rain-2-duster-coat-review Daniel Gaster's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielgaster Caine: Film reviews and a video diary of a visit to small Chinese city, so if you enjoyed this podcast episode, do check these two Youtube videos out:Caine’s Anqing (China) diary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qtGLk3cY7A Caine’s review of a Chinese movie that delves into the meaning of 'memory' and how it shapes who we are. The review Thomas 100% recommends: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=6ugQHJw2IdI Support the showhttps://www.albionneverdies.com/

James Bond and China [Episode 210]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Thomas Felix Creighton draws upon six years in China and knowledge of Ian Fleming's James Bond 007 to give an insight into how the series has merged fact and fiction, for the most part without friction. Books, websites, and movies mentioned:The World of Suzie Wong by Richard MasonThrilling Cities by Ian FlemingDr No by Ian FlemingTong Wars: The Untold Story of Vice, Money, and Murder in New York's Chinatown by Scott D. SeligmanThe Good Immigrants: How the Yellow Peril Became the Model Minority by Madeline Y. HsuThe Encyclopedia of Milwaukee [website]: https://emke.uwm.edu/entry/chinese/ Goldfinger by Ian Fleming (plus the movie with Sean Connery)You Only Live Twice by Ian Fleming (Thomas talks more about the movie though)The Man With the Golden Gun (just the movie with Roger Moore and Christopher Lee)For Your Eyes Only, movie directed by John Glen (see the 'Albion Never Dies' podcast episode released 17/12/2024)License to Kill (movie)Tomorrow Never Dies (movie)Zero Minus Ten by Raymond Benson (also, check out the 'Albion Never Dies' podcast episode #179)Die Another Day (movie)Skyfall (movie)...and these are just the key ones. Plenty more 007 and China references out there, I am sure. Support the showhttps://www.albionneverdies.com/

The Britishness of Cozy Crime [Episode 209]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Thomas Felix Creighton talks about the 'cozy crime' genre, drawing on a range of suggestions from TV and film critics, academics, and his own friends. Thomas even has a special guest contribution from Jon Auty, host of 'Behind the Stunts' and 'The Bond Buzz', do check those out. Suggested reading:'Identity and nostalgia in a globalised world: Investigating  the international popularity of Midsomer Murders' by Tiffany Bergin at the University of Cambridge (UK)'The Simple Art of Murder' by popular crimewriter Raymond Chandler...and also, the BBC's 'Independent Thematic Review  of  portrayal and representation  of the UK  in BBC content' (2026)Support the showhttps://www.albionneverdies.com/

Pith Helmet Adventures - Interview with Alex Lamas (Youtube: Always Say Yes To Adventures)

Don't be shy, send me a message!Thomas Felix Creighton talks to Alex Lamas ( Instagram @sifu_lamas / Youtube @ @yestoadventure007 ) about his love of movies set in the British Empire.This includes Zulu (1964), Zulu Dawn (1979), Breaker Morant (1980), Four Feathers (1939), Gunga Din (1939), The Wind and the Lion (1975), and two we focus on particularly; The Man Who Would Be King (1979) with Sean Connery and Micheal Caine and Lawrence of Arabia (1962) with Peter O’Toole and Omar Sharif. He also talks about the joy of visiting some of the historic locations seen in some of these films, which you can see more of on his Instagram and Youtube channels. This includes Aït Benhaddou, Morocco, which was used for:Lawrence of Arabia (1962)The Man Who Would Be King (1975)The Living Daylights (1987)The Mummy (1999)Gladiator (2000)Alexander (2004)Kingdom of Heaven (2005) Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010) Game of Thrones (2011-2019)Do check out: https://www.youtube.com/@yestoadventure007 Books I would recommend:Jan Morris, the ‘Pax Britannica Trilogy’ of books about the art and popular depiction of the British Empire: 'Heaven's Command: An Imperial Progress', 'Pax Britannica: Climax of an Empire', 'Farewell the Trumpets: An Imperial Retreat'.Many, many books by Rudyard Kipling, including the original short story ‘The Man Who Would Be King’ (1888) and ‘Kim’ (1901). And, T.E. Lawrence’s ‘The Seven Pillars of Wisdom’ (1926).I reference the following; Lawrence of Arabia: A Film's Anthropology by Steven C. Caton (1999), a great insight into the critical reception of David Lean's classic movie.Support the showhttps://www.albionneverdies.com/

Murder on the Orient Express ~ No Spoilers! [Episode 207]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Thomas Felix Creighton talks about 'the Britishness' of one of the most famous murder mysteries in the world... with no spoilers! He talks about the themes, characters, places, and ideas that shape this remarkable story from Agatha Christie. He also gives a guide to the key adaptations in film, TV, and audio.Support the showhttps://www.albionneverdies.com/