Stars as in astrology... but also, as in our guest!!! We are FORTUNATE to have the SUPREMELY talented (see what we did there??) Will DeVary joining us on this episode to discuss his choice of sonnet, Sonnet 14. Is he reaching for the heavens? Can we predict what he'll say?? WHAT DOES THIS EPISODE PORTEND??? Join us and find out for yourselves, you …

Household debt takes on a new meaning when you are a former assassin seeking retribution for the death of a child while, at the same time, trying to manage your domestic life. Mark Mupotsa-Russell explores these dilemmas in his novel, ‘The Hitwoman's Guide to Reducing Household Debt’.Melbourne is the city. It and the characters who just want to be …

'Together We Fall Apart' is Sophie Matthiesson's novel about running away and coming home against a backdrop of addiction.'The End and Everything Before It' is Finegan Kruckemeyer's first novel where the tale twists upon itself highlighting the development of a town over the course of time where legend and life are intertwined.…

Sooooooo..... not only is Emma Thompson a brilliant actor and wonderful human being, but she is the one who told Leda (Owen's wife) and Lisa Ann, in a bathroom in London after having seen that stunning As You Like It that we've talked so much about... "Theatre is supposed to reduce you to rubble!" Heaven knows this fabulous woman has done that SOOO…

A small town but with a dark history and when an old woman tells a secret from the past, there is a mystery to unravel and a crime to solve in Amy Doak’s YA novel ‘Eleanor Jones Can’t Keep a Secret’.Courtney Collins explores the universal connection between women that transcends time, cultures and countries in her novel, 'Bird'.…

Jack Dunne wants a future for his son but Australia has an occupational force which wants to eradicate the last hill of resistance and that's where their home is. 'Outrider' is an action packed fiction, a story of survival and hope by Mark Wales.J P Pomare has us delving into the cold case morder of the Primrose family some seventeen years after th…

In the last couple of months, we've delved into some of the most well-known Shakespearean actors. All of them male. It's time to shift the focus!!!!! In this episode, we rush headlong into the female side of this category - and who better to start with than herself, Dame Judi Dench??? (Sounds of Owen and Lisa Ann bowing and scraping.) Literally (li…

Movie reels, photographs a camera and letters link two women 100 years apart in this parallel story of history and the complication of relationships in ‘The Lost Letters of Rose Carey’ by Julie Bennett. 'The Infant Vine' is Isabella G. Mead's debut collection of poetry that explores new life and motherhood with particular associations with nature t…

A teenage girl is influenced by both her mother and an adult friend, but it is only after a tragedy she learns how she fits into complex society of family and friendships and becomes her best self in ‘Jade and Emerald ‘ by Michelle See-Tho.Scott Wilson takes us into the realm of super-forecasters gauging the economic, political, and military temper…

Owen went to England!!! WITHOUT LA!!!! (Fuss, fuss, fuss. Ah well.) In this episode, we discuss all the cool and not so cool things that Owen saw in the UK this time around (including several Shakespeares of differing appeal, to be sure). And also... we drop some excellent pod news!!!! To send us an email - please do, we truly want to hear from you…

‘If You Go’ by Alice Robinson, is a domestic sci-fi about motherhood and what we pass onto our children.Marnie’s daughter has a raging drug habit and a repellent boyfriend. She can see the danger for her grandchildren. Her determination to keep them safe means she has to trust some strangers who become friends in ‘’Edenhope’ by Louise Le Nay.…

Tim Ayliffe weaves a web of intrigue in 'The Wrong Man' where deaths of young women two years apart have a mysterious connection linked to a serial killer. The corruption within the police force impedes the investigation and there is a suggestion a not so innocent man has been framed.Fred is kind and has so much love to give, but no one to give it …

Okay, so.... third time's a charm!! Isn't that what they say?? And for our third act, we have chosen none other than a podcast (Owen) favorite... Derek Jacobi!!! (LA loves him too, just not quite as much as Owen.) To send us an email - please do, we truly want to hear from you!!! - write us at: thebardcastyoudick@gmail.com To support us (by giving …

‘The Glass House’ by Anne Buist and Graeme Simsion delves into the challenges faced by both psychiatric patients and clinicians as they seek diagnoses and an equitable path forward with their lives. ‘Murder in Punch Lane’ has well known people as suspects in Jane Sullivan’s gothic crime novel set in the laneways of 19th century Melbourne.…

We had so much fun discussing Sir Kenneth Branagh last time that we thought we'd dig into even more ridiculously talented Shakespearean actors!! So this time... we're going with Sir Ian McKellen! (Another knight... are you sensing a theme here?? We certainly are!!) To send us an email - please do, we truly want to hear from you!!! - write us at: th…

Before mobiles there were letters and that’s how three friends from the past communicated. The letters were found and three friends from now want to solve the mystery of who they were and what happened to them. In solving the mystery they also learn about themselves in 'Return to Sender' by Lauren Draper.'Naked Ambition' is Robert Gott's hilarious …

A child walks out of the Wimmera desert in Lia Hills' novel, The Desert Knows Her Name'. She is an enigma that others, all with their own agends, try to solve.'Portraits' by W. H. Chong is a collection of more than 300 drawings of artists, writers, musicians and thinkers.By Lia Hills with David McLean and W H Chong with Lisa Moule

Now, you knew we'd get into this sooner or later. There are those actors who are known for their work with The Bard. Kenneth is one of those. In this episode, we discuss all the work he has done in the canon - SO FAR. We've got YEARS (hopefully!!) of more work coming from this incredible artist!!! To send us an email - please do, we truly want to h…

Lindy Cameron, Hugh McGinlay, Narrelle Harris and Robert Gott talk all things crime while constantly being interrupted through the Radiothon Program.By Lindy Cameron, Hugh McGinlay, Narrelle Harris and Robert Gott talk with Jan Goldsmith, David McLean and Lisa Moule.

The changes that happen from primary school to high school with friends, family and your own body can be difficult. Helen Brown has the love of ‘Mickey’ to help her and writes about this cat and these incidents with humour and understanding. Jenny Ackland explores a dystopian future in her latest novel, 'Hurdy Gurdy', where a troupe of female perfo…

Can you believe it??? We can't. The beginning of our fifth season!! And what better way to celebrate than to talk about Henry V??? Many thanks to you, our loyal listeners, for keeping us on the airwaves AND on the straight and narrow. Kind of, anyway ;) To send us an email - please do, we truly want to hear from you!!! - write us at: thebardcastyou…

There is murder and corruption in Michael Brissenden's 'Smoke' where loyalty and betrayal are exposed after a fire has ravaged a small community. The consequences of a once in a lifetime comet will reveal long held secrets, astronomy, romance and a thriller ending in Ruby Todd’s, ‘Bright Objects’.By Michael Brissenden with David McLean and Ruby Todd with Jan Goldsmith

Richard Broome tells the story of early European contact with its guns, diseases and ideas upon the First Nations people of Victoria in 'Aboriginal Victorians'.'The Work; by Bri Lee is a stunning debut novel about power, art and money.By Richard Broome with David McLean and Bri Lee with Lisa Moule

You know, dear listeners... we are such dear, dear friends (and have been for so many years!) that we truly feel as close to siblings as two people can get - who aren't actually biologically related. (Is blood actually thicker than water?) Plus, National Siblings Day was just a few weeks ago! It started us thinking... (always a scary prospect!)... …

'The Accident' by Fiona Lowe is a story of a devastating accident with a shocking web of lies. What happens when you are‘Suddenly Single at Sixty’? Jo Peck has written of her loss, anger and hurt along with her social experiment of on-line dating, in this often humorous memoir.By Fiona Lowe with Lisa Moule and Jo Peck with Jan Goldsmith

Garry Disher's latest novel, 'Sanctuary', reveals a world of scams, crime, corruption and characters seeking solace while, all the while, looking over their shoulders lest they are made accountable for their misdeeds.They met in 1958 in Holywood when producers controlled every aspect of an actor's life . Three of the four friends continued to meet …

April 23 is Shakespeare's Birthday!!! (And also his Death Day, but that's not important right now.) To honor the natal day of the Bard, in this episode we discuss all things birthday!! Where birthdays are mentioned in the canon, cakes, presents, traditions and history - and other celebratory topics! Grab some cake and a party hat and have a listen!…

Organised crime and ballroom dancing go hand in hand in Andrea Barton's novel, 'The Godfather of Dance'. Both are cutthroat industries.‘Pheasants Nest’ is a crime novel of rape and abduction. As well as action and suspense, Louise Milligan has created characters which give this book a realistic heart.…

The woman, mother, wife in Miranda Darling’s book is so much more, but will she spiral with subservient silence into her relationship or will her anger compound into a climatic burst and the title of this book is ‘Thunderhead‘.Carmel Shute tells us what’s happening with ‘Sisters in Crime’.By Miranda Darling and Sisters in Crime with Jan Goldsmith

You know, dear listeners - we have a lot to say. Certainly about Shakespeare!! And we are going to continue to say it!! In this episode we dive to the very Bottom (Ha! get it??) of A Midsummer Night's Dream. Lovers, Fairies, Mechanicals - what else could a person want??? Give us your hands, if we be friends... To send us an email - please do, we tr…

An ancient map links two women from the studio of Ruebens in the 1620’s to Antwerp today, Lisa Medved’s historical research and clever cryptic clues have you guessing in ‘The Engraver’s Secret’.Lauren Chater takes us back to Restoration England where theatre and art gave women greater agency in 'The Beauties' and where a commoner married a soon to …

Magic, humour, horror and even romance are ‘mettled’ together in Lili Wilkinson’s latest tale of not so damsel in distress and a secret society, featuring sinister Toadmen, in ‘Deep is the Fen’.‘The Winter Palace’ by Paul Morgan is a sumptuous novel of war, survival and love.By Lili Wilkinson with Jan Goldsmith and Paul Morgan with Lisa Moule

We had so much fun delving deeply into Julius Caesar last episode that we decided to tackle one of the comedies!! Twelfth Night is quite special to us, because we played Viola and Malvolio together a bunch of years back at Tulsa Shakespeare in the Park. That being said, we have A LOT to say about the play, that production, the characters, other pro…

‘The Cryptic Clue’ is a crime novel which puts capable older women in the spotlight and brings laughs about attitudes and happenings from the not so distant past. This is another Tea Ladies mystery written by Amanda Hampson.Ouyang Yu explores the dissonance between cultures which can lead to both comic outcomes and even a sense of loss in his colle…

Myfanwy Jones takes us into the historical past associated with the Queensland Tablelands and the friction between fathers and sons over three generations in, 'Cool Water'. An unflinching portrayal of modernday parenting is revealed in Bella Ellwood-Clayton's novel, 'Weekend Friends'.By Myfanwy Jones with David McLean and Bella Ellwood-Clayton with Lisa Moule

Beware the Ides of March!!! So, last week we were just shooting the proverbial shite, and it was - of course - March 15, the Ides of March. Which led us to a conversation about Julius Caesar. Which led us to a conversation about the state of politics in the good ol' US of A. Ugh. So we thought... let's talk some more about this!!! To send us an ema…

'The Pyramid of Needs' by Ernest Price is a darkly funny story about transphobia and family dysfunction.'Someone Else's Bucket List' by Amy Matthews is an exploration of values in the digital age as much as it is a story of an individual finding romance and her own identity.By Ernest Price with Lisa Moule and Amy Matthews with David McLean

Anne Freeman's novel, 'Me That You See' is a thrilling glimpse into online sex work.Steven Carroll's murder mystery, 'Death of a Foreign Gentleman', may appear to be simply detective fiction but we are taken on a whirlwind historical tour of philosophy and literature as the crime is finally solved.By Anne Freeman with Lisa Moule and Steven Carroll with David McLean

Listeners!!! We are bound and determined to get through all of Shakespeare's sonnets!!! In this episode we are joined by two dear friends and amazing actors, Amy Landis and Mark Edward Lang. What a joy to hear them do beautiful justice to the Bard's words and then discuss so fully that it satisfies our little nerdy hearts ❤️ So, here we go with Son…

'The Eleventh Floor' by Kylie Orr is a suspense filled psychological drama.Donna Cameron's novel, 'The Rewilding', negotiates the balance between corporate consumptionism and eco-terrorism in an action packed adventure.By Kylie Orr with Lisa Moule and Donna Cameron with David McLean

In Imbi Neeme's novel, "Kind of, Sort of, Maybe . . . but probably not", we have the potential of relationships forming, a mystery to solve and psychologically quirky characters grappling with life's challenges.Teenage sports games descend into a brawl in 'Sidelines' by Karen Viggers.By Imbi Neeme with David McLean and Karen Viggers with Lisa Moule

One of our lovely listeners, Susan, asked us "Which characters would you most enjoy (or not) to have a meal with?" When we read it, we thought: What a fantastic idea for a podcast episode!!! So this is it!!! We discuss who in the canon we'd love - or not love!! - to break bread with. Thanks, Susan!! We love you!! Enjoy!! To send us an email - pleas…

‘The Independent Pea’ is another colourful picture story book from Maree Coote. It not only pleases the eye but questions what is best: individuality or co-operation. There is humour in the illustrations as well as the many pea puns. All her books are available through Melbourne Style.Elizabeth Coleman neatly weaves stalking, a disappearance and a …

What could be worse than losing a child and never finding them again. ‘Gone’ by Glenna Thomson has a younger sister still experiencing the grief, so centered in the family, but still questioning and looking 40 years after.By Glenna Thomson with Jan Goldsmith

We warned you!! We did!! We said there are 154 sonnets and we are bound and determined to get to ALL of them!! In this episode, the lovely and supremely talent Bruce Cromer joins us to discuss Sonnet 126 - the WEIRD sonnet. The sonnet that marches to its own drum. The sonnet that is not like any others. What, you say?? Truth!! Have a listen!! To se…

‘The 20 Minute Author’ by Maja Wolnik is a clever way to write, publish and promote your book – fast.Old friends and new beginnings in ‘Whenever you’re ready’. Trish Bolton has three women, two friends and a daughter, look at their past and the possibility of an altered future after the unexpected death of a close friend.…

The challenge of finding your indigenous identity and heritage as an adolescent is explored in Graham Akhurt's novel, 'Borderland' where landscape, social assumptions and career potential all collide for Jono.Robbie Arnott highlights the changing attitudes and expectations of a society in 'Limberlost' as Ned grows into adulthood. The forces that sh…

Oh listeners... a year ago the podcast was in the heart center, Stratford Upon Avon. We were reminiscing about our lovely adventures there and thought... What about the swans? Luckily for us, LA's partner Don is an animal guy. So we asked him to do some research on swans, those Stratford ones in particular. Did you know swans are monogamous and mat…

'What You Become' is an anthology from RMIT's writing course.Murder, drugs, liasons and lies lie behind a quiet NSW coastal town in Bryan Brown's novel, The Drowning'.By Emma Goodhall with Lisa Moule and Bryan Brown with David McLean