sandi toksvig on tour

Touring Autumn 2024

Following the sell-out 2022 tour of next slide please, the comedian, broadcaster, writer and campaigner returns to theatres with an evening to celebrate the publication of her new novel. the show will be packed with silly stories, profound truths, fascinating facts, readings from the book and a quick-fire q&a. life affirming, wise and funny, sandi investigates what it really means to be a ‘friend of dorothy’..

These events mark the publication of Sandi’s brand-new novel Friends of Dorothy : and each ticket includes a hardback copy (RRP £22.00)

TOURING AUTUMN 2024

September 2024.

BRIGHTON , Brighton Dome, 01273 709709

BASINGSTOKE , The Anvil, 01256 844244

IPSWICH , Regent Theatre

CAMBRIDGE , Arts Theatre, 01223 503333

GUILDFORD , G Live, 0343 310 0055

OCTOBER 2024

CARDIFF ,  New Theatre, 0343 310 0041

POOLE , Lighthouse, 01202 280000

LIVERPOOL , Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, 0151 709 3789

CHESTER , Storyhouse, 01244 409 113

BATH , The Forum, 0161 832 1111

COVENTRY , Warwick Arts Centre, 024 7649 6000

SALFORD , The Lowry, 0161 876 2000

ABOUT THE BOOK

The funny and brilliant new novel from the star of qi, sandi toksvig.

After much searching, the happily married young couple, Amber and Stevie think they have found the perfect spot in Grimaldi Square. Despite the rundown pub across the way, the overgrown garden and a decidedly nosy neighbour, number 4 is the house of their dreams. Stevie, a woman who has never left anything to chance, has planned everything so nothing can spoil their happiness.  But … upstairs in their new home, seated on an old red sofa is the woman they bought the place from — eighty-year-old foul-mouthed, straight-talking, wise-cracking Dorothy – who has decided that she’s not going anywhere.  It turns out that Dorothy will be only the first in a line of life-changing surprises. 

Friends of Dorothy is a touching, funny novel about a family that is not biological, but logical; a story close to Sandi Toksvig’s heart.

ABOUT SANDI TOKSVIG

Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, Sandi was brought up around the world in Europe, Africa and the United States. She began her comedy career at Girton College, Cambridge where she found time to write and perform in the first all-woman show at the Footlights as well as achieve a first-class degree. Sandi is well known to UK audiences as a broadcaster having begun her career in children’s television playing Ethel in the long-running Saturday-morning show Number 73. Since then her television career has included celebrated series such as Call My Bluff (as regular team captain) and Whose Line Is It Anyway? She was also host of Antiques Master for BBC2 and 1001 Things You Should Know for Channel 4. In 2016, Sandi took over from Stephen Fry as host of ‘QI’, BBC2’s fiendishly difficult and hugely popular quiz. She also replaced William G. Stewart as the host of the popular teatime quiz Fifteen to One which made its comeback after 11 years in April 2014.

In 2017 she and Noel Fielding became the new co-hosts of ‘The Great British Bake Off’. For a decade Sandi was a familiar voice for BBC Radio 4 listeners as the chair of The News Quiz which led to her induction into the Radio Hall of Fame. Sandi is passionate about live performance. She performed at the very first night of The Comedy Store in London and for many years was a member of The Comedy Store Players, an improvisational comedy team. Sandi conceived Playhouse Live for Sky Arts, producing specially commissioned live drama for television and for three years was both a writer for the series and the executive producer.

Much of Sandi’s time is devoted to writing and in 2019 she became president of the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain. She has more than 20 fiction and non-fiction books for children and adults to her credit. Her latest novel ‘The End of the Sky’ was published in 2017. For the theatre Sandi co-authored the musical Big Night Out at the Little Sands Picture Palace Theatre (with Dillie Keane), the Shakespeare deconstruction The Pocket Dream (with Elly Brewer), Charity Begins for Playhouse Live, Bully Boy and Silver Linings. Her adaptation of Treasure Island reopened the Leicester Haymarket Theatre in December 2018 and early in 2019 her adaptation of Mamma Mia the Party opened at London’s 02. Sandi has written the Globe Theatre’s new family show Christmas at the (Snow) Globe with Jenifer Toksvig which will open Christmas 2019. Sandi is an activist for gender equality. In 2014 she co-founded the Women’s Equality Party. Sandi has received an OBE but is yet to be made a National Trevor.

Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, Sandi was brought up around the world in Europe, Africa and the United States. She began her comedy career at Girton College, Cambridge where she found time to write and perform in the first all-woman show at the Footlights as well as achieve a first-class degree. Sandi is well known to UK audiences as a broadcaster having begun her career in children’s television playing Ethel in the long-running Saturday-morning show Number 73. Since then her television career has included celebrated series such as Call My Bluff (as regular team captain) and Whose Line Is It Anyway? She was also host of Antiques Master for BBC2 and 1001 Things You Should Know for Channel 4. In 2016, Sandi took over from Stephen Fry as host of ‘QI’, BBC2’s fiendishly difficult and hugely popular quiz. She also replaced William G. Stewart as the host of the popular teatime quiz Fifteen to One which made its comeback after 11 years in April 2014. In 2017 she and Noel Fielding became the new co-hosts of ‘The Great British Bake Off’. For a decade Sandi was a familiar voice for BBC Radio 4 listeners as the chair of The News Quiz which led to her induction into the Radio Hall of Fame. Sandi is passionate about live performance. She performed at the very first night of The Comedy Store in London and for many years was a member of The Comedy Store Players, an improvisational comedy team. Sandi conceived Playhouse Live for Sky Arts, producing specially commissioned live drama for television and for three years was both a writer for the series and the executive producer.

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Sandi Toksvig is one of the UK's most loved comedians as well as being a hugely talented presenter. Familiar to many once only as team captain on more...

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Sandi Toksvig: QI presenter gives health update after cancelling tour

Sandi Toksvig says she is out of hospital in Australia but still not well enough to fly back to the UK.

Tuesday 6 December 2022 14:53, UK

Comedian Sandi Toksvig has updated fans on her health after she was hospitalised with bronchial pneumonia in Australia.

Toksvig thanked her fans for "such kind words" while she had been unwell, going on to say that she has been discharged from hospital.

"I am now out of hospital and continuing my convalescence in Australia until I'm fit to fly home," she said in a statement posted on Twitter.

"My undying (literally) thanks to the amazing Australian health service."

Thank you to everyone who has sent such kind words while I’ve been unwell. I am now out of hospital and continuing my convalescence in Australia until I’m fit to fly home. My undying (literally) thanks to the amazing Australian health service. — Sandi Toksvig (@sanditoksvig) December 6, 2022

Many of the star's friends and fans expressed relief that the former Great British Bake Off (GBBO) presenter was on the mend.

The 64-year-old QI host embarked on her comedic debut across Australia in mid-November and was meant to be heading to New Zealand at the beginning of December, before becoming unwell and having to cancel the entire leg of the tour .

Pneumonia is typically caused by a bacterial infection or virus, causing inflammation of the tissue in one or both lungs. Bronchial pneumonia targets the bronchi, the two large tubes that carry air from the windpipe to the lungs. Both can cause the individual to develop a dry cough or bring up phlegm.

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Toksvig's self-titled show Sandi Toksvig Live! was described as a "soothing balm" following the COVID pandemic, with a parlour games "for those who wish to take part".

In 2020, the star announced she was leaving GBBO to focus on other projects, with comedian Matt Lucas joining veteran host Noel Fielding on the popular Channel 4 baking show.

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Sandi Toksvig: Always have a chair – the whole ‘standup’ thing is overrated

The comedian, presenter and author on pre-show rituals, poor advice and the thrill of a hydraulic log-splitter

Who inspires you? My wife, Debbie. She is a remarkable woman. Wise and witty. I cannot believe my luck to have found her.

Can you remember a gig so bad, it’s now funny? Many years ago, I was the opening act at Stockholm’s first comedy club in Sweden. In those days I had a solid 20 minutes that always worked in the UK. The Swedes speak excellent English, so I thought it would be fine. I did 20 minutes to complete silence followed by raucous applause. I asked the organiser why no one laughed and she replied “We didn’t like to interrupt”.

What’s your process for writing new material? I store thoughts like a squirrel hoarding for the future. I read or see something that might have potential and tuck it away on a scrap of paper for later. Sometimes it’s just a book title. I just bought a book called Fishes I Have Known as I feel certain there is something in it.

What’s your current show about? Being silly, having fun, remembering to be childlike, shaking off stress, and seeing the value in Barbie.

Any pre-show rituals? Cup of tea. Speak to my wife.

Do you think audiences have changed since lockdown? Audiences seem more upbeat. There is a genuine pleasure in being out that is still fresh. It is so lovely to meet everyone in person. There is no shyness in them volunteering contributions.

Best heckle? I give out pencils as prizes. The other night I remarked on something small I had achieved and someone shouted, “You should get a pencil!”, which I then awarded myself.

What’s a lesson you’ve learned from a lifetime in comedy? Always have a chair on stage so you can sit down if you feel like it. The whole “standup” thing is overrated.

Best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? From my wife: “You should marry me.”

Worst piece of advice you’ve ever been given? Oat milk is just as nice as real milk.

What are you most excited for right now? I’ve just bought a hydraulic log-splitter.

Sandi Toksvig’s new show Next Slide Please is on UK tour until 30 June .

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Sandi Toksvig talks about her latest tour, National Trevor

Great British Bake Off and QI presenter, Sandi Toksvig is starting off the New Year with a new live tour, National Trevor. Ahead of the opening at The Lowry, the comedian and writer talks to Quays Life about celebrity, unpredictable live audiences, and being much younger, thinner and taller in the flesh.

Sandi Toksvig is remembering a terrific occasion at the Festival Hall in London 4 years ago. “My wife and I renewed our wedding vows on the stage. It was a small gathering, a few family – and a thousand of my close friends. It was held on the day that same sex marriages were made legal.

“It was astonishing, you know. I invited 150 family and friends, and let it be known to the general public that if anybody wanted to come, they were most welcome. The hall was full. There were literally thousands of people. It was every kind of person you could possibly imagine. It was very jolly. The only drawback was that there wasn’t enough cake!”

This story tells you everything about the presenter’s popularity. She’s the sort of approachable, lovable figure everyone considers their friend. In person, Sandi is every bit as delightful as you would hope. Offscreen, she is just as warm, witty, welcoming and generally wonderful as she is on screen. She is marvellous company, and an hour with her simply flies by.‎

Over a burger in a central London hotel, Sandi is brimming with excitement about the forthcoming tour, ‘National Trevor’ which kicks off at The Lowry in Salford on Wednesday 9 January.

After a spell making such hugely popular TV shows as The Great British Bake Off and QI, Sandi can’t wait to come face-to-face with her audience again in a show that will feature a Q&A and lots and lots of excellent jokes.

In addition, Sandi will be regaling audiences with a raft of funny facts.”I’m endlessly interested in things,” confirms the 60-year-old. “I think detail is terribly funny. Did you know that the glue on Israeli postage stamps is Kosher?”

“National Trevor” also showcases a general knowledge quiz. “I don’t know if you want to win it,” Sandi smiles, “because then you have to come up on stage and talk to me all about your life!”‎

During the show, Sandi invites the audience to help her conduct a piece of music, too. “I get them to conduct Beethoven’s Ode to Joy. I chose that piece because Beethoven was deaf by the time he completed it.

“It’s remarkable to want to create music when you can’t hear it. On the night of the premiere, he was seen running through the streets shouting, ‘Grab life by the throat!’ That’s what I’m saying in this show.”

Sandi adds that, “Whenever I see people wearing a T-shirt that says,’ Living the Dream,’ ‎I think, ‘You’re totally not.’ I want to tell them, ‘If you had to buy a T-shirt saying that, it’s not working’.”

The aspect of the tour Sandi is most looking forward to is the audience interaction. She adores the spontaneity of it all. “I can’t wait to get out there. The best bit is not me talking to them – it’s them talking to me. Me talking? Not so interesting. Them talking? Very interesting!

“You never quite know what is going to happen.‎ The unexpected stuff is always the most enjoyable part. The most unexpected thing that ever happened in a show took place during a Q and A in Bradford. A woman asked me what my bra size was. I couldn’t remember, so she had to come up on stage and have a look!”

Sandi, who was a very popular host of Radio 4’s News Quiz for a decade, proceeds to underscore her love of live performance. ‎”The other reason to do a live show is that there is still something magical about sharing an evening out at the theatre.

“When actors stand backstage before a performance, we listen to the sound of the audience. We say, ‘They’re a bit Monday night’ or ‘They’re a bit Saturday matinee’. A distinct personality overtakes an entire group of people.”

The theatre also demands a focus that we sometimes lack in other parts of our life. “It’s about getting people to put their phones away, have an engagement with the show and listen to other people laughing – hopefully – or weeping!

“For a brief moment we can forget about Brexit or whatever it is we’re worrying about and lose ourselves in the show. That’s good for us. We feel better.”

One of the main themes of “National Trevor” is our current fixation with celebrity. Sandi explains that, “The thing I’m slightly obsessed with is our whole attitude to fame. ‎There is a new trend of calling people a ‘National Treasure’.

“I don’t know where it’s come from, but I heartily disapprove. I think everybody has something to commend them. Everyone has a story where you go, ‘Really?’ We don’t get to hear their stories of extraordinary endeavours.”

Sandi proceeds to outline where the show’s title comes from. “One day, a friend of mine was being extremely rude to me‎. A lot of my friends are – I encourage it! So in the middle of this argument, I said to her, ‘Don’t you know I’m a National Treasure?’

“And she replied, ‘You’re a National Trevor?’ Then her husband said, ‘Who’s been calling her Trevor?’ Now they call me Trevor. So that’s why I gave the show this title. I’m going round the country looking for all the National Trevors. I’m celebrating people.”

Sandi muses on what she hopes audiences will take away from “National Trevor.” “I hope they think that they have had a really good evening, that they’re had a great laugh and that I’m much younger, taller and thinner in the flesh!”

Before she has to go off to another gig, Sandi decides to order an alcohol-free cocktail to clear her throat. It’s called, “Endless Joy.”

Quick as a flash, Sandi jokes: “That should be the title of my next live show.”

Well, I’d go and see that, wouldn’t you?

Sandi Toksvig’s “National Trevor” is at The Lowry Theatre , Salford Quays on 9 January 2019. For full tour details visit: www.sanditoksvig.com

After a sell-out in Spring 2019 and due to popular demand, Sandi Toksvig is returning to The Lowry with her one-woman comedy show on Sunday 12 January 2020.

Carmel Thomason

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Comedian Sandi Toksvig Brings Tour to Australia

The performer will stop in nine cities.

Sandi Toksvig , the internationally-renowned comedian, broadcaster, writer, campaigner, and all-round good egg, will make her Australian and New Zealand touring debut with a new, specially-conceived comedy show: Sandi Toksvig Live! Regularly featured on a variety of television shows, most recently a three-year stint as co-host on The Great British Baking Show, this 9-city tour marks Sandi's welcome return to live stand-up comedy performance in 2022. The Sydney show will be part of the Just For Laughs Sydney Comedy Festival.

In an evening of comedy and curiosities Sandi will share little known facts and tell tall tales alongside some really silly jokes. Packed full of reasons to be cheerful, this show will be a soothing balm after recent years of lockdown gloom, with a side of parlour games for those who wish to take part.

Sandi said, "I am thrilled to finally come down to Australia and New Zealand to perform my new show for my fans down under. It has been a perilous time for live performance, but I am thrilled to be back on the boards. And leaving our winter for an Australian summer is a bonus, I can't wait."

WED 8, 7.30PM, LEICESTER, De Montfort Hall, 0116 233 3111 BOOK HERE

THU 9, 8PM, LONDON, Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall BOOK HERE

FRI 10, 7.30PM, CRAWLEY, The Hawth, 01293 553636 BOOK HERE

SUN 12, 7.30PM, KINGSTON, Rose Theatre, 020 8174 0090 BOOK HERE

MON 13, 7.30PM, BROMLEY, Churchill Theatre, 0343 310 0020 BOOK HERE

THU 16, 7.30PM, DARLINGTON, Darlington Hippodrome, 01325 405405 BOOK HERE

FRI 17, 7.30PM, SHEFFIELD, City Hall BOOK HERE

SAT 18, 7.30PM, LIVERPOOL, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, 0151 709 3789 BOOK HERE

SUN 19, 7.30PM, SALFORD, The Lowry, 0343 208 6000 BOOK HERE

WED 22, 7.30PM, BRIGHTON, Brighton Dome, 01273 709709 BOOK HERE

THU 23, 7.30PM, CAMBRIDGE, Corn Exchange, 01223 357851 BOOK HERE

SAT 25, 7.30PM, CHESTER, Storyhouse, 01244 409 113 BOOK HERE

SUN 26, 7.30PM, GLASGOW, Theatre Royal, 0844 871 7615* BOOK HERE

MON 27, 7.30PM, EDINBURGH, Festival Theatre, 0131 529 6000 BOOK HERE

TUE 28, 7.30PM, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, Tyne Theatre & Opera House, 0844 2491 000* BOOK HERE

THU 30, 7.30PM, CANTERBURY, The Marlowe Theatre, 01227 787787 BOOK HERE

About Sandi Toksvig

Sandi Toksvig OBE, was born in Copenhagen, Denmark and brought up around the world in Europe, Africa and the United States. She began her comedy career at Girton College, Cambridge where she wrote and performed in the first all-woman Footlights show as well as achieving a first-class degree.

Sandi is well known to television audiences as a broadcaster having begun her career in children's television playing Ethel in the long running Saturday morning show Number 73. Since then, her television career has included celebrated series such as Call My Bluff and Whose Line Is It Anyway? She was also host of Antiques Master and 1001 Things You Should Know. In 2016, Sandi took over from Stephen Fry as host of BBC2's hugely popular quiz show QI, and in 2014 she also replaced William G. Stewart as the host of 15 to 1 which made its comeback after 11 years. In 2017 she and Noel Fielding became the new co-hosts of The Great British Bake Off in its move to Channel 4.

For a decade Sandi was a familiar voice to BBC Radio 4 listeners as the chair of The News Quiz which led to her induction into the Radio Hall of Fame.

Sandi is passionate about live performance. She performed at the very first night of The Comedy Store in London and for many years was a member of The Comedy Store Players, an improvisational comedy team. Sandi conceived Playhouse Live for Sky Arts , producing specially commissioned live drama for television.

Much of Sandi's time is devoted to writing having written more than twenty fiction and non-fiction books for children and adults. Her latest novel The End of the Sky was published in 2017. For the theatre Sandi co-authored the musical Big Night Out at the Little Sands Picture Palace Theatre (with Dillie Keane ), the Shakespeare deconstruction, The Pocket Dream (with Elly Brewer) Charity Begins for Playhouse Live, Bully Boy and Silver Linings. Her adaptation of Treasure Island reopened the Leicester Haymarket Theatre in December 2018. In 2019 her adaptation of Mamma Mia the Party will open at London's 02.

Sandi is an activist for gender equality. In 2015 she co-founded the Women's Equality Party.

About Temple Live Entertainment

Established in early 2022, Temple Live Entertainment (TLE) is owned by Eventim Live and Idili Live Entertainment, as part of the Eventim Live promoter network. TLE is a producer and promoter of exceptional live events across multiple entertainment genres including West End theatre, comedy and classical music.

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Join broadcaster and comedian Sandi Toksvig for an evening of comedy and curiosities as she takes to the stage to share little known facts and tell tall tales alongside some really silly jokes.  Packed full of reasons to be cheerful, this show will be a soothing balm after recent years of lockdown gloom, with a side of parlour games for those who wish to take part.

Sandi will bring her trademark charm, warmth and inquisitive nature, you just bring yourselves!

Don’t miss Sandi Toksvig Live on her first tour of Australia and New Zealand!

From ABC TV’S QI and The Great British Bakeoff !

 “An evening of wit and wisdom  … and it’s lots of fun”  ★★★★ The Times

 “This show never fails to delight and entertain”  ★★★★ Mail On Sunday

 Sandi Toksvig Official Website

Presented by Bohm Presents & Temple Live Entertainment

* May Contain Coarse Language & Adult Themes

Extraordinary Escapes with Sandi Toksvig — Everything we know about the C4 travel series

Extraordinary Escapes with Sandi Toksvig sees the QI host discover some of Britain's most remote rural retreats.

Extraordinary Escapes with Sandi Toksvig will offer viewers a small slice of tranquility after a winter stuck at home and we can't wait to unwind with the QI host. 

In the four-part series the broadcaster and former Great British Bake Off presenter will explore the delights of the UK’s wildest, most remote and beautifully designed holiday digs accompanied by some of the nation’s most fascinating and funny women. 

In each episode Sandi and a different companion will explore a different region of Britain, staying at three beautiful boltholes along the way, while using all that quite time to get to know her friends a little better. 

Extraordinary Escapes with Sandi Toksvig release date on Channel 4.

The first episode will air on C4 at 9pm on Wednesday 10 February and the whole series will be available on All 4 that evening. The series will also continue on Wednesdays on C4. 

If you're looking to watch the hot new show on British television but aren't actually in the UK, a simple VPN might well take care of that geographical problem for you by routing all your network traffic through Britain.

For that, we've long been fans of ExpressVPN . It's plenty affordable, easy to use, and makes it so that you can watch all the things from wherever you may be.

Get a free trial of ExpressVPN today !

Where will Sandi be going in the first episode? 

In the first episode, Sandi will be heading off to the wilds of Suffolk with Alison Steadman. 

Starting on the Heritage Coast, they discover an imposing 19th Century Martello Tower. Once a wreck, this unique building has been lovingly transformed into an architecturally stunning home for guests that makes the most of the panoramic views and remote beach on its doorstep. 

It’s the perfect escape for Alison to indulge in her passion for cloud watching and for Sandi to reveal some fascinating facts about Napoleon’s penis.

In the midst of a 5000-acre estate devoted to wildlife conservation, Sandi and Alison re-connect with nature during a stay at a re-built 17th century thatch cottage with a difference — it has its very own moat.  Here, Alison reveals her penchant for fungi spotting.

And deep in the country, they discover the gatehouse of an 11th Century Priory has been offering hospitality to visitors for hundreds of years and still offers a sense of sanctuary to guests today.  

Sandi was delighted to spend some quality time with Alison, whose TV hits include Gavin & Stacey , who she has known for many years. 

"I met Alison at a literary festival," says Sandi. "I had a very long evening sitting between Ken Dodd and Julian Fellowes. Alison was sitting across from me and she kept laughing because I couldn’t get a word in!" 

"She's great fun to be around and it was lovely to spend so much time together. We were working out which bedroom we were going to sleep in and what light to leave on in the evening! She loves watching the clouds so we sat on the beach watching the sky for hours." 

Yet Sandi couldn't resist getting in the water when they stayed at a thatched cottage with a moat!

"When I saw that, I couldn’t wait to go rowing," she explains. "I have Danish roots so maybe it’s the Viking in me!"

Who will be joining Sandi in the second episode? 

In the second episode BAFTA-winning actress Jessica Hynes joins Sandi for a tour of Jessica’s home county of Kent.

First stop, the rolling hills outside the village of Benenden, where a passionate local has lovingly restored an early 1900’s windmill by hand, transforming it into a luxurious and unusual hideaway for two. 

On the Isle of Sheppey, they explore Elmley National Nature Reserve, the only nature reserve in England where you can stay overnight and in glorious comfort. With views as far as the eye can see, the pair try their hand at bird watching.

Their final stop is Camber Sands, where they are blown away by a stunning, glass-fronted home created to make the most of the two-mile beach.

Sandi has known Jessica since they appeared in Suffragette period drama, Up The Women , back in 2013. 

"Jessica and I did laugh a great deal, we really did," says Sandi. "People who make their living through comedy usually have a reflective side to them and she’s one of the most thoughtful people I’ve ever met. One moment you’re crying with laughter and the next you’re pondering something you’ve never considered before, which I love. 

"She really enjoyed the birds at the Elmley Nature Reserve, even though I was doing duck calls," laughs Sandi. "I was very pleased with my duck call actually, but I was the only one who was."

Where will Sandi be going in the third episode? 

Sandi Toksvig takes comedian, broadcaster and friend, Sindhu Vee, on some extraordinary Scottish escapes and a private island off the coast of Skye is their first stop. Here a lighthouse keeper’s cottage offers guests the ultimate escape.

They swap their cosy cottage for courageous and bold design when they set upon an architecturally spectacular, luxury shooting lodge, which is nestled deep in a 57,000-acre Highland estate, with the tranquil views across mountain, glen and loch side. 

Their last stop is a truly unique, handmade bolthole for two — an elliptical shaped home built to celebrate the island views of the Inner Hebrides and the Sound of Mull.

"Sindhu met when I recommended her for QI ," says Sandi. "I saw her performing stand-up online and thought she would be great and she did an amazing debut. It turns out she’s married to a Dane and she speaks Danish! Now her husband Jakob and my wife Debbie, we all became good friends!"

Yet while Sindhu has been to the Edinburgh Festival a few times, she's never ventured into the wilds of Scotland and was a bit apprehensive about staying on a private island off the coast of Skye. 

"It was just us and some sheep after the camera crew left," says Sandi. "Sindhu wasn’t too happy about staying somewhere that didn’t have Deliveroo, but I cooked some fresh shellfish for her so it was fine."

Who will Sandi be sharing her final trip with? 

In the fourth and final episode of the series, Sandi Toksvig is joined by close friend, foodie and Bake Off judge Prue Leith. The Wye Valley is their first stop where they reconnect with nature during some foraging and explore a luxury treehouse designed to make you feel like you are living in the canopy.

They venture deep into the Cotswold countryside to discover their next escape — a minimalist and striking home of glass and Cotswold stone built to make the most of the glorious views and to contrast with the 17th century cottage at its heart. 

For their final hurrah, the pair stay at a colourful and chic home designed by Kate Moss where their own private mixologist adds a splash of glamour to the occasion!

"Prue is probably the person I know best out of the four, she’s like family to me, so I think she would have been furious if I hadn’t invited her!" says Sandi, who met her best pal while working on The Great British Bake Off . "I really miss seeing her so it was nice to get the time to hang out with her again."

Sandi and Prue enjoyed the high-life at the house Kate Moss had designed, but she admitted the supermodel's decor wasn't quite to her taste. 

"I like things quite Scandi and minimalistic, so it wasn't exactly my taste. There was a fluffy portrait of Marilyn Monroe on the wall," she explains. "The mixologist was great — although I admit I didn't know what one of those was beforehand! I had a few cocktails, although I can only remember the first one!"

"We had a fun evening because Prue talked about her early career at some of the top restaurants and I’m not sure people realise how amazing she really is. Listening to her talk about her kitchen disasters was also hilarious!" 

Is there a trailer for the series available? 

Not yet, but we'll be sure to post it here when it's available. 

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Sean is a Senior Feature writer for TV Times, What's On TV and TV & Satellite Week, who also writes for whattowatch.com. He's been covering the world of TV for over 15 years and in that time he's been lucky enough to interview stars like Ian McKellen, Tom Hardy and Kate Winslet. His favourite shows are  I'm Alan Partridge, The Wire, People Just Do Nothing  and  Succession  and in his spare time he enjoys drinking tea, doing crosswords and watching football. 

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Herne Bay's Sandi Toksvig returns home after falling ill with pneumonia on tour

Fans were quick to take to the comments section under her Tweet to express their joy

• 10:30, 16 DEC 2022

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Sandi Toksvig has returned home to the delight of her fans after falling ill on tour earlier this month . The comedian and presenter cancelled the New Zealand leg of her tour after announcing she had been admitted to hospital with bronchial pneumonia.

However, the ex-Great British Bake Off presenter, who has a home in Herne Bay , pleased fans with a recent Twitter post. She said: "Thanks to my beloved wife, I’m back home in time for Christmas. Best present ever!"

Others were quick to take to the comments section under her Tweet to express their joy at the news. Kate Bottley said: "This is a welcome photo. You are very loved x"

READ MORE: Sandi Toksvig and her quiet life in Herne Bay

Meanwhile, Michael Rosen wrote: "Lovely to see you so smiley, Sandi." Aasmah Mir added: "Amazing news. You are a wonderful person - who gives the best hugs - and thank you for everything you do x"

Sandi's life away from the cameras has been just has interesting as her fame on our TV screens. After three years on Bake Off, Sandi departed from the show back in 2020, replaced by another British comedy legend Matt Lucas, known for hits such as Little Britain and Come Fly With Me.

This wasn’t to be the last of her ventures on our television screens however, as she has since seen success on Extraordinary Escapes and QI XL. In fact, her appearances on Extraordinary Escapes saw her exploring some of Kent's best holiday spots.

When she’s away from the cameras, she often takes residence at her houseboat in Wandsworth, London which she shares with wife Debbie, a psychiatrist, whom she entered a civil partnership with in 2007. She also calls Herne Bay home, where she has confirmed she owns a house.

Fans have caught glimpses of her home on social media, with snippets shown of the stunning garden and homely interior. Speaking to Gransnet, she said: "I cheat and also have a house in Kent for all my books."

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Sandi Toksvig announces 2022 New Zealand tour

Sandi Toksvig , the internationally-renowned comedian, broadcaster, writer, campaigner, and all-round good egg, will make her New Zealand touring debut with a new, specially-conceived comedy show: Sandi Toksvig Live! Regularly featured on a variety of television shows, most recently a three-year stint as co-host on  The Great British Baking Show , this 3-city tour marks Sandi’s welcome return to live stand-up comedy performance in 2022.  

In an evening of comedy and curiosities Sandi will share little known facts and tell tall tales alongside some really silly jokes. Packed full of reasons to be cheerful, this show will be a soothing balm after recent years of lockdown gloom, with a side of parlour games for those who wish to take part.   Sandi said, “I am thrilled to finally come down to Australia and New Zealand to perform my new show for my fans down under.  It has been a perilous time for live performance, but I am thrilled to be back on the boards. And leaving our winter for a New Zealand summer is a bonus, I can’t wait.” The Sandi Toksvig Live! tour is co-produced by Bohm Presents and Temple Live Entertainment Limited in the UK. 

CHRISTCHURCH                     CHRISTCHURCH TOWN HALL             SUNDAY  4 DECEMBER   WELLINGTON                                    OPERA HOUSE                            MONDAY 5 DECEMBER   AUCKLAND                               KIRI TE KANAWA THEATRE               TUESDAY 6 DECEMBER 

TICKETS ON SALE MONDAY 9 MAY 9AM – BOOK AT  BOHMPRESENTS.COM

About Sandi Toksvig Sandi Toksvig OBE, was born in Copenhagen, Denmark and brought up around the world in Europe, Africa and the United States. She began her comedy career at Girton College, Cambridge where she wrote and performed in the first all-woman Footlights show as well as achieving a first-class degree. Sandi is well known to television audiences as a broadcaster having begun her career in children’s television playing Ethel in the long running Saturday morning show Number 73. Since then, her television career has included celebrated series such as Call My Bluff and Whose Line Is It Anyway? She was also host of Antiques Master and 1001 Things You Should Know. In 2016, Sandi took over from Stephen Fry as host of BBC2’s hugely popular quiz show QI, and in 2014 she also replaced William G. Stewart as the host of 15 to 1 which made its comeback after 11 years. In 2017 she and Noel Fielding became the new co-hosts of The Great British Bake Off in its move to Channel 4. For a decade Sandi was a familiar voice to BBC Radio 4 listeners as the chair of The News Quiz which led to her induction into the Radio Hall of Fame. Sandi is passionate about live performance. She performed at the very first night of The Comedy Store in London and for many years was a member of The Comedy Store Players, an improvisational comedy team. Sandi conceived Playhouse Live for Sky Arts, producing specially commissioned live drama for television.  Much of Sandi’s time is devoted to writing having written more than twenty fiction and non-fiction books for children and adults. Her latest novel The End of the Sky was published in 2017. For the theatre Sandi co-authored the musical Big Night Out at the Little Sands Picture Palace Theatre (with Dillie Keane), the Shakespeare deconstruction, The Pocket Dream (with Elly Brewer) Charity Begins for Playhouse Live, Bully Boy and Silver Linings. Her adaptation of Treasure Island reopened the Leicester Haymarket Theatre in December 2018. In 2019 her adaptation of Mamma Mia the Party will open at London’s 02.  Sandi is an activist for gender equality. In 2015 she co-founded the Women’s Equality Party.

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Mon 14 October

Sandi Toksvig - Friends of Dorothy

John Mackay and Sally Homer, in association with Curtis Brown, present

SANDI TOKSVIG: Friends of Dorothy

Following the sell-out 2022 tour of Next Slide Please, the comedian, broadcaster, writer and campaigner returns to theatres with an evening to celebrate the publication of her new novel. The show will be packed with silly stories, profound truths, fascinating facts, readings from the book and a quick-fire Q&A. Life affirming, wise and funny, Sandi investigates what it really means to be a ‘Friend of Dorothy’.

These events mark the publication of Sandi’s brand-new novel Friends of Dorothy: and each ticket includes a hardback copy (RRP £22.00)

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A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

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Moscow by Night

One of the most popular tours of my guests is a walk through Moscow at night. This tour helps tourists to see Moscow not as a bustling hive, but as a majestic Empress full of ceremonial glory. Moscow night tour lasts nearly for three hours, but at the end of the walk it seems to be gone only an hour. During the excursion around Moscow at night, guests can enjoy not only the beauty of illumination, but also to learn more about the history of the city and its architecture, see  legendary cathedrals, buildings and squares of Moscow, famous over the world, and to make great shots of attractions.

Night Moscow is full of magic. It is fascinating and enigmatic. If you decided to visit Russia in winter season, you will feel the fairytale atmoshere of the capital decorated with festive New Year and Christmas decorations. Walking through Moscow's streets at night you would never believe that just a few hours before you wandered through the same ones, only in the light of day. It is amazing how the city can change in the glow of night illumination. The incredible beauty of the city at night fascinates.

Excellent illumination turns the capital to the city of a fairy tale, dream-city of the children's book.

A wonderful excursion begins with perhaps the most famous places in the whole Moscow - Red Square , located at the north-eastern wall of the Kremlin. History of Russia's main square has its roots in the end of 15th century.

Nowadays, parades and celebrations of important events in the life of the Russian Federation are held at this famous square. At night Red Square stuns with its magnificent illuminations. Solemn and austere in daylight, it looks elegant and festive in the glow of night lights.

Patriarchy Bridge

Our path lies to the Patriarchy Bridge than. There is a beautiful view of the night Red Square, The Cathedral of Christ the Savior and the monument to Peter the Great at this point.

Built in Russian-Byzantine style in honor of the victory of the Russian people over Napoleon's troops the magnificent Cathedral of Christ the Savior seems to be a magical castle from a fairy tale, full of mysterious charm. Its white silhouette stands out brightly against the night sky. It seems that the walls of the Cathedral lit from within by the divine light. It is really a stunning effect.

Sparrow Hills

Next place that deserves special attention are the Sparrow Hills . There is a unique view on Moscow at night with bird's-eye view from this place - at least 85 meters over of the Moscow-River. Looking at the capital full of illumination, lit by millions of lights, stretching out at the feet, you feel on top of the world. It seems that you are a magician, surveying your luxurious land. You will have the opportunity to see a spectacular view of the Luzhniki stadium - the largest one in Russia and one of the largest stadiums in the world. This stadium was built in 1955-1956 years. It was here the Olympic Games took place and a lot of sport competitions and concerts of well-known artists and bands were conducted.

At night the stadium is light up along the whole circular length at night. It seems that the stadium is a great shining pearl in the illumination of thousands of lights. From this point of Moscow you can see the erecting buildings of Financial Center Moscow-City by projects of English architect Norman Foster. Some buildings are ready; some are in the process of erection. Completion is planned for 2015. We all look forward to completion to enjoy the magnificent view of monumental modern buildings at night in the rays of illumination.

All of Stalin's skyscrapers , erected in the mid 50-ies by the orders of Stalin are visible from the top of Sparrow Hills, including Moscow State University , known for its night laser lights. Each skyscraper has a unique lighting. Panorama from Sparrow Hills is sure to impress guests: dazzling shining of metropolis with millions of lights makes the capital an unforgettable and beautiful. Magic night in Moscow fascinates.

Novodevichy Convent

My guests are particularly impressed by the panorama of Novodevichy Convent .

This magnificent example of the Orthodox women's monastery was founded in 1524 by Prince Vasily III. There are a lot of stories and legends of Moscow connected with the monastery. It played a prominent role in the cultural life of Russia. Today Novodevichy Convent is both working monastery and a branch of the State Historical Museum. Night walk along the pond will fully appreciate the beauty of the Novodevichy convent at night. Rising above the dark surface of the water, it seems to be full of shining, light and peace. The lights of the five-headed Smolensky Cathedral and the monumental bell tower of the monastery illuminate the dark sky solemnly, cutting through the darkness and giving hope.

Victory Park

Three hours driving and walking tour ends in Victory Park on Kutuzov Avenue with a stop near the Arch of Triumph.

Victory Park was opened in Moscow in 1995 and is coincided to 50 years of victory over the fascist invaders. The original nighttime illumination of Victory Monument will not leave any spectator indifferent.

Excellent coverage of the Arch of Triumph on Kutuzov Avenue, built in honor of the victory over Napoleon in 1812, will complement this impression.

The tour will introduce you to such streets and squares as Tverskaya and New Arbat streets, Pushkinskaya Square, Gagarin’s Square, Lubyanka Square, and October Square. Also you will see such famous buildings in the night illumination, as White House, Former KGB, Stalin’s Skyscrapers, Old building of French Embassy, Bolshoy Theater and many others.

Moscow at night is a truly fascinating spectacle. City Lights beckon and create a holiday atmosphere. If you have seen Moscow at night - you looked into her very heart, saw her real - a beautiful, bright, exotic queen.

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Moscow in one day, best highlights of moscow.

• Ice Rink at Cathedral of Christ the Savior On the first days of 2008 the temperature of air in Moscow lowered down to -16..-18 C (+3…0 F), but was not snow on the grounds yet. This picture of Cathedral of Christ the Savior with view of frozen Moscow River (Moskva-Reka) that looks as like ice rink I took very early morning after seeing off my current client from USA to airport.
• Moscow Evening Photoshoot Celebrating 2nd Wedding Anniversary Moscow evening (twilight) photo session on July 1st, 2019 during night tour with my Dear clients from Iran, Mozhgan and Siamak, celebrating their 2nd wedding anniversary in Russia.

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About Me in Short

My name's Arthur Lookyanov, I'm a private tour guide, personal driver and photographer in Moscow, Russia. I work in my business and run my website Moscow-Driver.com from 2002. Read more about me and my services , check out testimonials of my former business and travel clients from all over the World, hit me up on Twitter or other social websites. I hope that you will like my photos as well.

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