Where would we be without the humble toothbrush? What about a wine glass, a pair of high heels or the toilet? Comedian Katy Brand explores the extraordinary stories behind ordinary objects to help us appreciate the little things that make life so much more liveable.
Did you know the first electric toothbrush was made in 1880? Or that the fork shaped British table manners and, to this day, influences the taste of the food? Or that our beds are a reflection of our attitudes to sleep, sex, and status?
With the help of Horrible Histories' Greg Jenner, The Origin of Stuff takes us on a delightful whizz around the surprising history of our often used, and mostly overlooked, everyday items.
Mary Poppins is a story of taking practical steps towards happiness. It’s looking at the bright side of life. It’s setting boundaries, deciding what you want and making it happen. That’s the path to being Practically Perfect
For comedian Katy Brand, part of the joy of watching Mary Poppins as a child was the thrill of the film’s iconic, no-nonsense heroine. Her unshakeable confidence, her staunch independence, and that touch of magic. Now she’s all grown up, Katy takes another look beyond the talking umbrellas, bottomless bags and dubious cockney accents to show that Mary’s still got something to teach us.
She explores how the beloved nanny was brought to life from the page to the big screen, delves into her most striking memories to uncover themes that are still as important now as they were at the time, from women’s rights and poverty, to toxic masculinity and work-life balance.
With interviews and insights from famous fans and friends, Practically Perfect is the common-sense manual for life that we never knew we needed, and sprinkles some supercalifragilistic magic along the way.
'Massively enjoyable' Dawn French
I Carried a Watermelon is a love story to Dirty Dancing. A warm, witty and accessible look at how Katy Brand's life-long obsession with the film has influenced her own attitudes to sex, love, romance, rights and responsibilities.
It explores the legacy of the film, from pushing women's stories to the forefront of commercial cinema, to its 'Gold Standard' depiction of abortion according to leading pro-choice campaigners, and its fresh and powerful take on the classic 'coming of age' story told from a naïve but idealistic 17-year-old girl's point of view.
Part memoir based on a personal obsession, part homage to a monster hit and a work of genius, Katy will explore her own memories and experiences, and talk to other fans of the film, to examine its legacy as a piece of filmmaking with a social agenda that many miss on first viewing. One of the most celebrated and viewed films ever made is about to have the time of its life.
