Om denne podcast
Episodes look at individual Chalet School books, Elinor M Brent-Dyer's life and other works, and wider themes, with occasional interviews. There will be spoilers, because the books have been in print for over 50 years. There will be mispronunciations, because it's too late now to put right the ones I invented as a 9 year old. And we do not ignore the bonkersness that makes EBD so beloved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episoder
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- The Pillars of the House · 52 min. · Sæson 4 Episode 2It's a Hayley week, and we're talking about what makes a headmistress in the Chalet School series. Transcript available at…
- The perils of cheap sweets · 24 min. · Sæson 4 Episode 1And we're back! A little later than planned, because it's been quite the summer, but here at last, with a look at a non Chalet book which tackles the structural inequalities of…
- My least favourite Chalet School book · 32 min. · Sæson 3 Episode 20It's got all the ingredients of a good Chalet School book - but there's something about the way they're combined, that I really don't like! My thoughts will probably crystallize…
- EBD - licensed to thrill · 34 min. · Sæson 3 Episode 19EBD wrote an adventure for boys - and Kit told me (after editing the episode) that it sounds far more brutal than any of the boys' stories he read as a kid. Time for a bit of…
- To Guernsey · 26 min. · Sæson 3 Episode 18An account of our recent holiday in Guernsey - where I was, of course, constantly thinking about the CS and EBD. Kit, not so much. Transcript available at…
- So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodbye! · 25 min. · Sæson 3 Episode 17A pivotal summer term book this time, as we look at the Chalet School's final term on St Briavel's - a book which might well have inspired Roald Dahl, given that it could be…
- Fat-shaming, drug-pushing, and an ornate belt buckle · 27 min. · Sæson 3 Episode 16The 50th book in the Chalet School series was specially written by EBD to mark the occasion, and she dedicated it to fans - so this is OUR book. It's more of a romance than a…
- Comfort and joy · 29 min. · Sæson 3 Episode 15Hayley and Deborah discuss fan fiction, particularly about Chalet School. Audio warning: we recorded this using Teams, and you can tell Kit was not there supervising! Transcript…
- Girls on film · 32 min. · Sæson 3 Episode 14It's a Wendy week and we're discussing how a talented producer might go about making a documentary about the Chalet School, just in case any talented producers listen to the…
- Saved by the medium of fashion · 23 min. · Sæson 3 Episode 13Back at last with an episode answering a question posed by Kit. Transcript available at https://topholepodcast.wordpress.com/2026/04/07/s3e13-saved-by-the-medium-of-fashion/…
- The Secret Life of Mlle Lachenais · 26 min. · Sæson 3 Episode 12In honour of our Winter Olympic medals in skeleton, a look at the Chalet School book which mentions the sport - one which Mlle Lachenais has done many times. I know, right? We're…
- Something to keep your hands occupied · 39 min. · Sæson 3 Episode 11It's a Wendy week and we're talking about handcrafts at the Chalet School. And also through history. And in the real world. And in our own lives. Context, that's it - we're…
- I didn't think! · 25 min. · Sæson 3 Episode 10Which is it to be - a sun-soaked, punch-fuelled trip to Jamaica, or a chilly school term on an island off the coast of Wales? Well, there's really only one answer to that…
- Who gave you leave to call me Matey? · 44 min. · Sæson 3 Episode 9It's a Wendy week! And we're talking about the Chalet School's matrons - at some length, because we're easily distracted. Transcript available at…
- Victorian poets and no gym apparatus · 21 min. · Sæson 3 Episode 8We're starting 2026 with an EBD book that finishes on Christmas Day because we have been Rather Unwell and so we are Running A Bit Late. In this episode I'm talking about a…
- Pageants and carols · 27 min. · Sæson 3 Episode 7We're somewhat late with this episode (sorry), but we're here now and focussing on fun seasonal stuff! Which is your favourite - The Bells of Christmas, or Strangers at the Inn?…
- The Leader of the Gang · 28 min. · Sæson 3 Episode 6Back to Switzerland this week, as we take a look at the 34th Chalet School book, Mary-Lou of the Chalet School. Transcript available at…
- Brown tunics and orange ties (2) · 24 min. · Sæson 3 Episode 5In which Hayley, Wendy and I conclude our discussion about which is better, Malory Towers or the Chalet School, and then I mop up the bits we didn't discuss and the things we got…
- Brown tunics and orange ties (1) · 21 min. · Sæson 3 Episode 4They wear the same uniform, so what's the difference between the Chalet School and Malory Towers? Well... Episode transcript at…
- Back to the very beginning · 27 min. · Sæson 3 Episode 3Loads of spoilers in this consideration of EBD's first book, Gerry Goes to School, without which there would be no Chalet School... what an awful thought. Transcript available…
