David Simpkin
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simplerdave.bsky.social
David Simpkin
@simplerdave.bsky.social
Fine words butter no parsnips.
Once and future bookseller, currently based in deepest Nottinghamshire.
@Simplerdave on all decent social media - find me here, there and almost everywhere...
You know, for all we mock, O What A Circus is an absolute stone cold banger #BBCRadio2 #SalveSalveRegina
November 20, 2025 at 3:19 PM
I've known Dirk since I was a student back in the early 80s. It is brilliant to see that he's still creating epic audio magic, and I absolutely recommend that you hear this...
RELEASED TODAY thanks to Penguin Random House and DC Comics our ‘audio movie’ of the graphic novel KINGDOM COME by Mark Waid and Alex Ross. This production gave me the chance to return after three decades to both Metropolis *and* Gotham City. Here's what the author says about our new version: 1/14
November 18, 2025 at 12:40 PM
Top 5 movie genres:

*Okay, dammit, I'll do the right thing, if I MUST...

*Flawed protagonist solves crime

*Ragtag ensemble pulls off heist (or doesn't), 1950 - 2000

*Paranoid spy/detective thriller 1965 - 1980

*Jean-Pierre Melville
Top 5 movie genres:

- Does this robot / monster have a soul? (Yes it does)
- Sassy New York newspaper gal does not need love but finds it anyway
- I travelled in time or space. It was a mistake.
- You’re supposed to be the victim of my crime but I love you
- Being a detective is miserable but hot
What are your top 5 movie genres? Mine are:

- mystery on a train
- I've committed the perfect murder, "oh for fucks sake"
- European road movie
- ennui in Hong Kong
- I've tried nothing to improve my life and crime is the only thing left
November 16, 2025 at 10:55 PM
Death In Paradise Postponed #TWOSHOWSINONE
DOCTOR WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE
#TWOSHOWSINONE
November 16, 2025 at 10:02 AM
Love Dougray Scott on the One Show taking time to credit the writers (script and original novel)
November 7, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Farewell to the great Gilson Lavis, drummer for Squeeze (and so much more). Here's a fine example of exactly what he did:

youtu.be/9bTWF7eirJw?...
Squeeze - Another Nail In My Heart (Official Music Video)
YouTube video by SqueezeVEVO
youtu.be
November 6, 2025 at 5:17 PM
This was my home for nearly forty years (the city, not the cathedral, obviously) - and these are some gorgeous photos...
Winchester went and got itself a cathedral too didn't it
October 30, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Back in the late 80s, I came fourth in the Radio Times Comedy Writing competition. I got a cheque for £150 and some kind words from Prunella Scales (one of the judges that year).
I know which I valued more...
October 28, 2025 at 11:11 AM
I know we all know this, but aren't the #Strictly pros *really* good at ensemble work...
October 26, 2025 at 7:37 PM
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, Beaky, Mick, and Titch
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, Cally and Gan.
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, Dandy and a Clown.
October 23, 2025 at 10:04 AM
Ah, automated switchboard for my broadband provider, my mother has only ever had one maiden name, but because it has a silent letter, you will never ever recognise it when I say it out loud. Put me through to a human being...
October 1, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Coming soon, based on the show that's entirely responsible for the way I say the word 'tablet'...
✈️CLEARED FOR TAKE OFF!️✈️

Here’s your first chance to listen to a song from #TheHighLife: The Musical, with Air Stewards Steve and Sebastian reunited in the sound booth and hitting those high notes🎶
September 25, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Share your favourite black & white film (apart from all the others...)
September 25, 2025 at 8:51 AM
Hurrah! #SewingBee
September 16, 2025 at 9:06 PM
September 15, 2025 at 3:16 PM
@eggsbened.bsky.social David, quick question if I may: are you aware of any good articles on the set design for the new Godot, and how they got it past the notoriously fastidious Beckett estate?
No worries if not, but please and thank you if there's anything out there.
September 14, 2025 at 8:13 PM
Friends don't let friends clap on one and three #TheProms
September 13, 2025 at 8:57 PM
And that was just beautiful #TheProms
September 13, 2025 at 8:51 PM
Black and white footage of New York City in musical form #TheProms
September 13, 2025 at 8:35 PM
Fuck me, that was brilliant #TheProms #BohemianRhapsody
September 13, 2025 at 8:10 PM
I love a montage #TheProms
September 13, 2025 at 7:43 PM
By the way, this performance of the Sorcerer's Apprentice has been exceptional #TheProms
September 13, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Slightly diminish a book:

The Two Towels
Slightly diminish a book

A Tale of Two Kitties.
Slightly diminish a book

Warm and Peace
September 8, 2025 at 10:17 AM
1,184

(Location in alt text)
September 8, 2025 at 10:04 AM
The BBC thriller music Prom is seriously, seriously good. BBC4 now or iPlayer if your region permits.
September 5, 2025 at 7:44 PM