“My Name’s Bond. James Bond.”

I spent much of 2024 in the arms of James Bond (lucky me!), directing a new audio edition of the original Ian Fleming novels to mark ‘007 at 70’. (Ian Fleming Publications) It was a labour of love for all concerned and we are extremely proud of the results. A top-notch cast of actors breathed fresh life into these vintage adventures: Richard Armitage, Adjoa Andoh, Alex Kingston, Pippa Bennett Warner, Mark Gatiss, Jon Culshaw, Adam Godley, Johnny Flynn, Robert Glenister, Genevieve Gaunt, Daniel Weyman, Eleanor Matsuura, Kobna Holdbrook Smith and Ben Willbond delivered an outstanding set of performances and a host of unforgettable characters. Thanks are due to Corrine Turner for entrusting me with the project and for being a brilliant ally, to Frederika Park for being a top wingman, to Strathmore Studios for their customary blue-ribbon production services, and to Stuart Wise for a truly heroic amount of editing. I am very proud of having directed this set of fantastic performances. And now I know how it truly feels to be a Bond Girl. He blows into your life, takes you on a whirlwind adventure, and moves on – leaving you bereft! Nobody does it better…