Yesterday, I had the absolute privilege of witnessing the force of nature that is Miriam Margolyes at the Cheltenham Literature Festival with my lovely friends Wendy and Simon, and honestly, I’m still buzzing from the experience! As someone who’s always championed being #OpenlyNeurodivergent and speaking your truth (even when it’s uncomfortable), seeing Miriam in full flow was like watching a masterclass in authentic self-expression. I can only hope to be as unapologetically authentic as she is as I go through the rest of my life

The 84-year-old national treasure took to the stage at The Times and Sunday Times Forum in conversation with Gaby Huddart to promote her new book “The Little Book of Miriam” – and let me tell you, what followed was an hour of pure, unfiltered Miriam magic that had the packed audience alternating between gasps of shock and roars of laughter.

No Filter, No Apologies, Just Pure Miriam

Right from the start, Miriam set the tone. She didn’t mince words about anything from her views on current politics (she had some particularly choice words about certain politicians that I probably shouldn’t repeat here!) to her stance on Gaza and Palestine, which she’s been incredibly vocal about despite losing friends and family over it. As someone who understands what it’s like to stand up for what you believe in, even when it costs you relationships and friendships, I found her courage absolutely inspiring.

What struck me the most was her complete lack of pretence. Here’s a BAFTA-winning actress who’s worked with everyone from Martin Scorsese to Arnold Schwarzenegger, yet she treats everyone exactly the same. She told us she doesn’t care about star status, she cares about real people, real stories, and real connections. That resonated with me so deeply because that is exactly what I care about too.

The Little Book of Miriam: A-Z of Outrageous Brilliance

Her new book, which I’ve got a copy of and can’t wait to read, sounds absolutely brilliant! It’s an A-Z collection of her wit, wisdom, and completely unfiltered stories. She warned us it should probably be kept in the toilet and away from children due to the adult content and then proceeded to demonstrate exactly why with some stories from it that had us all in stitches!

From tales about knocking back Warren Beatty (yes, really!) to performing for an audience of two thousand naked lesbians (I’m not making this up!), to being the voice of the Cadbury’s Caramel Bunny in the 1970s, every anecdote was more outrageous than the last. She even became Vogue’s cover star at 83 with two Gregg’s Belgian buns covering her breasts. I mean, if that’s not life goals, I don’t know what is!

She also talked about the sheer joy she experienced at meeting the Royal Family and being awarded an OBE for services to drama.  I related to this massively because I too have met King Charles III when he awarded me with my MBE in 2023 for services to cyber security and DEIB. So this was something we both had in common which each other.

The Art of Being Fearlessly Political

What I absolutely loved was how she doesn’t shy away from being political. She proudly declared herself a “left-wing lesbian” and said she sees absolutely no reason to apologise for it. In an era where so many people are afraid to speak their minds, Miriam’s complete fearlessness is refreshing. She’s been called “unapologetically woke” and wears it like a badge of honour.

Her comments about being Jewish and speaking out about Gaza and Palestine were particularly powerful. She explained how important it is to her that people understand not all Jewish people support what’s happening, and she wants that distinction to be clear. The bravery it takes to stand up against your own community when you believe something is wrong, that’s real integrity right there.

Bodily Functions, Boundaries, and Belly Laughs

True to form, Miriam didn’t hold back on any topic. She discussed everything from the importance of regular bowel movements (she was deadly serious about this!) to farting etiquette. At one point, she even shared a story about Arnold Schwarzenegger farting in her face on set! Only Miriam could make that story both hilarious and somehow endearing!

The audience was absolutely captivated. You could hear a pin drop during her more serious moments, and the laughter was so loud during her funny stories that I’m sure they heard us outside the venue! She has this incredible ability to switch from profound observations about life and aging to the most outrageous anecdotes without missing a beat.

A Masterclass in Authenticity

As someone who is #OpenlyNeurodivergent (diagnosed with autism in 2018 and ADHD, dyspraxia, and dyscalculia in 2023), I’ve learned the importance of being authentic and true to yourself. Watching Miriam, I was reminded why that matters so much. She doesn’t try to be anyone other than exactly who she is – sweary, political, outrageous, tender, fierce, and hilarious all at once.

When asked about her legacy, she didn’t give some polished answer. She talked about real things – the importance of speaking truth to power, the value of making people laugh, and the necessity of standing up for what’s right even when it’s uncomfortable.

The Book Signing That Turned into a Love-In

The book signing afterwards in the Waterstone’s book shop pop up was absolute chaos in the best possible way! The queue snaked around the entire venue, and Miriam treated every single person like they were the only one in the room. She was signing books, sharing jokes, and even giving life advice to people. I heard her tell one young woman to “never apologise for who you are, darling – the world needs more people with the courage to be different.”

I managed to get my copy of “The Little Book of Miriam” signed, as well as her autobiography “This Much Is True”, and when I mentioned I had also met King Charles III when he presented me with my MBE, she looked at me with those twinkling eyes and said, “What an honour, he is such a lovely man isn’t he, and so knowledgeable !” I may have teared up a little bit at this point.

Final Thoughts: A True National Treasure

Walking out of the festival yesterday, I felt energised and inspired in a way I haven’t felt in ages. In a world that often tells us to tone it down, be less political, be less ourselves, Miriam Margolyes stands as a beacon of defiant authenticity.

At 84, she’s sharper, funnier, and more relevant than ever. She reminds us that aging doesn’t mean becoming invisible or quiet, it can mean becoming even more yourself, even louder, even more determined to speak your truth. If I can be even just a tiny bit like her as I go through the rest of my life, I will be very happy.

And, here is something that I am ashamed to say I didn’t realise until last night. I am a HUGE fan of the Rowan Atkinson “Blackadder” series, especially “Blackadder II”, and my all time favourite episode is called “Beer”. I had NO idea until last night that it is Miriam Margolyes who plays the part of Lady Whiteadder in that episode when she was talking about being in the show, I couldn’t believe it! I have also got hold of a copy of the film “The Age of Innocence” as I’ve never seen that film either, and I’m looking forward to giving it a watch.

“The Little Book of Miriam” is already a number one bestseller, and after seeing her live, I completely understand why. It’s not just a book of funny stories (though it definitely is that!) – it’s a manual for living life on your own terms, consequences be damned. And if you get a chance to see Miriam live, absolutely do it. And definitely grab a copy of her book, though maybe don’t read it on public transport unless you want to explain why you’re alternating between cackling with laughter and gasping in shock!

Miriam Margolyes isn’t just a national treasure. She’s a walking, talking, swearing reminder that the best thing you can be in this world is unapologetically yourself. And honestly? We need more of that energy in 2025.

Have you seen Miriam live or read any of her books? I’d love to hear your thoughts about her.

P.S. – To the lovely woman in the row in front of me who nearly choked when Miriam dropped the first f-bomb of the evening, I hope you’re okay! Though really, what were you expecting from Miriam Margolyes?!