Agatha Christie: Murder and Mirth?

Agatha Christie: Murder and Mirth?

Author: The Swinging Christies June 7, 2026 Duration: 43:04

Welcome to a very special episode, recorded at the London Comedy Film Festival, the world’s premiere comedy film festival! Gray was interviewed by festival director and Agatha fan Benedict Morrison about the 1960s filmic inclination to inject extra laughs into Agatha Christies. But is Agatha funny?

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The Swinging Christies is a Christie Time project by Mark Aldridge and Gray Robert Brown. Artwork designed by Bartlett Studio.

00:00:00 - Opening titles

00:00:56 - Introductory chat

00:02:50 - Gray and Benedict at the London Comedy Festival

00:32:04 - Debrief with Mark

00:40:58 - How to get in touch

00:42:19 - Coda, closing titles


The Swinging Christies: Agatha Christie in the 1960s might seem like a contradiction, but that’s the fascinating territory this podcast explores. Hosted by Dr Mark Aldridge and Gray Robert Brown, it’s a deep and often surprising look at how the Queen of Crime’s later work intersected with a decade of radical change. Forget the stereotypical image of a cosy, unchanging writer; here, we examine how Christie’s stories from that era engaged with shifting attitudes towards youth culture, morality, and social upheaval. Each episode digs into a specific novel or theme, unpacking the subtle-and sometimes not so subtle-ways her writing reflected or reacted to the world of sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll. It’s a rad journey through time that treats her work with serious scholarly insight while embracing the vibrant spirit of the period. You’ll come away from this podcast with a completely refreshed perspective on one of history’s most prolific authors, hearing her familiar plots through a new, decidedly swinging lens.
Author: Language: en-gb Episodes: 35

The Swinging Christies: Agatha Christie in the 1960s
Podcast Episodes
From the Archive [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:01
In a very special episode, join Mark and Gray as they delve deep into Agatha Christie’s family archive and uncover some seldom-seen 1960s gems…You can find us on Instagram (as well as X) @Christie_Time. We are on Bluesky…
Hallowe'en 2024 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:39
Gray and Mark go trick-or-treating and uncover the truth about Hallowe’en parties in the 1960s, via Hallowe’en Party by Agatha Christie! They even risk their lives - and fingers - by playing a fiery game of Snapdragon!Yo…
Reflections [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:17
You catch Mark and Gray in a reflective mood, as they reunite for a retrospective on the series so far - everything they have learned and anything they missed along the way, with the help of some lovely listener feedback…
9. Fame [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:41:52
Mark and Gray dodge the paparazzi and marvel at Christie’s fame, including her success in the theatre, on screen, and around the world. But surely it’s not the podcast’s curtain call..? Find out what’s happening next for…
8. Armageddon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:44:07
The clock is ticking for Mark and Gray, as The Swinging Christies examines Agatha Christie's references to the advancement of technology in the 1960s and the Cold War! You can find us on Instagram (as well as X) @Christi…
7. Empire [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:16
This episode of The Swinging Christies explores globaliastion, the US-UK cultural exchange, the decline of the British Empire and the rise of the Civil Rights movement - all topics that were swirling whilst Agatha Christ…
6. Drugs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:42
Tune in to the sixth episode of The Swinging Christies, drop everything and peace out! Mark and Gray examine the references to drugs in Agatha Christie's 60s novels, plays, films and short stories. Purple hearts for ever…
5. Horror [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:41:59
In the fifth episode of The Swinging Christies, Mark and Gray spook each other by discussing everything from contemporary fears to olde folklore in the 1960s Agatha Christies. You can find us on Instagram (as well as X)…
4. Fashion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:53
Episode four of The Swinging Christies sees Mark and Gray get all togged up and browse down Carnaby Street, as they examine style, art and Agatha Christie. You can find us on Instagram (as well as X) @Christie_Time. We a…