Robert Hutton
@roberthutton.co.uk
RobDotHutton from the broken site. Parliamentary sketches and film columnist for The Critic, co-host of classic cinema love-in War Movie Theatre. New spy book "The Illusionist" is out now.
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Robert Hutton
@roberthutton.co.uk
· Apr 26
The Illusionist is now out in paperback! It's the "enthralling", "superbly entertaining", "delightful", and "satisfying" true story of an eccentric genius who made magic into a weapon of war.
Reposted by Robert Hutton
Antifascism is a Nazi getting booted up the bottom by a magically animated suit of armour.
HAPPY WAR MOVIE THEATRE NEW EPISODE DAY! And in honour of the season, it's a Christmas Special Peace To All Men Zero Bodycount episode: Bedknobs and Broomsticks! champ.ly/hdlMUPgx
December 26, 2025 at 10:36 AM
Antifascism is a Nazi getting booted up the bottom by a magically animated suit of armour.
Reposted by Robert Hutton
HAPPY WAR MOVIE THEATRE NEW EPISODE DAY! And in honour of the season, it's a Christmas Special Peace To All Men Zero Bodycount episode: Bedknobs and Broomsticks! champ.ly/hdlMUPgx
December 25, 2025 at 10:08 AM
HAPPY WAR MOVIE THEATRE NEW EPISODE DAY! And in honour of the season, it's a Christmas Special Peace To All Men Zero Bodycount episode: Bedknobs and Broomsticks! champ.ly/hdlMUPgx
Reposted by Robert Hutton
. @duncanweldon.bsky.social @roberthutton.co.uk is The Battle Of The Bulge a Christmas movie?
@warmovietheatre.bsky.social the wonderful Battle of the Bulge is on ITV4 this afternoon, it seems to be always on at Xmas! Much maligned with this apparently festive link i like to watch it in the context of it being a pantomime and then it makes sense
December 25, 2025 at 12:58 PM
. @duncanweldon.bsky.social @roberthutton.co.uk is The Battle Of The Bulge a Christmas movie?
Reposted by Robert Hutton
In London a time comes every day where the ghosts get their own back. It's often subtle but always undeniable, and it's strongest in autumn & winter.
If you're ever at loose ends on Christmas Eve, pay respects at St Michael's Cornhill. Because here, down the alley, was Scrooge's counting house.
If you're ever at loose ends on Christmas Eve, pay respects at St Michael's Cornhill. Because here, down the alley, was Scrooge's counting house.
December 24, 2025 at 12:16 PM
In London a time comes every day where the ghosts get their own back. It's often subtle but always undeniable, and it's strongest in autumn & winter.
If you're ever at loose ends on Christmas Eve, pay respects at St Michael's Cornhill. Because here, down the alley, was Scrooge's counting house.
If you're ever at loose ends on Christmas Eve, pay respects at St Michael's Cornhill. Because here, down the alley, was Scrooge's counting house.
Reposted by Robert Hutton
Unbelievably, #DuvetKnowItsChristmas generates such good will on social media that over the years we've raised somewhere approaching a quarter of a million quid for homeless charities. If you can spare a bob or two, sling some to Centrepoint, and here's the link: www.gofundme.com/f/duvet-know...
Donate to Duvet Know It's Christmas, 2025, organized by Rhodri Marsden
Unbelievably, it's the 15th year of this thing.
What is it?
Improbably, the nig… Rhodri Marsden needs your support for Duvet Know It's Christmas, 2025
www.gofundme.com
December 24, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Unbelievably, #DuvetKnowItsChristmas generates such good will on social media that over the years we've raised somewhere approaching a quarter of a million quid for homeless charities. If you can spare a bob or two, sling some to Centrepoint, and here's the link: www.gofundme.com/f/duvet-know...
As an inexperienced Lobby Correspondent with no sources inside government, one of the things I realised was that when Tom Kelly was especially grumpy about an issue, it was because there was an internal problem with it, and he knew it. His letter to The Times about why the briefings matter:
December 24, 2025 at 2:46 PM
As an inexperienced Lobby Correspondent with no sources inside government, one of the things I realised was that when Tom Kelly was especially grumpy about an issue, it was because there was an internal problem with it, and he knew it. His letter to The Times about why the briefings matter:
Reposted by Robert Hutton
you can tell Kemi hasn’t cut through because what do you mean only 7% think she’d be most likely to start an argument?
🎄Got a spare seat at the Xmas Dinner table? Well if you're looking for a politician to invite (why wouldn't you be) Then Brits say:
Boris would be the most fun
Fancy an argument go for Farage
Kemi makes the best xmas dinner (no sandwiches)
Keir would bring the most stingy gift
Boris would be the most fun
Fancy an argument go for Farage
Kemi makes the best xmas dinner (no sandwiches)
Keir would bring the most stingy gift
December 24, 2025 at 11:48 AM
you can tell Kemi hasn’t cut through because what do you mean only 7% think she’d be most likely to start an argument?
Reposted by Robert Hutton
What really makes a genius? 🤔
THE GENIUS MYTH by Helen Lewis challenges the myth of the lone (usually male and white) mastermind and uncovers the truth behind creativity, innovation, and who gets the credit. Get inspired and start rethinking “genius” today.
THE GENIUS MYTH by Helen Lewis challenges the myth of the lone (usually male and white) mastermind and uncovers the truth behind creativity, innovation, and who gets the credit. Get inspired and start rethinking “genius” today.
December 23, 2025 at 2:30 PM
What really makes a genius? 🤔
THE GENIUS MYTH by Helen Lewis challenges the myth of the lone (usually male and white) mastermind and uncovers the truth behind creativity, innovation, and who gets the credit. Get inspired and start rethinking “genius” today.
THE GENIUS MYTH by Helen Lewis challenges the myth of the lone (usually male and white) mastermind and uncovers the truth behind creativity, innovation, and who gets the credit. Get inspired and start rethinking “genius” today.
Reposted by Robert Hutton
I’m sure there’s at least one person in inner London browsing Bluesky at 11pm who needs a late Christmas present delivering.
Orders still being taken! Get hand delivered local journalism gift cards delivered to your letterbox before dawn on Christmas Eve! Terrible handwriting optional!
Santa’s been and I’ve been given a sub to London Centric! I even received a hand written card from @jim.londoncentric.media.
Although Royal Mail’s last posting day has gone he’ll apparently hand deliver by Xmas in London zones 1-3 if you give one by tomorrow
www.londoncentric.media/p/give-the-g...
Although Royal Mail’s last posting day has gone he’ll apparently hand deliver by Xmas in London zones 1-3 if you give one by tomorrow
www.londoncentric.media/p/give-the-g...
December 23, 2025 at 10:41 PM
I’m sure there’s at least one person in inner London browsing Bluesky at 11pm who needs a late Christmas present delivering.
Reposted by Robert Hutton
BBC are showing A Question of Attribution on Saturday - it’s amazing ❤️
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b...
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b...
BBC One - Screen One, A Question of Attribution
Alan Bennett's drama about the double life led by Sir Anthony Blunt.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 23, 2025 at 9:51 PM
BBC are showing A Question of Attribution on Saturday - it’s amazing ❤️
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b...
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b...
1. This is indeed a climbdown by the govt, and therefore a Tory win.
2. But anyone who suggested this wasn't an obvious Tory campaign is a moron.
3. So why are you telling us you have moron advisers?
2. But anyone who suggested this wasn't an obvious Tory campaign is a moron.
3. So why are you telling us you have moron advisers?
December 23, 2025 at 1:02 PM
1. This is indeed a climbdown by the govt, and therefore a Tory win.
2. But anyone who suggested this wasn't an obvious Tory campaign is a moron.
3. So why are you telling us you have moron advisers?
2. But anyone who suggested this wasn't an obvious Tory campaign is a moron.
3. So why are you telling us you have moron advisers?
Well, it's been a good year for agricultural accountants and lawyers, so this hasn't all been a *total* waste of time.
Inheritance tax for farmers to kick in at £2.5m, not £1m as planned, in government U-turn to help farming community - www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
December 23, 2025 at 12:06 PM
Well, it's been a good year for agricultural accountants and lawyers, so this hasn't all been a *total* waste of time.
Reposted by Robert Hutton
The very rarely-seen #journalese quadfecta. This is a back bench at the top of its game.
December 22, 2025 at 9:17 AM
The very rarely-seen #journalese quadfecta. This is a back bench at the top of its game.
Reposted by Robert Hutton
Last Saturday before Christmas! Crazed shopping! Crazed travelling! You need a podcast about Gregory Peck trying to clone Hitler. Don't worry, we've got you.
champ.ly/GKaRPCV-
champ.ly/GKaRPCV-
December 20, 2025 at 9:41 AM
Last Saturday before Christmas! Crazed shopping! Crazed travelling! You need a podcast about Gregory Peck trying to clone Hitler. Don't worry, we've got you.
champ.ly/GKaRPCV-
champ.ly/GKaRPCV-
Reposted by Robert Hutton
If you're looking for a Christmas present for the history-loving, magic-enjoying person in your life, The Illusionist is available in good bookshops, and bad ones, right now...
roberthutton.co.uk/the-illusion...
amzn.to/3YoJDRc
roberthutton.co.uk/the-illusion...
amzn.to/3YoJDRc
December 14, 2025 at 5:19 PM
If you're looking for a Christmas present for the history-loving, magic-enjoying person in your life, The Illusionist is available in good bookshops, and bad ones, right now...
roberthutton.co.uk/the-illusion...
amzn.to/3YoJDRc
roberthutton.co.uk/the-illusion...
amzn.to/3YoJDRc
Reposted by Robert Hutton
“Be sure to set me to ‘delicate,’ Alison. It’d be a shame to ruin that sweater, you know, in case it ever comes back in style.”
December 19, 2025 at 1:45 PM
“Be sure to set me to ‘delicate,’ Alison. It’d be a shame to ruin that sweater, you know, in case it ever comes back in style.”
Reposted by Robert Hutton
It was right up there as funniest with ‘Enemy at the gates’ for sure. There was a track on the 1981 Simple Minds album sons and Fascination called ‘Boys from Brazil’
December 20, 2025 at 11:45 AM
It was right up there as funniest with ‘Enemy at the gates’ for sure. There was a track on the 1981 Simple Minds album sons and Fascination called ‘Boys from Brazil’
This was, without doubt, one of the funniest episodes we've done. Which may also be what you need this weekend.
This episode was evidence, were any needed, of how you slave away* for your job.
*sarcasm, this was the most amount of chuckling I’ve heard in a podcast. Clearly the whole thing was an absolute riot, and it was so uplifting to hear!
*sarcasm, this was the most amount of chuckling I’ve heard in a podcast. Clearly the whole thing was an absolute riot, and it was so uplifting to hear!
December 20, 2025 at 9:47 AM
This was, without doubt, one of the funniest episodes we've done. Which may also be what you need this weekend.
Reposted by Robert Hutton
Amazing! War Movie Book Club starts here!
Re. your book chat, last year I picked up a second hand copy, and on reading it I found a 1979 news cutting tucked inside about Nazi rescue organisation ODESSA sending assassins to Brazil to silence an old Nazi who was being extradited to stand trial.
December 19, 2025 at 11:55 PM
Amazing! War Movie Book Club starts here!
Reposted by Robert Hutton
A post about children's books that's NOT about David Walliams: I've just made my annual donation to the @booktrust.org.uk Christmas appeal, to help give books as gifts to kids in care and whose families need to use food banks. If you can help spread the #MagicOfBooks, please do - they're brilliant.
December 19, 2025 at 6:13 PM
A post about children's books that's NOT about David Walliams: I've just made my annual donation to the @booktrust.org.uk Christmas appeal, to help give books as gifts to kids in care and whose families need to use food banks. If you can help spread the #MagicOfBooks, please do - they're brilliant.
Reposted by Robert Hutton
As a former editor of Popbitch – and the proud owner of a legal letter sent by HarperCollins, accusing me of being "highly likely to cause serious harm to [their former star client]’s reputation both as an individual and author” – may I just say: GET IT RIGHT UP YE
December 19, 2025 at 5:46 PM
As a former editor of Popbitch – and the proud owner of a legal letter sent by HarperCollins, accusing me of being "highly likely to cause serious harm to [their former star client]’s reputation both as an individual and author” – may I just say: GET IT RIGHT UP YE
Reposted by Robert Hutton
Now Harper Collins have got a gap in their roster I might start writing children's books.
How hard can it be? www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJ2c...
How hard can it be? www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJ2c...
Bernard & Manny Write a Children's Book
YouTube video by Carlee Hume
www.youtube.com
December 19, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Now Harper Collins have got a gap in their roster I might start writing children's books.
How hard can it be? www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJ2c...
How hard can it be? www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJ2c...
"How can you say the Department of Culture doesn't exist, Rob? Why, Chris Bryant was a minister there for over a year!"
December 19, 2025 at 5:16 PM
"How can you say the Department of Culture doesn't exist, Rob? Why, Chris Bryant was a minister there for over a year!"
Reposted by Robert Hutton
Vulgarity aside I don't really get why any sane human wants this when in a few years this will get torn up to widespread applause Saddam style.
Kennedy Center gets new signage bearing Trump's name a day after board of trustees voted to rename the facility. https://cnn.it/4qmBLMc
December 19, 2025 at 4:35 PM
Vulgarity aside I don't really get why any sane human wants this when in a few years this will get torn up to widespread applause Saddam style.
"any *NEW* titles..."
'A spokesman for HarperCollins told the Telegraph: “After careful consideration, and under the leadership of its new CEO, HarperCollins UK has decided not to publish any new titles by David Walliams. The author is aware of this decision."'
When they say "dropped" do we mean, "will no longer sell any of his books" or "will not commission new books?"
Will we see buy buttons for the eBooks deactivated in the next few days for example?
Will we see buy buttons for the eBooks deactivated in the next few days for example?
December 19, 2025 at 4:47 PM
"any *NEW* titles..."