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Iain Dale: All Talk with Lord Michael Heseltine

 
Rebecca Vines Review by Rebecca Vines 4 Published: 3 Aug 2025 Pleasance at EICC Show Dates: 3 Aug 2025-3 Aug 2025

Iain Dale’s All Talk has become something of a staple in the Fringe calendar, offering a chance to engage with an impressive array of the most controversial and adored figures in Britain’s political establishment.

Heseltine remains unafraid of speaking truth to power

The latest interviewee is Michael (now Lord) Heseltine: he of the hair, the mace, and the fractious relationship with Mrs Thatcher. There is, of course, far more to the colourful career of this revered elder statesman: not least his most recent role as one of the few big beasts prepared to speak out against the odious march of the far-right in a country that, when he was growing up, prided itself on fighting fascism rather than giving it screen time.

We move through Heseltine’s time in parliament and his trajectory through government. He is funny, twinkly, sometimes circumspect, often loyal, and unflinchingly honest in his responses. But more than anything, he remains unafraid of speaking the truth to power that so many baulk at. Now ninety-two, he has spoken out repeatedly about the mistakes being made at the highest point of government, and behind the soft, thoughtful voice lies an intellect as sharp and far-sighted as ever.

The piece is characterised by memories which demonstrate a fusion of business savvy and compassion. In one particularly touching moment, Heseltine states his proudest moment was being awarded the Freedom of the City of Liverpool in recognition of his lauded regeneration work in the 1980s.

Iain Dale must have interviewed almost anyone who is anyone in the current political arena. But when I catch him helping Heseltine into his car at the end of the programme, he is visibly moved by the quiet dignity of the last seventy minutes. “What a privilege,” he sighs to one of the punters who stops to thank him.

What a privilege.

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The Blurb:

Award-winning LBC radio presenter, author and podcast host Iain Dale returns for a fifth Fringe season of in-depth interviews featuring audience questions, sharing his acclaimed, incisive insight on current affairs. Today's guest is Lord Michael Heseltine, the prominent former MP, minister in the Thatcher government and Deputy Prime Minister to John Major. 'Forensic and mischievous interviewer with a deep sense of humanity' (Emily Maitlis). 'Makes me feel happier and cleverer every time I hear him' (Jeremy Vine). 'The indefatigable Iain Dale always cuts to the nub of politics' (Adam Boulton).