

Tophole!
Deborah Lofas
Episodes look at individual Chalet School books, Elinor M Brent-Dyer's life and other works, and wider themes, with occasional interviews. There will be spoilers, because the books have been in print for over 50 years. There will be mispronunciations, because it's too late now to put right the ones I invented as a 9 year old. And we do not ignore the bonkersness that makes EBD so beloved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 14, 2024 • 24min
Unpacking - tennis - and an unsuitable novel
This week I'm talking about the only Chalet School book my husband attempted to engage with. Apologies for both the lateness, and the sniffs (the two are connected).Full transcript at https://topholepodcast.wordpress.com/2024/05/14/s1e19-unpacking-tennis-and-an-unsuitable-novel/You can find us on Facebook or email at topholepodcast@gmail.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 30, 2024 • 37min
A real-life authoress
Daisy May Johnson is the author of How to be Brave, How to be True, and How to be Free - modern boarding school stories which you should definitely seek out. Daisy is also one of us, a fan of the Chalet School, so we talk about EBD's books as well as her own. The discussion doesn't quite need a content warning, but you may never think of Gottfried, Herr Anserl or Commander Christie in quite the same way again.Transcript available at https://topholepodcast.wordpress.com/2024/04/30/s1e18-a-real-life-authoress/You can find us on Facebook or email us at Topholepodcast@gmail.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 16, 2024 • 21min
A regular mansion
A look at the book in which the Chalet School travels to England - retitled "The Chalet School at War" by Armada.Transcript available at topholepodcast.wordpress.com.You can find us on Facebook, or email us at topholepodcast@gmail.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 3, 2024 • 45min
Primus inter pares (5)
Josette, Maeve, Rosamund and Len, plus some statistical analysis. A slightly longer episode which entirely makes up for the fact that it's a day late.Transcript available at www.topholepodcast.wordpress.com.You can find us on Facebook and email us at topholepodcast@gmail.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 19, 2024 • 33min
Primus inter pares (4)
We've finally arrived in Switzerland, so this week we're talking about Julie, Betsy, Elinor and Mary-Lou, trying to decide on their finest moment (and, in the case of Elinor, work out who she is). Full transcript available at topholepodcast.wordpress.com. You can find us on Facebook, or email us at topholepodcast@gmail.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 5, 2024 • 22min
Come to Fairyland
A short episode this week while we finish editing the last two Primus Inter Pares episodes! Back to the Tirol for Grizel's final two terms at the Chalet School. Transcript available at topholepodcast.wordpress.com. You can email us at topholepodcast@gmail.com or find us on Facebook. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 20, 2024 • 28min
Primus inter pares (3)
Tophole! - the podcast about Elinor M Brent-Dyer, the Chalet School, and anything vaguely connected. More Chalet School head girls in this episode - this time we're discussing from Jesanne to Bride. Full transcript on topholepodcast.wordpress.com.Contact us at topholepodcast@gmail.com or find us on Facebook. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 6, 2024 • 27min
Primus inter pares (2)
Wendy and I discuss head-girls, their challenges and their triumphs, from Louise Redfield/Redmond to Elizabeth Arnett. Also a short side-rant about sleeping bags. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 23, 2024 • 33min
Primus inter pares (1)
We thought we'd complete this discussion in a single episode. We were wrong. This one takes us from Gisela to Joey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 9, 2024 • 21min
Snowdrop and the Prince
A book crammed with events which are referenced in later books - and one of the very best stories from the Tyrol. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


