The Best of Podcasts: Stephen Fry's Podgrams

Stephen Fry is someone who should inspire contemptuous envy. There is the sublime wit, the capacious memory, the extraordinary facility with the English language and the deep knowledge of everything from the Sherlock Holmes stories to Wagner's Ring Cycle. Mr Fry has given us General Melchett, a couple of wonderful novels and on screen portrayal of Oscar Wilde that is never likely to be topped. Oh yes, he is also a film director, journalist, game show host, audio book maestro, and TV presenter. And now, a podcaster. Or, perhaps, podgrammer.

However, it is impossible to feel anything but admiration for the man. Despite the brilliance of his mind he never displays the sort of self-satisfaction and brutal self-regard of a Christopher Hitchens. And unlike Jonathan Miller, who generates little affection, Mr Fry is able to communicate complex ideas in a way that anyone can understand. That he should take up residency of Number 10 or manage the England football team are ideas so obvious that it is absurd that he isn't already on the hustings in a football shirt. If he is not chosen as the replacement for Henry Blofeld on Test Match Special there should be a public outcry.

These podgrams are essential. Mr Fry could read aloud a Jeffrey Archer and make it a fascinating listen. Whether he is bringing you up to date with his recent adventures of just riffing on something that interests him, he is always compelling company. Those who know Mr Fry's work well will see plenty of material recycled here. (For instance, he has done his shtick about Oscar Wilde, wallpaper and violence on Room 101. And anyone who has read Moab is My Washpoint or seen A Bit of Fry & Laurie knows all his attitude to dancing.) But Stephen Fry is one of those very rare people who are incapable of being boring. As Sue Townsend once said, a thousand curses on the man.