The Oldie | February 2026
The February issue of The Oldie is OUT NOW!
In this issue, read:
• Frederik Raphael, 94, recalls his hits Darling, and The Glittering Prizes. By Simon O'Hagan
• Griff Rhys Jones on treading the boards again, as PM Jim Hacker - and he adores it
• Kenny at 100. As well as the Carry On films, Kenneth Williams was a master of serious acting, children’s TV and radio comedy. By Andrew Roberts
• Maureen Lipman played Beattie in the BT ads in the eighties - and the public still ask her if she’s got an ‘ology
• Christopher Matthew salutes the brilliant adverts written by the likes of Fay Weldon and William Trevor
• The new London Museum opens this year. The museum’s former curator Nick Merriman was thrilled by its ancient finds
• At 90, Hunter Davies is young at heart, thanks to his work, curiosity – and younger girlfriend
• Read Vicky Thompson’s entry, winner of this year’s Jeremy Lewis Prize for New Writing, awarded in honour of The Oldie’s late deputy editor.
Also enjoy pieces by regular contributors, including Gyles Brandreth, Prue Leith, Tom Hodgkinson, Elisabeth Luard and Lucinda Lambton. Plus book, film and theatre reviews; travel, restaurant and cookery columns; crosswords and competitions; and details of the latest Oldie trips and Literary Lunches. Enjoy!
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First published in 1992 and created by ex-Private Eye Richard Ingrams, The Oldie has been Britain’s funniest magazine for nearly 30 years. Each issue is packed with 100-148 pages of non-stop wit and eclecticism alongside the very best cartoons in the country.
The Oldie is your go-to destination for all the latest happenings in theatre, art, gardening, music, television, travel and more. Enjoy regular features such as The Oldie review of books, a quarterly supplement rounding up the best 50 books or the new travel section with top recommendations from readers, as well as Lucinda Lambton’s hidden gems of Britain. Each issue is bursting with quick-witted articles covering a diverse range of topics written by some of the world’s best columnists, including Gyles Brandreth, Virginia Ironside, Mary Kenny, Giles Wood and Matthew Norman.
Whether you’re interested in keeping up with modern life, indulging in a crossword or two, or you’re simply seeking a good laugh. A digital magazine subscription to The Oldie is the perfect entertaining read for you.
Experience a slice of life through a light-hearted, entertaining and witty read every month. Digitally subscribe to The Oldie today and get every issue delivered directly to your device. Enjoy:
- The latest news, reviews, quick-witted articles, entertainment and outstanding features
- The Oldie Review of Books – a quarterly supplement rounding up the best 50 books
- Discover a diverse range of topics, including theatre, art, television, gardening, travel, media and more
- Have a laugh with the funniest cartoons in the country brought to you by the best British and American cartoonists
- More than 100 pages of fun, wit and eclecticism from the world’s best columnists
- Enjoy regular crosswords or sudoku and the latest competitions
- Published 13 times a year
- The funniest and most original magazine in the country!
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You'll receive 13 issues during a 1 year The Oldie magazine subscription.
Note: Digital editions do not include the covermount items or supplements you would find with printed copies.
Articles in this issue
Below is a selection of articles in The Oldie February 2026.