Crossed Wires, the UK’s biggest podcast festival, announces that Sir Michael Palin – possibly the last man alive without a podcast – will finally be getting one… sort of. In a homecoming show at Sheffield City Hall this summer, Palin will make his unmissable ‘live podcast’ debut.

Nobody expects The Michael Palin Podcast opens the festival with an element of surprise on Friday 4th July 2025, marking a triumphant return to his hometown for the beloved Monty Python star.

For one night only, broadcaster Greg James will try to convince Michael to start his own podcast. Expect an evening of stories from a life like no other. From his early days of amateur dramatics in Sheffield to his role in changing the face of comedy, and his adventures as a globe-trotting documentarian – this live show promises an unmissable mix of wit, wisdom and… Wanda? 

“Michael Palin is my hero,” says Greg James. “I have loved everything this man has ever made and I can’t wait to chat to him about growing up in Sheffield and of course how he managed to alter the course of comedy history. We’re all in for a treat and I think you should get a ticket immediately as it’s going to be a very special event.”

Following a sensational debut year, the festival returns bigger and bolder for its second edition, running from Friday 4th to Sunday 6th July 2025 across multiple prestigious venues in Sheffield’s vibrant city centre.

Michael joins a blockbuster line-up already announced for this summer’s festival, which brings together the biggest names in podcasting for a weekend of live shows, exclusive performances and special guests, including Dish with Nick Grimshaw and Angela Hartnett and Tailenders with Jimmy Anderson.

For more information about the performance and to buy tickets, visit the Crossed Wires website.