A solo performance exploring Sir Alec Guinness’s life is a passion project for Zeb Soanes, he tells Susan Gray.

CHURCH TIMES

The voice of the Shipping Forecast for 22 years, and now the presenter of Relaxing Evenings on Classic FM, Zeb Soanes, 49, is an actor, children's author and Chancellor of the University of Suffolk. In his show, Two Halves of Guinness, touring the UK this year, Zeb is playing his hero Alec Guinness.

CANDIS MAGAZINE

First images released of Zeb Soanes as Alec Guinness in Mark Burgess’ play Two Halves of Guinness

BROADWAY WORLD

BBC South Today visited Zeb Soanes in Covent Garden during rehearsals for Two Halves of Guinness

BBC SOUTH TODAY

Jonathahn Moran talks to Zeb Soanes about his research into playing Sir Alec Guinness in the play Two Halves of Guinness.

GUINNESS IS SMILEY BLOG

To Zeb Soanes, Sir Alec Guinness wasn't only George Smiley — he was the reason the writer, presenter and actor sought out the spotlight ...

COUNTRY LIFE MAGAZINE

On the Feast of St Edmund, St Edmundsbury Cathedral recognises those who have demonstrated ‘exemplary and unusual service to the Cathedral’ by bestowing lay and honourary canon titles. The Very Reverend Joe Hawes, Dean of St Edmundsbury, says, “To have Zeb join our College of Canons is an honour and we look forward to his ongoing contribution to Cathedral life.”

A new bronze statue of Benjamin Britten by the Royal sculptor Ian Rank-Broadley, has taken its place on Lowestoft’s seafront after years of planning and community fundraising.

CLASSIC FM

In an exceptional exploration of one of Britain’s greatest actors, Zeb Soanes brings the life of Sir Alec Guinness to stage across the UK, marking the 25th anniversary of his death.

GREEN ROOM ENTS

Zeb succeeds Dr Helen Pankhurst as the second Chancellor of the University of Suffolk, voted University of the Year in the 2025 WhatUni Student Choice Awards.

Zeb was presented with The Betjeman Society Award. The award is given annually to the person, group or organisation that has made the most significant recent contribution to the understanding or enjoyment of the life and work of Sir John Betjeman.

THE BETJEMAN SOCIETY

Multi-award winning star of 'Succession' Brian Cox and actor Nicole Ansari join Classic FM's Zeb Soanes to discuss their roles as J.S. Bach and Anna Magdalena Bach in the upcoming stage play, 'The Score'. Written by Oliver Cotton and directed by Sir Trevor Nunn, the play comprises Bach's life and work at the court of the musical royal - and 'flawed flautist' - Frederick the Great.

CLASSIC FM

For Classic FM, Zeb talked to Cynthia Erivo, arguably one of the biggest stars on the planet just now, on the release of the film Wicked and her gravity defying performance as Elphaba.

CLASSIC FM

On Benjamin Britten’s birthday, Zeb announced that the fundraising target for his hometown statue of Benjamin Britten has been reached. The statue will be unveiled summer 2025.

In this exclusive concert, recorded at St Martin-in-the-Fields in London, Sir Simon talked to Zeb about the highlights of his career, and how music has marked them.

CLASSIC FM

Dame Judi Dench welcomes Zeb Soanes into her home, to reveal her favourite pieces of classical music. In an exclusive programme for Classic FM, broadcast on Good Friday, Judi tells Zeb how she has treasured this music, connected to her long and glittering life and career.

CLASSIC FM

The latest RAJAR figures have been announced and 158,000 new listeners are joining Zeb for three hours of relaxing music each evening from 7-10pm on Classic FM, making a total audience of 1.3 million for his show each week.

Zeb was awarded and Honorary Doctorate from the University of Suffolk for his ‘outstanding contribution to education, music, media, literature and very public endorsement and celebration of Suffolk.’

Zeb hosts a star-studded gala at Wigmore hall, raising £20,000 for his home town’s Britten as a Boy statue.

WIGMORE HALL

Zeb explains The History of Music … with arguably the smartest explanation of Schoenberg you’ll ever see!

RAINER HERSCH ORCHESTRA