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Mr Bolton and Chris get out their detective magnifying lenses, pipes and deerstalker caps to enter the world of Sherlock Holmes for a second time. This episode includes a concise - yet informative - look of The Sign of the Four including a discussion of its plot, characters and a new and very important revision tip!  As ever, it's never becomes too serious as the pair become distracted by thoughts of TV presenter Victoria Coren-Mitchell playing bridge and reminisce on the careers of Funeral for a Friend and JJ72! Because - why not? Enjoy!For more info on the podcast including previous episodes and contact details - visit www.mrbolton.com

Victorian literature expert and senior lecturer Dr Christopher Pittard gives top tips and advice for parents and students on the works of Arthur Conan Doyle. The University of Portsmouth academic gives his lowdown on how to approach studying the great detective Sherlock Holmes as well as his own views on the most truthful TV and film adaptations including his takes on Benedict Cumberbatch, Robert Downey, Jr. and Jonny Lee Miller. It's all elementary, listeners.For more podcast episodes and info, check out www.mrbolton.com.

Mr Bolton is joined by Lyn Lockwood, deputy chair of the Philip Larkin Society, to offer tips and advice on how to students can tackle tricky poetry questions in exams and assignments. This is done through the prism of work by the so-called 'Hermit of Hull' Philip Larkin - the much-loved poet whose influence can still be felt across popular culture. It includes an intriguing focus on his life and times - sometimes filled with controversy - as well as a discussion on what make his poems a joy to explore and study.

Are you a parent who wants to help your child through their English Literature studies but can't remember Shakespeare from Dickens or Orwell from Atwood? If so, this is the podcast for you! Join Mr Bolton and his lifelong friend Chris as they provide humorous one-stop, accessible guides on regularly-examined texts that students face as part of their studies. Through a mixture of expert knowledge, advice, revision tips and special guests, the pair offer all the information you need to help your child secure that pass or much more! So, you can cover the classics on your commute or learn how to cope with exam stress while doing the dishes! Homeschooling doesn't mean you have to do it alone! 

This week, Mr Bolton offers a tightly-packed one-stop tour of George Orwell classic Animal Farm. Your favourite podcast teacher focuses on all the key themes of the exam favourite speeding through Marxist theory, Lenin and Stalin... and Madonna. So, 'fill your buckets up with Mr B's knowledge' with top tips and advice via random musical references from Susan Boyle to the one-and-only Sophie Ellis-Bextor. To listen to previous episodes and learn more about the podcast, visit our fledgling site www.mrbolton.com.

Top examiner and education consultant Helen Harry, of Think Tuition, shares her best tips and guidance for parents and students as they go through revision and exams. Helen uncovers a lot of the mystery of the process and shares no-nonsense, easy-to-understand approaches for parents to help their children. A must listen for anyone due to take exams! Mr Bolton is on hand to offer his own guidance and reveals a bizarre fascination with music star Sophie Ellis-Bextor! 

Inspirational former headteacher James Shone shares his remarkable story of how he has overcome a life-changing brain tumour and blindness to set up charity I Can and I Am, aimed at encouraging confidence within individuals. The motivational speaker, who has delivered his own TED talk, shared top tips and advice with Mr Bolton and Chris to help students overcome barriers linked to a lack of a confidence and self-esteem. This includes the “balloon of self-belief” and how parents can boost their child’s self-esteem. James talks about the pressures faced by the modern teenager from school, social media and friends. This includes an invaluable insight into the “four pillars” of self-esteem.To listen to other podcasts in the series, visit http://www.mrbolton.com.Please listen, rate and comment on the podcasts - available on all good platforms.To comment in our communities, visit our pages on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube.

Mr Bolton's fresh and unique study of Shakespeare's great tragedy Macbeth this time focuses on themes such as appearance v reality, kingship and masculinity. This broadcast remains the only English podcast around which mixes Xena: Warrior Princess, the Reface app and S Club 7 with a deep study of Bard! Tune in and please keep sending in your suggestions!Join in the conversation:On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrboltonsenglishpodcastOn Twitter: https://twitter.com/boltons_mrOn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mr_m_bolton/?hl=enWebsite: http://www.mrbolton.com

Mr Bolton guides students and parents through Shakespeare - starting with Macbeth (the so-called Scottish play!). Talking through a range of themes, Mr Bolton makes the play simple with tips and tricks along the way. He is joined by lifelong friend Chris Visser as the pair navigate James I and the Gunpowder Plot mixed in with the three witches, conspiracy and the conniving Lady Macbeth! Enjoy.Join in the conversation:On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrboltonsenglishpodcastOn Twitter: https://twitter.com/boltons_mrOn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mr_m_bolton/?hl=enhttp://www.mrbolton.com