All mothers are created equal. But some are created more equal than others… Brendan O’Carroll on the real Mrs Brown

In this issue…Ahead of a massive stage tour of Britain, Brendan O’Carroll, creator of Mrs Brown, talks about the inspiration for his much loved character – his own mother. A cracking piece, great insight, from his biographer Brian Beacom.

Our Letter To My Younger Self is with Olivia Newton John. Her father worked on the Enigma project at Bletchley Park and she is still hopelessly devoted to her old pal John Travolta. A rich life.

What’s the Magna Carta ever done for us?! Harry Potter (celebrated barrister, not boy wizard) has a sparkling essay on the 800-year-old document that is the base for much we hold dear. Though Churchill gave three copies to the Yanks to get them into WWII, fact fans.

John Bird looks to former Big Issue man Simon Danczuk, now MP for Rochdale. Danczuk has written a very raw and tough book about the abusives of Cyril Smith. John looks at the future and the challenges of truth-telling.

Our featured vendor is Tom Currie, who sells by Brian Clough’s statue in Nottingham. He’s very much a glass half full chap and leaves you feeling that things are going to be alright.

Hidden Britain this week goes to the very source of the Thames; our Pause considers how to enjoy sculpture; in Economics we look at why your pizza and pasta favourites might gallop in price; and Brendan O’Neill considers how we’re being played ahead of the election.