EP56 | Tarquin Gotch | Planes, Trains and Tyneside Tales | Local Heroes Podcast

n this episode of Local Heroes, Chris and Dan sit down with producer, manager and music supervisor Tarquin Gotch, whose career bridges Hollywood, rock music and the North East of England. Tarquin has worked with some of the biggest names in entertainment, including John Hughes, Brian Johnson (AC/DC), Jimmy Nail, Stuart Copeland, Sting, and bands such as XTC and The Beat. Along the way he’s crossed paths with icons like George Harrison, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Michael Palin, Rowan Atkinson, Steve Martin, John Candy, Matthew Broderick and Catherine O’Hara. Best known for his work with director John Hughes, Tarquin shares behind-the-scenes stories from classic films including Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Planes, Trains and Automobiles and Home Alone. He explains how Hughes encouraged actors like Steve Martin and John Candy to improvise beyond the script — capturing the warmth and humanity that helped make those comedies timeless. Despite a career that has taken him from London theatres to film sets in Chicago, the North East runs strongly through Tarquin’s story thanks to long-standing collaborations with Jimmy Nail and Brian Johnson, and decades spent working with artists from the region. From a chance introduction by Kelly LeBrock that led to a life-changing meeting with John Hughes, to producing some of the most loved films of the 1980s and 90s, Tarquin reflects on creativity, collaboration and recognising great talent. A brilliant conversation about Hollywood classics, rock legends and the North East connections behind them. Support on our Patreon - patreon.com/LocalHeroesVIP