(no subject)

To the Purcell Rooms last night to see a National Trust lecture by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen. Not a normal activity for a Monday night - but I have a friend who is involved with organising the lecture series and there were some spare seats going... Because of my contact, I got to have a drink with The Great Man, and his delightful wife, Jackie, and their PA, Dara (?) before the event kicked off. It was surprisingly relaxed and pleasant. His public persona is - to say the least - flamboyant and this is reflected in his behaviour when not "performing" - but in rather a nice way. The conversation focussed on the presence of one of his numerous stalkers....it seems there is an entire internet-based community that dog his every step. Well...it's good to have a hobby, I suppose.

The lecture itself was a revelation. He spoke eloquently, intelligently and amusingly about five of his favourite pieces of British architecture, covering the range from 17th to 20th century. He was an excellent speaker - in full command of his subject, relaxed and witty. Who'd 'ave thought it?