FIRST IMPRESSIONS: TONY ROBINSON
What are you working on?
I have just completed the latest in my book series, Tony Robinson’s Weird World Of Wonders. I am also rehearsing for Wind In The Willows, a Royal Opera House production in the West End. I have been asked to work on developing it as well as playing Kenneth Grahame, author of the piece.
When were you at your happiest?
Seeing the pleasure on my wife’s face when we were diving in the Maldives and she saw her first manta ray.
What is your greatest fear?
If it’s not too pretentious, my greatest fear is fear itself. It is such a waste of time.
What is your earliest memory?
Lying in the pram, looking at a line of red plastic animals strung up above me. But I am always sceptical about very early memories; I think we probably make them up later on. I certainly remember being totally awed by an early fireworks display.
Who has been your greatest influence?
Richard Curtis (but don’t tell him). He spent an awful lot of time with me, encouraging me to write. I often feel I have had a number of free tutorials from someone who became the most celebrated British writer in Hollywood, post-war period.
What do you dislike about yourself?
When I am tired or hungry I get very, very grumpy.
What trait do you most deplore in others?
Air kissing – it makes me want to scream.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
A large stomach appears to have landed on me.
What is your most treasured possession?
My Kindle. I am always on the road and I had to carry a large bag of books around. To think it has been reduced to the size of a hand mirror is great.
Your favourite book?
Middlemarch, because it makes me want to be a better person.
And film?
If I feel romantic, West Side Story. If I am in a macho mood, The Matrix.
Your favourite piece of music?
I have been playing Jessie Ware’s album, Devotion, nonstop.
Your favourite meal?
I’m juicing. My favourite has pineapple, banana, apple and avocado.
Who would you most like as dinner guests?
Holly, my granddaughter, who is three; Jonathan Miller.
What is the nastiest thing anyone has said to you?
In my 20s, I had to take my clothes off for a show and a reviewer said: ‘Tony Robinson’s body is an offence to the audience and an embarrassment to himself.’ I was deeply puzzled by which part of my body he found so offensive.
Do you believe in aliens?
I am convinced there are other living creatures in the universe and, if our efforts at colonisation are anything to go by, I hope they don’t try to colonise us.
Your secret vice?
Getting my eyelashes dyed.
Do you write thank-you notes?
If someone does something that makes me happy, I will thank them.
Which phrase do you most overuse?
‘I will tell you what really p***** me off ...’
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
A parking space outside my house.
Tell us something we don’t know about you.
John Wayne once pushed me into the London Docks.
What would you like your epitaph to read?
‘At least he tried...’
Tony Robinson’s Weird World Of Wonders: World War 1 (Macmillan Children’s Books, £5.99).
The Wind In The Willows (11 December to 1 February 2014) at the Duchess Theatre, 3-5 Catherine Street, London WC2: www.roh.org.uk
I have just completed the latest in my book series, Tony Robinson’s Weird World Of Wonders. I am also rehearsing for Wind In The Willows, a Royal Opera House production in the West End. I have been asked to work on developing it as well as playing Kenneth Grahame, author of the piece.
When were you at your happiest?
Seeing the pleasure on my wife’s face when we were diving in the Maldives and she saw her first manta ray.
What is your greatest fear?
If it’s not too pretentious, my greatest fear is fear itself. It is such a waste of time.
What is your earliest memory?
Lying in the pram, looking at a line of red plastic animals strung up above me. But I am always sceptical about very early memories; I think we probably make them up later on. I certainly remember being totally awed by an early fireworks display.
Who has been your greatest influence?
Richard Curtis (but don’t tell him). He spent an awful lot of time with me, encouraging me to write. I often feel I have had a number of free tutorials from someone who became the most celebrated British writer in Hollywood, post-war period.
What do you dislike about yourself?
When I am tired or hungry I get very, very grumpy.
What trait do you most deplore in others?
Air kissing – it makes me want to scream.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
A large stomach appears to have landed on me.
What is your most treasured possession?
My Kindle. I am always on the road and I had to carry a large bag of books around. To think it has been reduced to the size of a hand mirror is great.
Your favourite book?
Middlemarch, because it makes me want to be a better person.
And film?
If I feel romantic, West Side Story. If I am in a macho mood, The Matrix.
Your favourite piece of music?
I have been playing Jessie Ware’s album, Devotion, nonstop.
Your favourite meal?
I’m juicing. My favourite has pineapple, banana, apple and avocado.
Who would you most like as dinner guests?
Holly, my granddaughter, who is three; Jonathan Miller.
What is the nastiest thing anyone has said to you?
In my 20s, I had to take my clothes off for a show and a reviewer said: ‘Tony Robinson’s body is an offence to the audience and an embarrassment to himself.’ I was deeply puzzled by which part of my body he found so offensive.
Do you believe in aliens?
I am convinced there are other living creatures in the universe and, if our efforts at colonisation are anything to go by, I hope they don’t try to colonise us.
Your secret vice?
Getting my eyelashes dyed.
Do you write thank-you notes?
If someone does something that makes me happy, I will thank them.
Which phrase do you most overuse?
‘I will tell you what really p***** me off ...’
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
A parking space outside my house.
Tell us something we don’t know about you.
John Wayne once pushed me into the London Docks.
What would you like your epitaph to read?
‘At least he tried...’
Tony Robinson’s Weird World Of Wonders: World War 1 (Macmillan Children’s Books, £5.99).
The Wind In The Willows (11 December to 1 February 2014) at the Duchess Theatre, 3-5 Catherine Street, London WC2: www.roh.org.uk