“Sorry I'll be very quick, but this is very important,” said passionate, entertaining, humorous Sir Tony Robinson; who met with Sarah Kanowski at QPAC last Friday (20 February).
We were shared stories from his early life, from his milestone roles and read from his new book 'The House Of Wolf'. It was all simply fantastic.
An empty seat sat next to Sarah. That’s because Tony was up. Up he recited poetry, mimed his father on the family piano, recreated stories with high kicks for acrobatic accuracy. . .
Stood edge of stage, he held the audience charmed. Transfixed we were, by the well-versed entertainer. Any feelings of tiredness I had were quickly shaken off and forgotten once Tony was here.
Memories were brought to life with vivid imagery. A rhythm of perfected beats with poignant punctuality. He spoke in on-topic tangents. He spoke quickly, as if information had to burst forth from him. Fun facts you’d never heard before about your favourite people and shows. I’m sure this wasn’t the first retelling of some of these tales. But brought to life with such emotion, it felt untold and personal, just for me.
Tony spoke of his early life. He clearly looked up to his parents. From humble working class backgrounds, they taught him everything. “I was the dream they never fulfilled themselves.”
He spoke of how his father taught him how to debate about current events. He spoke of how his concept of history formed: “As far as I was concerned [history] was about mum and dad. Later I sensed I am part of the continuation of human history. . . Which was a huge idea for a kid.”
He modestly claimed his life has been a run on of lucky coincidences. I sensed respect and gratitude from the opportunities given to him and the people he met. He spoke of everywhere and everyone he worked with by their full name, regardless of how old the memory.
Next, was the topic of 'Blackadder'. The, then rather unknown, Tony, described as “small and vaguely humorous”, by BBC’s head of comedy, got the last minute resort to be Baldrick – Rowan Atkinson's brainless sidekick. Sarah asked how he felt to portray the stupidest person in the world, “It was wonderful”, Tony reminisced.
He employed some of his theatre tricks to Baldrick. He wanted to hide some of his internal monologue. “Masks are like a mirror [for the viewer].” Everyone will feel the same key moments; but, they will see their own unique version of Baldrick. This personalised the character, increasing depth and connectivity with the audience.
Tony was touring for his new book – 'The House Of Wolf'. A manuscript that had 10 out of 12 offered publishers clawing for a deal. The first in a trilogy epic influenced by 'Game Of Thrones' and the works of Tolkien. A retelling of Alfred the Great, who fought back the Vikings and led to major reform in what would become (in no small part by Alfred) England.
He read the opening to his fiction debut. Tony stood up once more. And a portal opened to middle age England. Voice actor Sir Tony Robinson read with such dynamic. Some parts slow and softly as to not be caught, others quickly and sharply, loudly in horror!
“There’s such a tenuous relationship between history and the imagination”, Tony said on the process of writing the piece. He discussed how there is no such thing as rigid facts and how primary sources of the era were unreliable. History is written by the victor after all. This is even if we get a source from the era. Sometimes so-called primary historical sources are written decades or hundreds of years in the future (think the Colossus of Rhodes or Library of Alexandria). Tony also gave example of how women have vanished from human history despite being a pivotal role in all of it.
What intrigued me was how Tony stared this blurred line of history and fantasy in the face. When asked, after his years of research, how historically accurate his book is, he became quite animated and exclaimed it is as accurate as any of the others!
It is such a unique perspective I have not seen before. It is as creative as it is philosophical. I have not read 'The House Of Wolf' yet myself, but it would be very interesting to see how this perspective affects the writing.
I had previously only met Tony on my television. Tony was no different off screen. To hear him speak was true joy. I’m sure we’ve all come across someone in our lives that speaks so passionately. It doesn’t matter what the topic is, it is sensational to watch.
Tonight was an insight into old shows I used to love at 6pm on ABC, as well as theatrical dip into philosophy and history. I do look up to Tony. Like the endlessly wise wizard grandpa. I’m a bit embarrassed that he can kick higher than me too (time to start yoga). At his young age of 79, the desire for understanding, history and connection has not slowed. A natural entertainer and no stranger to theatre. He spoke with a love for who was listening. It was a true delight to hear his conversation and I look forward to reading his new book.
