Mustn’t grumble…

Terry Wogan on form

I wasn't sure what to expect when going to see Terry Wogan at Tunbridge Wells Assembly Hall last night but I had my mum with me (and she’s a big fan) and having grown up listening to his dulcet tones on the radio and seeing his face everywhere on TV, I was expecting some great stories and hoping for lots of laughs – but as he’s in quasi-retirement now maybe he wouldn’t be as sharp? Maybe it would be ramblings, or maybe it would be a comedy show? Maybe he would even open with an apology for being late as he would cut up a lorry on the way into town and the traffic had become pretty bad as it chased after him?

I’m glad to say though that the anecdotes that followed over the next hour and a half were by turns heart warming, funny, insightful and reminiscent of a life spent with celebrities, but bringing simple pleasure to many listeners and viewers.

He spoke about his BBC2 morning show, of course, including a session on Janet and John (always a favourite) visiting Tunbridge Wells that I wish could have gone on for longer. He mentioned stories from Wogan, his TV interview show, and Blankety Blank, and as well as some book signings, pro-celebrity golf tournaments and a few early stories from Ireland.

He then went on to give us details of what the ever entertaining Eurovision song contest can be like backstage too. Let’s just say I think he would make a great European Parliamentarian!

But possibly the biggest applause of the evening, from an audience that was clearly very warm to their host, was reserved for the work he had done with the Children in Need charity and the money he had helped raise along with the ‘Great British Public’. It was all pretty impressive stuff for a genuinely mild mannered guy.

Terry then threw out some marshmallows for his audience and happily answered questions before packing us all off home. Yes, it was a gentle evening, but most enjoyable and I was glad to have been a TOG for the evening.

#dwntwn