* Update. Sadly, Sir Terry passed away at the age of 77 on 31st January 2016. His warmth, wit and charm will be sorely missed.
What a treat we had in store today at the recording of My Teenage Diary at RADA, hosted by Rufus Hound.
Stand up comedian Rufus Hound is a self-confessed cynic – but meeting Sir Terry mellowed him and he looked just as star-struck as we were.
Sir Terry read from his diary, written in 1953 at the age of 15. Not only the internet hadn’t been invented yet, but there weren’t even TV sets in people’s houses.
Sir Terry’s main form of entertainment were sport (he played rugby and tennis), going to the cinema (he narrated with nostalgia those good old times when you were treated to a variety show, cartoons and short films before the main show), playing table football and… staying in bed. Boys will be boys and given the opportunity they will be lazy…
Of course there were the obligatory Eurovision questions – Sir Terry reminisced about Sweden’s puzzlement at English humour and how seriously the rest of Europe takes the song contest.
To wrap things up, Sir Terry concluded with his definition of radio broadcasting as the perfect career choice for an introverted egoistic.
A wonderful show with a legendary guest, who was visibly moved by the warmth of the audience’s love and appreciation.