Reviews and comment from the Demon Crew - creative writers at De Montfort University, Leicester.

Saturday 22 February 2014

Melvyn Bragg: Imagination and Memory

There is something of the gnostic about Melvyn Bragg.  It seems that he has walked his path calmly and quietly, seeking solitude when required, remaining untainted by the trappings of success and celebrity.  

There are signs, of course, that he is not a common man.  He tells us that he has a packet of fruit pastilles in his pocket to keep him going if the interview overruns the allotted hour; they were given to him by Dame Judi Dench that morning.  ‘How’s that for a bit of name dropping?’ he laughs.   

The interview is funny and tender in equal measures.  He speaks of his life with clarity, with humility, with honesty.  I am deeply moved when he talks about his 1994 interview with Dennis Potter, a piece of televisual history that left a lasting impression on me.  However, it is the gentle remembrances of his mother, even when she was suffering from dementia, that inspire me the most.  In Lord Bragg’s own words; ‘imagination and memory are the only two things that matter.’  


I leave feeling that this is a man at peace with himself, who considers himself blessed.  A truly inspirational evening, which I feel very privileged to have been a part of.   

S C Davies

1 comment:

  1. The "welcome" at the front desk was gruff and uninviting. We felt like we were interrupting him. The room had a very strong chemical smell - to the point that my eyes were watering. I opened the door to the balcony and tried airing it out while we went to dinner. https://www.rebelmouse.com/makewomenwantyoureview/

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