Living in Brighton: Simon Fanshawe Interview
Diana Frangi meets writer and broadcaster, the irrepressible, Simon Fanshawe
Opinionated, committed, active and expressive, Simon Fanshawe’s articles on the arts and politics have appeared in every major newspaper, his stand-up routine won him the Perrier award, he’s a regular on Just a Minute and was once a presenter on That’s Life. Right now he’s writing for the Equalities and Human Rights Commission; his message is: fighting discrimination has a long way to go.
How did you get your break?
I didn’t. I’m the kind of person that goes round asking: “Could you put me on the radio? Could you publish my book?” It was the Edinburgh Fringe that made me realise I could perform.
Highlight of your career?
In South Africa with Peter and Linda Biehl working for the trust in memory of their murdered daughter Ami, as part of the forgiveness project. And when I hosted a conversation between Jo Berry (whose father was killed by the IRA bomb at the Grand Hotel) and Patrick Magee the man who planted the bomb. I got them to speak to each other in front of 200 people at St Peter’s Church.
Your worst experience?
A New Year’s Eve, very early in my career, I was doing stand-up and the audience
told me to get off. The constant acceptance and rejection of this business is something I can’t get used to.
Favourite restaurants and bars in Brighton?
In Vino Veritas and Pub du Vin.
The best thing about living in Brighton?
The sea, which dictates everything about the city.
What is the worst thing about Brighton?
Complacent and unambitious people, who don’t make the most of their lives.
My fantasy dinner party
Who would you invite ?
Terry Frost: Great abstract artist. I knew his son.
Lady Sarah Fanshawe:
She was part of my family, a complete firebrand!
Mozart: He would fart and then do something brilliant.
Coral Browne: The actress.
Jon Stewart: From The Daily Show. He’s sexy and funny
Monica Ali: Brick Lane author
Where would you hold your party?
I would have it at my place.
What food would you have?
Kidneys with Montpelier butter, spinach and watercress salad. Roast duck in prunes with carrots and beans. Almond and orange tart.
What music ?
Mozart and then Ricky Jay, the close-up magician.
What would you talk about?
It is up to them, it is the chemistry that is interesting.
Is there anything you would want to ask them?
Find out about people’s genius by experiencing them.
Who would you go home with?
Mozart would be a hoot to go to bed with, he strikes me as the person who would try anything!
