I can’t say I’m a huge fan of trains and I’ve never seen a complete episode of Great British Railway Journeys but the chance to see such an infamous and polished speaker as Michael Portillo in the magnificent setting of Cheltenham’s historic Town Hall certainly appeals to me, so I and several hundred other audience members take our seats for event L098 in anticipation. Portillo is introduced by Donna Renney, Chief Executive of Cheltenham Festivals to warm round of applause. He wears no tie and leaves his jacket at the side of the stage; clearly it is a Sunday afternoon.
The talk begins with a self-deprecating, tongue-in-cheek look back at his political career, touching on how he lost his Parliamentary seat in 1997, numerous political gaffs, MP expenses and destroying concrete paths as a young, canvasing candidate. Portillo is charming and funny and quickly endears himself to the audience.
He discusses the influence of his father, a refugee of the Spanish Civil War, and how, after leaving office, he was approached by a television company to present ‘Great Railway Journeys,’ where Portillo documented the story of his father’s life across Spain. A decade later, he is approached to present the BBC series ‘Great British Railway Journeys,’ travelling the country’s rail network led by George Bradshaw’s famed railway tourism guide circa 1860.
The next 40 minutes are filled with nostalgic stories of steam engines, sleepy village railway stations and quaint seaside towns. Portillo is passionate and knowledgeable and tells his stories with great optimism.
The event ends with a selection of questions from the audience and a final round of applause before Portillo leaves the stage. Controversial it isn’t, but given the romantic imagery and overt British-ness of the subject, I’m left pleasantly surprised and feeling rather cheerful for a Sunday afternoon. All I need now is a pot of tea and Last of the Summer Wine and I’ll almost be ready for Monday morning...
David Drakeley
Digital Marketing Manager
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