Passionate pair a privilege to see in Leamington

TWO friends who clearly have tremendous respect for each other and deeply believe in the causes they represent are a real privilege to see together on stage at the Spa Centre.

With the memory of seeing the inspirational Tony Benn speaking at Warwick Arts Centre a few years ago, I was not surprised at being impressed again by this man who is so passionate about his beliefs and so keen for others to understand the message he is trying to convey. Although a little fragile in appearance, the 87-year-old speaks with gusto and conviction when he stands behind the mic and you cannot help but listen intently.

The duo have been performing together since the 1970s, presenting a run-through the history of dissent. While Tony talks about and picks out readings, speeches and extracts from what he considers the key moments of rebellion from the Peasants Revolt in the 14th century, up until the present day, Roy presents songs that str relevant to what had just been illustrated through Tony’s words.

The pairing works well. While there may have been a danger of the evening coming across as a history lecture, it was nothing of the sort - firstly, because Tony’s characterful way of speaking was thoroughly engaging, and secondly, the constant swapping between words and song kept the dymanics going. Hearing about these movements in these different formats also had the effect of giving the audience a chance to reflect on what they was being said.

Tom Payne, Oscar Wilde, Siegfried Sassoon, Gandhi and a former British soldier who defected from the Army during the Gulf War were among the dissenters whose thought-provoking words were quoted. Whatever your views or political persuasions, the evening certainly gave out food for thought and a sense of respect for those who stand up for their beliefs.

A wonderful coup for the Leamington Looks Back history festival organisers for giving the town the chance to see this inspiring pair.

Sundari Sankar