Guess who’s coming to dinner (I)
Daisy asked me to name:
Ten famous dead people you’d like to have dinner with, and why?
It’s the ultimate dinner party, then. Let’s go clockwise around the table, shall we?
On my left is the enigma that was Pocahontas. I’d be very interested to hear her version of what must have been a bewilderingly exciting life (that language chip from yesterday would come in useful here).
Next to her is Richard Burton. Not the actor (although now you mention it, let’s see who else I can come up with) but the explorer Richard Francis Burton. Ok, so he was a bit of a scamp (to say the least) but what this man achieved in his lifetime is truly staggering and I’m sure his tales of high adventure would liven up the party.
Sitting to Ruffian Dick’s left - and a bit of a contrast, I admit, is John Eric Bartholomew. You’ll probably know him better as Eric Morecambe. He heh! What a funny man - this is going to be an entertaining evening, I’m sure.
The next guest is one of my favourite artistes - the delightful Kirsty MacColl. I can’t help but wonder how much more wonderful music she could have brought us were it not for that tragic watersports accident.
Between Kirsty and my next guest is a clergyman - the Rev. R S Thomas. He’s my all-time favourite poet. I can’t find my favourite poen online (my books are still in boxes, of course) but this one should give you a fair idea of his skill.
Rescued in the nick of time is my sixth guest - Amelia Earhart. The tale of her disappearance has intrigued me for a while and I’d love to find out what really happened to her.
Having thought of him so early in the process, how could I possible remove Sir Richard Burton from my list?
Jane Austen is next. I have delusions about my own literary abilities so it’d be good for me to be put in my place.
There are two definite themes appearing to the guest list, I know, and one of these is continuing with the chap sitting next to Jane, Roald Amundsen. He and Amelia could exchange tales, each trying to out-do each other with the excitement of their final hours!
Em3 is away. In his absence this has been a prepared post for your (hopeful) entertainment.
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The Bishop says:
Added on April 16th, 2006 at 11:12 amI think I’d only express surprise/ dismay at the inclusion of Jane Austen. Inconsequential drivel which may have been highly satirical in 18th C but is pointless and a dire read now. And no Keith Stimpson?
Em3: But the challenge was: Ten famous dead people. Surely Stimmo’s still with us (not that I’d trust him at a dinner table).
grumpybloke says:
Added on April 17th, 2006 at 6:32 amIs this the right blog? Or have I stumbled on to the Fantasy Question Fest blog by mistake?
Personally, I’d prefer to make the most of people who are still alive and have dinner with them while I still can!
Em3: Again, I was just addressing the challenge raised. The “Live” dinner party will follow - possibly the next time I’m away.
briggy says:
Added on April 17th, 2006 at 1:59 pmsqueeze me in between kirsty and audrey thank you
Suzy Snow says:
Added on April 18th, 2006 at 2:46 amI thought your choices were very interesting and I think it would be a very lively dinner party with a bunch of dead people.
Daisy says:
Added on April 18th, 2006 at 4:35 pmI’m assuming that the dinner party is held in a neutral space so that those from previous centures are not wondering around rather bemused by all the technology on offer and marvelling that some things haven’t changed a jot (e.g. the British class system). But you know, I think Ms Austen could be a great choice - I’ve not read any of her work for many years but I suspect she’d have a very dry, witty sense of humour, perfect for a dinner party.
Em3: Good idea. There should also be strict instructions that people from later times are banned (on pain of doing the washing up) from recognising earlier guests.