This article was published in the Northamptonshire Evening Telegraph on 18 January 1990.
TOP comedy writer Tom Sharpe revealed a secret as he prepared to face an audience of 160 at Market Harborough library — he hates speaking in public.
Former teacher Mr Sharpe, whose works include Riotous Assembly, Blott on the Landscape and Wilt, had been invited to speak as part of a series of talks being arranged throughout Leicestershire by the Libraries and Information Service.
Pouring himself a good measure of whisky and water before the talk, he said: “I really hate this going out and speaking to people — but I feel it is something I should do.
“I really need this drink beforehand — but for God’s sake don’t make me out to be a raving alcoholic or something. I am not really a joker, that is why I like a drink first.
“I am certainly not the sort to make after dinner speeches like some people can.
“When I first met my wife Nancy I hardly had any money at all. I sat down to write and Riotous Assembly just came. I believe you should never write down to people and should do your damnedest to amuse.”
Told he had a packed audience of 160 at the library Mr Sharpe went to start his talk with a cry of: “Oh, my God!”
Photo caption: NERVOUS . . . Tom Sharpe with his wife Nancy (centre) and librarian Margaret Bellamy
ET picture: 161/245/25A