FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Simon Mayo
What are you working on at the moment?
Talking about my new book, Blame. I’m also writing a secret new project, as well as performing six radio shows. Apart from that...
When are you at your happiest?
When my latest copy of The Lady arrives, of course.
What is your greatest fear?
Crashing the pips.
What is your earliest memory?
My fifth birthday: it was a pirate-themed party. I had the best hat.
What do you most dislike about yourself?
I like chips way too much.
Who has been your greatest influence?
Dmitri Mendeleev, creator of the Periodic Table of elements.
What is your most treasured possession?
I’m quite fond of my new Cary Grant sunglasses, actually.
What trait do you most deplore in others?
Lateness, loudness, rudeness...
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
How long have you got?
What is your favourite book?
The Subtle Knife, it’s my favourite of Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy. I haven’t read a story with greater scope or imagination. It’s quite brilliant.
Simon says he enjoys books by Philip Pullman, Amadeus (film), Nick Drake’s music; he’d also like to master the mandolin
What is your favourite film?
Amadeus, for so many reasons: F Murray Abraham and Tom Hulce both giving the performances of their lives; the Confutatis Maledictis dictation scene where Salieri finally gets to be a part of Mozart’s genius is breathtaking. And the wonderful tunes – what a soundtrack!
What is your favourite piece of music?
Northern Sky by Nick Drake. It’s delicate, introspective, noodly, winsome, heartbreaking.
What is your favourite meal?
Chicken jalfrezi, lemon rice, brinjal bhaji.
Who would you most like to come to dinner?
I would have Paul Simon, Tom Hanks, Alan Alda, Stephen King and Kate Bush.
What is the nastiest thing anyone has ever said to you?
‘We tried to get Gary Davies. Could you read like him?’
Do you believe in aliens?
No.
What is your secret vice?
It’s a secret.
Do you write thank-you notes?
Do thank-you texts count?
Which phrase do you most overuse?
‘I’m not tired, I always look like this.’
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
I wish I had the ability to play the mandolin.
Can you tell us one thing people might not know about you?
I have beautiful feet.
What would you like your epitaph to read?
‘Forgiven.’
Simon Mayo’s new book, Blame, is published by Corgi, priced £7.99
Talking about my new book, Blame. I’m also writing a secret new project, as well as performing six radio shows. Apart from that...
When are you at your happiest?
When my latest copy of The Lady arrives, of course.
What is your greatest fear?
Crashing the pips.
What is your earliest memory?
My fifth birthday: it was a pirate-themed party. I had the best hat.
What do you most dislike about yourself?
I like chips way too much.
Who has been your greatest influence?
Dmitri Mendeleev, creator of the Periodic Table of elements.
What is your most treasured possession?
I’m quite fond of my new Cary Grant sunglasses, actually.
What trait do you most deplore in others?
Lateness, loudness, rudeness...
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
How long have you got?
What is your favourite book?
The Subtle Knife, it’s my favourite of Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy. I haven’t read a story with greater scope or imagination. It’s quite brilliant.
Simon says he enjoys books by Philip Pullman, Amadeus (film), Nick Drake’s music; he’d also like to master the mandolinWhat is your favourite film?
Amadeus, for so many reasons: F Murray Abraham and Tom Hulce both giving the performances of their lives; the Confutatis Maledictis dictation scene where Salieri finally gets to be a part of Mozart’s genius is breathtaking. And the wonderful tunes – what a soundtrack!
What is your favourite piece of music?
Northern Sky by Nick Drake. It’s delicate, introspective, noodly, winsome, heartbreaking.
What is your favourite meal?
Chicken jalfrezi, lemon rice, brinjal bhaji.
Who would you most like to come to dinner?
I would have Paul Simon, Tom Hanks, Alan Alda, Stephen King and Kate Bush.
What is the nastiest thing anyone has ever said to you?
‘We tried to get Gary Davies. Could you read like him?’
Do you believe in aliens?
No.
What is your secret vice?
It’s a secret.
Do you write thank-you notes?
Do thank-you texts count?
Which phrase do you most overuse?
‘I’m not tired, I always look like this.’
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
I wish I had the ability to play the mandolin.
Can you tell us one thing people might not know about you?
I have beautiful feet.
What would you like your epitaph to read?
‘Forgiven.’
Simon Mayo’s new book, Blame, is published by Corgi, priced £7.99