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Andrew Denton
Indifference,
perhaps even slight irritation, would probably best
describe my attitude to Andrew Denton prior to being
part of the audience on "Enough
Rope", as taped in ABC studios on Monday
evenings.
I
now realise these were projections on my own, rather
than any reflection of the man.
These
days I could almost be described as an Andrew groupie
(not quite).
Seeing
him previously in a Double Bay park, playing some
form of boys' ball game (soccer, footy or something),
and thinking then, "Wow, he's small but very
agile"; the true conversion resulted from being
part of a now almost legendary taping of the Rivkin
interview for "Rope".
He
proved himself to be a pentathlete of the talk-show
circuit.
Denton
conducted himself on this occasion with verbal agility
and professionalism. His questioning was both probing
and humorous, and his interaction with the live audience
had me in paroxysms. His timing and delivery rendered
the audience both compelled and entertained for the
3 ½ hours, without a break. It was indeed Denton
in a full 3 ½ hour show; including "stand-up",
interviews, one being with Australian
of the Year, Professor Fiona Stanley, Rene Rivkin
(shares guru), Rebecca Gibney (actor) and some
audience mini-interviews. It would have been grueling
for a lesser man. Denton seemed to thrive on it. He
was at no time temperamental, slack or even vaguely
out of control.
This
mini-dynamo was able to dart from taped interview
to audience, complete with segway, and very little
in the way of prompting, notes or even people "back-up".
(It needs to be said here that the ABC staff were
without exception, unbelievably friendly and helpful).
What
struck me most was Denton's generosity of spirit.
This is not a characteristic that can be rehearsed.
None
of the usual Aussie put-downs were evident in his
humour. His approach could be described more as self-deprecation,
rather than "smart arse".
Denton
seemed to enjoy making others feel and look good.
What
an excellent Monday night's entertainment.
Thanks
Andy! Love your work.
Links:
Enough
Rope with Andrew Denton www.abc.net.au/enoughrope
Check
our Andrew
Denton profile
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