Hard to ignore a big, round-number Birthday for a British Cultural icon such as Brian Blessed, and he becomes just the third person to appear more than once as the subject of TGT. But the first time was 3 years ago when we were doing this for an audience that didn’t stretch far beyond my own classroom.

Why is Brian such an icon? The voice? The wonderfully British eccentricity? The fact that unlike most actors, he’s more famous for his performance as Brian Blessed than his performance as anyone else? All of these things, combined with his longevity, have surely seen him rise to the rank of “National Treasure”.

He has a wonderful back-story too. Describing the day he had to leave school to work at 14 as ‘the worst day of his life’ will surely raise discussion among your tutees. His need for adventure too - despite his success and available life of comfort - is also worth discussing.

Probably not worth highlighting, as Chris did to me in proof-reading, that his ‘recent’ vocal performance as Boss Nass is now 27 years ago. It’ll only make you feel old. Or young, if you are. Lucky you.

-Bill