arranged to promote the launch of Neil's latest book, the non-fiction collection The View From The Cheap Seats.
Union Chapel is a fantastic venue, very similar to, albeit bigger than, the wonderful Albert Hall in Manchester. There's something about converting churches into events venues that really works. The stage looks beautiful surrounded by high ceilings, stained glass and rows of wooden pews. It's just a shame that the doors appeared to be opened a little late, especially as it was absolutely pouring down with rain outside. Being ushered inside, wet and cold, without any guidance about how to pick up our complimentary copies of the book was a bit annoying too.
But all was forgiven once we started to dry off and the entertainment began. First we introduced to the adorable little Ash Gaiman by his understandably proud dad, followed by a surprise song from Amanda Palmer and her father (who are playing together at Koko this Friday).
The talk between Neil and Audrey - who are long-term friends - was exactly what you'd expect: funny, engaging and moving. We got a little insight into the way the book was pieced together from the mass of non-fiction writing that Neil has been adding to over the years, and there were some very poignant moments, particularly when Neil talked about the sad loss of Terry Pratchett. The hour or so that the talk lasted seemed to fly by and I think everyone could have sat there for an hour or two longer. Well, okay, maybe not little Ash...
So, terrible weather aside, it was a good evening, and a great excuse for me and Mrs Knowles to spend a couple of days mooching around London.
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