Magazine

Review: Sandi Toksvig - My Valentine

In the same way that watching the London Olympics made me feel proud to be British, watching Sandi Toksvig deliver her first solo tour in recent years made me proud to be a woman. Especially a woman who also stands up and writes. Sandi Toksvig’s joie de vivre, thirst for knowledge, determination and humour are all qualities that make listening to her a joy.

Her storytelling was peppered with gushes of pride for women throughout history who have stood shoulder to shoulder with the best of men but failed to make the same mark in history; the inspiration perhaps for her new novel ‘Valentine Grey’, a story about a woman who, disguised as her male cousin, takes part in the Boer War.

Though her life has been extraordinary, Toksvig has a way of communicating that resonates with her audience and makes you feel as if, you too, can achieve whatever you set your mind to. During a question and answer session ‘Whatever you want to ask me’, she was asked whether she preferred to be thought of as a comedian, a writer, a lecturer or a presenter. “All of them” came her reply.

Following a history quiz for which she awarded the winner a journal because she wants to “encourage people to write” the 1800 strong audience took to their feet and joined her in conducting Beethoven’s Ode To Joy.

For an evening of humour, inspiration and joy I highly recommend it.

Tour dates can be found HERE.

Review by Katherine Bennett