Saw my mate Tom Stoppard last night

Obviously he isn't really my mate. But I did write my degree thesis on his writing. And 30 years ago, the morning after seeing his play 'Travesties', I bumped into him in Kensington Gore. I don't usually approach famous people as I can imagine it's horribly annoying, but the street was empty and I love so many of his plays, speaking to him was irresistible. He was charming, asked my opinion of the production of his play, wanted to know how much I was enjoying studying at the nearby Royal College of Art, and said that one of his sons was thinking of becoming an artist or designer and what would I suggest (sketchbook, sketchbook, sketchbook!). So last night, going to see the very enjoyable play 'Privacy' by James Graham at the Donmar Warehouse, it was very exciting to see the great man going into the theatre with us. This time, I'm sure he would not have welcomed being noticed by any of his fans, so I just allowed myself an inner thrill.