Linda Smith
My book bought for reading on my train-journey-by-bus yesterday was I Think The Nurses Are Stealing My Clothes – a tome both eulogising Linda Smith and collecting some of her previously ephemeral broadcast and live work into print.
There is no doubt Linda Smith deserves all the kind and insightful words from the likes of Mark Steel and Mark Thomas. I only ever knew her from hearing her on BBC Radio 4, but the wit, warmth, accuracy and charm of her humour made a strong impression on me.
She always spoke using the language you would overhear on public transport – even when addressing complex issues surrounding the banality and vileness of political injustice. In one moment she could conjure a biting image of an inept politician you would never forget, in the next she could express a ridiculously strong passion for the small things that make life a triumphant experience – tea, cooking or a perfect frame of film.
Reading the book reminded me that I am the poorer for not being able to hear the voice of Linda Smith because it takes real talent to be able to be angry, perceptive, warm and funny all at the same time.
There is no doubt Linda Smith deserves all the kind and insightful words from the likes of Mark Steel and Mark Thomas. I only ever knew her from hearing her on BBC Radio 4, but the wit, warmth, accuracy and charm of her humour made a strong impression on me.
She always spoke using the language you would overhear on public transport – even when addressing complex issues surrounding the banality and vileness of political injustice. In one moment she could conjure a biting image of an inept politician you would never forget, in the next she could express a ridiculously strong passion for the small things that make life a triumphant experience – tea, cooking or a perfect frame of film.
Reading the book reminded me that I am the poorer for not being able to hear the voice of Linda Smith because it takes real talent to be able to be angry, perceptive, warm and funny all at the same time.
Labels: Linda Smith, Mark Steel, Mark Thomas
3 Comments:
I'm afraid I'm not familiar with Linda Smith but with that title "I Think The Nurses Are Stealing My Clothes" I hope you did not hold the book up to high on the train. In this day and age you could have ended up starkers. :0)
Hope you have a good Hogmanay and a pain free new year when it comes.
Thank you Mirk.
Here are some Linda Smith quotes for you:
Laughter is the best medicine, but that's not true if you've got facial injuries.
Erith isn't twinned with anywhere, but it does have a suicide pact with Dagenham
Ever since cloaks and top hats moved out of fashion, you hardly ever see young women tied to railway lines.
Princess Di – so thick and yet so thin.
Damn there goes a rib!! Now I understand.
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