How do you describe the larger than life personality that is Lenny Henry?

Stand-up comedian since 1975, winner of TV show ‘New Faces’, talented impressionist, member of the Saturday morning phenomenon ‘Tiswas’, one third of ‘Three Of A Kind’, more and more TV with his own shows, various comedy series, kids TV, music of various types becoming more to the fore, then the charity work begins and ‘Red Nose Day’ becomes an integral part of the UK’s Charity work.

This attractive, hugely talented gentle giant who adores his wife and teenage daughter, loves his family and misses both his mum and dad, has an amazing stage presence and the great ability to make everyone laugh.

Geoff and I saw Lenny during The Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 1997 when he was performing music with his band joined by Hugh Lawrie (Now America’s TV star Dr House) on keyboards. Unfortunately we did not get to meet either star after the show so this was our first exposure to his live comedy performance and later our first chance to meet him in person.

We were a little surprised as to how much of his set was obviously scripted, not that this detracted from the enjoyment, but occasionally it was a little more like watching him on TV rather than live on stage.  He was not quite as bubbly and bouncy as I had imagined, but took on a definite spark when interacting with his audience.

As for meeting the man himself after the show, although he is a larger than life personality, he is also a quiet gentleman and one handsome hunk of a guy.