In which I make Ian Hislop laugh

It happened like this.  I found myself sitting next to him at a concert.  We were introduced to each other.  Conversation did not flow.  As regular readers of this blog will know, small talk is not my strong suite.

But I have at least read books on how to make conversation.  Rule number one always seems to be that you ask the other person about him or herself. So I had a go.

Me (bearing in mind that we were at a concert) …

– So, Ian, do you play a musical instrument?

Ian Hislop …

– No.

 Me (knocked back, but not yet defeated) …

– What about singing, do you like to sing?

Ian Hislop …

– No.

Me (scraping the barrel) …

– But you have come along to a concert, do you like music at all?

Ian Hislop …

– Oh, I don’t mind watching a concert.

Me (quick as a flash) …

– What, you don’t even listen?

Ian Hislop than gave a small, dry chuckle.  It was a proud moment.