Talking with Michael Rosen means having a masterclass in storytelling. Whatever the topic, he has a story to tell and, unlike most of us, he tells it in an energetic, concise but unhurried way.
We were talking about the houses that we grew up in and I was saying that, when I revisited mine in distant Sheffield after many years’ absence, it, and the roads around it, seemed to have shrunk. He listened – all good storytellers are great listeners – and agreed. Then he was immediately into a story of how he had revisited the flat where he grew up, in Love Lane in Pinner, above what is now Zaza’s restaurant. It had been many years, and the flat was in the process of total refurbishment. Michael, being Michael, was able to persuade the builders to let him look around. In what had been his living room, he saw that they were about to smash off the Bakelite light switch. He asked then if he could have it and left, cradling this precious memento.
Now, on paper, I can only give you the bare facts of the story. Listening to him, seeing the multitude of facial expressions, the hand movements that tell of the family memories lodged in that light switch was to begin to understand the art. If you want to see how effective his facial and physical expressions can be, go to his website and watch how he tells the story of Chocolate Cake. And if you want to see how well be uses words, pick up any of his books. That wonderful use of language is brilliantly reflected in the work of the many illustrators that have worked with him on his books. To see the exhibition of their work at Pinner’s Heath Robinson Museum is to see the infectious brilliance and love of life that is Michael Rosen, the storyteller.
Phil Lawder
Editor Villager Magazine
Pinner Association
