yes. this is what s happened. what was known at the time was that your eyesight was degenerating, even then, and i remember seeing that performance and thinking, i mean, there s such a power and a clarity to your delivery, and a presence on the stage. was it. how difficult was it already, then, to be onstage? oh, not that difficult because it was all flat. if there had been a flight of stairs, you might have had a different idea! i do a show with gyles brandreth, which we ve been doing for a while, and he does a very kind thing. i ve never actually said anything about it. but now, because he announces and i have to walk on, and he has a wonderful mat, which is kind of black and white, looks like a huge zebra lying on the ground. but, you know, i make. i m like a plane coming in to land. i make for the mat. i can see that. x marks the spot. there s the mat. now i know i m in safe ground.