REVIEW: Michael Parkinson at Stratford Literary Festival

Simon Woodings reviews the talk by Michael Parkinson a week ago Saturday at King Edward VI School as part of the Stratford Literary Festival autumn events

FOR those not familiar with the broken alcoholic genius that was George Best then it’s probably worth spending a few bob on Sir Michael Parkinson’s new book, George Best: A Memoir, which was released this week.

The chat show host, aged 83, who was Mr Saturday night TV to millions in the 70s, described Best as a football super star, with “balletic poise” and “the most gifted player I’ve ever seen.”

Parky — as he’s affectionately known — told his audience gathered at King Edward VI School last weekend that Best was, “better than Beckham, Messi or Gazza— who are great players — but they wouldn’t be able to play football on a ploughed field whereas George Best could.”

Read in full Simon Woodings' review in this week's Stratford Herald.