Sir George Martin Tribute

From comedian & Writer Paul Kerensa:

You bump into all sorts on Guildford High Street – as you well know, Chris. A year ago, shopping with the family, who do I run into, but Christopher Evans! In no way did it help convince my son how radio worked: earlier he’d heard this show via the box in the corner. “Does Chris Evans live down the road?” he’d ask. “No!” I'd say. Then we see you near the library, so there goes that explanation. But twas a pleasure, and a small world, and my son’s still confused.

But you’re not the only one I’ve bumped into on that hallowed pavement. One occasion shopping, I looked up from my phone and ran into Jesus. I don’t mean spiritually, like a Road to Damascus moment but outside Boots. I mean a fellow was dressed as Jesus, walking up and down the High Street. He wasn’t alone. Twelve others portrayed disciples, then supporting cast, the occasional farm animal... I'd wandered onto the set of a live play, performed on our very own cobbles – they’ll do it again this Easter. This hundred-strong cast annually stage their epic ‘Life of Christ’, this time on tour.

Jesus boomed the Sermon on the Mount to the audience and passing shoppers. And he passed an enterprising homeless magazine vendor, who chanced a “Big Issue, Lord?”

The actor was keen to improvise... but wearing a tunic, had no wallet. Jesus patted where his pockets would be and gave an apologetic look. Instead he paused, placed his hand on the vendor’s head, and blessed him. He strode on, proclaiming “Blessed are the peacemakers!” Passing next was Judas, the money-bag-holder... I didn’t see if he bought a magazine.

Many shoppers had heads down, trying to ignore a hundred people in period costume. But as a bystander, it was quite a sight. Afterwards, I felt the problem with being a bystander, is the ‘standing by’ part. I couldn’t recall when I'd last bought from that magazine vendor, let alone stopped and said a prayer with him. Many days I wouldn’t even have noticed him. Some days I meander, head in phone – there could be a Bollywood musical happening around me, I’d not notice.

So perhaps I should look up. Not heavenwards, but from phone to street. You never know who you’re going to bump into.