I have two-black-and white photographs (below) of an unforgettable job, where all my expectations were confounded.
In one, Peter O’Toole (1932-2013), cigarette in hand, playing Jeffrey Bernard, listens intently as Muriel Belcher, queen of the Colony Room Club, far from sober, delivers a vicious put-down.
In the other, Jeffrey’s chum Eva regales the pub with one of her stories and Peter is joyous in his appreciation.
Muriel and Eva were both played by me, with superstar Peter as Jeffrey Bernard (1932-97), the Spectator’s Low Life columnist, infamous drinker, gambler and womaniser. Peter was born to play the part.
Working with Peter then, in 1989, was a scary prospect. His unpredictability, frequent benders and ferocious temper were legendary. But it was a flattering straight offer:
