John Wilson

Again, huge level of historical and artistic detail in that book.

What led you to the Bruegel in the first place?

You've written in such a huge range of genres and styles from the novels and the plays and the translations.

But does it very often, an idea for a new Michael framework, does it often start with that kind of sense of journalistic curiosity about a story, about a person, about a historical event, a what-if moment?

So they're sort of characters who just lodge themselves there and they're kind of living in your head for a while.

That suggests they're disrupting the plot.

The plot has to change as you go along.

Are you still writing?

I mean, you say sadly.

Was it a hard realisation or is it something you've sort of just had to come to terms with?

But having been so creative throughout your whole life, what happens to that kind of creative energy?

You've done pretty well to continue well past retirement age.

You must take some quiet pride or great pride in your work over all of those years.

Is there one particular Michael Frayn work that you are most proud of?

Did he live to see your literary success?

Well, he was the one who first encouraged you towards journalism.

Yes, absolutely, yes.

And with that discussion of you, Father, we've come full circle.

Yes.

Michael Frayne, thank you very much indeed for sharing your cultural life with us.