As a schoolboy at Eton, Boris Johnson discovered the gift that has been his lodestar ever since: an ability to make people laugh. According to his sister Rachel, “He was in a Molière play and he hadn’t bothered to learn his lines. So, he hid behind a pillar reading them out, which was obviously much funnier.” The performance was enhanced by letting the audience in on the gag: it is all only a game and, in the end, does anything about it really matter? This knowing, winking, collusion between performer and audience has been the one constant in Johnson’s careers.…
Cancel anytime. Are you already a member? Log in here.
Want to continue reading?
Introductory offer: Sign up today for just €5 for the first month or €200 for the first year.