Q. The Idler Academy is within walking distance of my house and I note from the programme of autumn events that my own son is due to give a talk there. We get on well but he hasn’t mentioned this debut, probably because he knows how irritating it would be for him to see me beaming adoringly out of the audience. I calculate that the venue holds 50 people at most so there is no way I could go unnoticed. A disguise would be absurd. I would be so interested to hear what he has to say, but obviously I don’t want to disconcert him or throw him off his stride. I don’t believe Idler talks are repeated online so how can I enjoy this one?
— C.F., London W11
A. The Idler Academy has a garden behind the speaking area. You would do well to arrive early for the talk and hide there during preparations (by arrangement with sympathetic Academy manager Julian Mash).
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