Saga Magazine – 17th September 2002

By Alan and Irene Taylor

“During the filming of Withnail And I a dastardly trick is pulled upon my unsuspecting tonsils during the Drinking of the Lighter Fluid scene. During rehearsal water is the fake fluid. Come the take, and “ACTION” has me upending the little yellow tin down my gullet, and undiluted vinigar hits my pipes. I gag, gasp and hope I haven’t swallowed Swarfega, demand, “GOT ANY MORE?” With demented relish, and then collapse out of sight and vomit. “That’s the one. Print it.” announces a satisfied [Bruce] Robinson, full of delight at having duped me.”

Based on extracts from The Assassin’s Cloak: An Anthology Of The World’s Greatest Diarists, published by Canongate Books. £14.99.