Tony takes in the sights on journey of discovery
f your idea of a nice stroll includes visits to megaliths,
sites and hidden caves, then you might want to follow in Tony Robinson's footsteps and explore some of Britain's ancient tracks. The actor and presenter provides plenty of inspiration for day trips in this second episode of present, Tony visits a worldfamous stone circle, learns more about Celtic chariots, uncovers the secrets of a white horse and goes exploring in a burial chamber that predates the pyramids. Ancient Tracks is the latest feather in the cap for a man who has successfully juggled many career balls. And his diverse work has not gone unnoticed by the powers that be. Tony and his wife were in Australia when they found out he had been awarded a knighthood. They heard rumours he was going to get something from Buckingham Palace, so when the news arrived that it was a KBE, they were like a couple of kids on Christmas morning. However, without the support of his parents, Tony’s life could have been a less successful affair. Given his dad’s love of boogie woogie piano and his mum’s passion for amateur dramatics, there was little wonder young Tony felt at home in showbusiness. The Hackney-born thespian honed his craft in rep at Leeds’s West Yorkshire Playhouse and started making waves on TV in sitcom Doctor in Charge, and Play Away. He also had a bit part in one of John Wayne’s last films, Brannigan. Though a relatively small part of his career, it was of course Baldrick, Blackadder’s nice-butdim assistant in those sitcoms that endeared him to millions. Over four series and a couple of specials, Tony was the comic stooge to Rowan Atkinson’s hysterical, historic hero. For another generation it was his work on BBC kids’ favourite Maid Marian and her Merry Men that underlined the fact comedy and history were his forte. So as you enjoy the latest show from a man who has spent decades educating and entertaining the nation, feel free to raise a cuppa to a star as valuable as many of the treasures he unearthed on Time Team.