Michael Portillo – A Life of Two Halves

Secretary of State. Traveller. TV superstar. The inimitable Michael Portillo joins us live on the Cornwall Playhouse stage to share funny, insightful, and poignant stories from his extraordinarily rich and varied life.

The son of a refugee who rose to become one of Britain’s leading politicians and most-loved broadcasters, Michael Portillo’s life has been a game of two halves. From serving under Margaret Thatcher and running for the Conservative Party leadership, to losing his seat in one of the most memorable moments in political history, Michael went on to reinvent himself as a broadcaster. Sparring with Diane Abbott and Andrew Neil, and taking millions of us with him on journeys across the world’s greatest railways.

In this unique stage show, Michael will share his life story, from his late father’s experiences of the Spanish Civil War and escape to England, where he and Michael’s mother met while looking after refugee children, all the way to his present-day adventures travelling across Spain, the USA, India, and beyond.

Expect witty and insightful reflections on Margaret Thatcher and the shifting nature of political power, behind-the-scenes stories from his break into TV (including the time he became a single mum…), and tales of the great railway journeys that reveal so much about our history and our world today.

Whether politics is your passion or you’re a fan of Michael’s international adventures, this promises to be a fascinating evening. All aboard!

Age recommendation: 14+ at the discretion of a parent or guardian
Running time: Approximately 1 hour 50 minutes including a 20 minute interval