An Audience with Tony Benn

If anything, this simply proves the degree of influence that the popular media have in society. Certainly, having now read much of his material, and having listened to this CD, it is apparent that Tony Benn is both a great thinker and an exceptional orator.

As for his ideas, all I can say is that I find myself agreeing with much of what he says, and I certainly wouldn't describe myself as an extremist (or particularly left-wing, come to that). Mostly, he just talks common sense.

There is a tinge of sadness associated with listening to "An Audience...", if only from the perspective that Tony Benn has now left parliament. This is indeed a great loss, and with the current generation of politicians I very much struggle to see any free thinkers of the like of Tony Benn amongst them.


Understand where we are, and how we got here   October 4, 2003
15 out of 16 found this review helpful

If you've ever wondered whether it's worth going to vote because "It won't make any difference," you need to hear this to understand the enormous struggle and human cost of building universal democracy in the West.
Tony Benn is clear and lucid and hugely convincing in his belief in democracy and his thorough knowledge of the history of democracy informs this belief.
However, his starting point is the often-heard complaint that people nowadays are disengaged from democracy because they feel that their voice cannot make any difference. If everyone in the country could hear him on this CD, then even if only a small proportion of them were moved to do something about it, what a difference it would make.

Through humour and a series of hard-hitting facts, Tony Benn is an enjoyable and inspiring speaker.

Listen to this CD - it might just make a difference to you and others.


Principled Benn at his best... Outstanding!   November 25, 2002
28 out of 28 found this review helpful

Excellent. Nothing much more to say, except to describe the luxuries of oratorical skill and wealth which await you if you buy these tapes…

Benn covers many different issues on these tapes such as the current situation in Iraq, education, power, the American Empire, democracy, the EU and voter apathy. Everything he says is spiced with his life experiences, vast historical knowledge, moral principles and his great sense of humour.

Each of the two tapes are produced from a mixture of two appearances on his “Free at Last” roadshow after he retired as an MP devoting “more time to politics”. One at the Old Vic Theatre, London and the other at the Citizens Theatre, Glasgow. The first tape consists of first half of the show were Benn gives his many opinions and insight into a huge range of political issues, current affairs, and perhaps most importantly how these affect our everyday lives. Next Benn answers a variety of questions from the audience on the second tape (which is also a mix of the two shows). His comical remarks don’t stop throughout as he answers precise questions which open up and explore his thinking even more.

As a socialist myself I fully enjoyed listening to these tapes but no matter what you believe, everyone will find something interesting, if not entertaining, about what Tony Benn has to offer. One of the greatest speakers of all time. Can I recommend this even more?