From the success of his play Dealer’s Choice, inspired by his own experience as a poker player, to his extended period of writer’s block, Patrick spoke openly and entertainingly about his career, as undergraduate Samson Dittrich (History, 2016) reports.
“On a warm spring evening, with preparations for Wadstock, audible from the college gardens, in full swing, guests were greeted with drinks and snacks and took their places in the sitting room of the Warden’s Lodgings. The event began with the Warden asking Patrick about his time at Wadham and his life since leaving the college, and guests were able to pose questions during the latter part of the evening.
“Reminiscing about his time at Wadham, Patrick spoke about getting involved in drama during his first term, putting on a performance at Cuppers which was written and directed by him and fellow students. He described finding his niche in the university drama scene; he remembers thinking: This is the life for me at Oxford - I'll do plays. He loved his time at Wadham, especially its idyllic gardens and the teaching he received here, where he was encouraged to read and think widely.
“The conversation moved on as the Warden quizzed Patrick about his creative journey after leaving Oxford. He spoke frankly and openly about the initial anxieties he felt performing at comedy shows at the Edinburgh Fringe. His experience working in comedy and TV gave him the confidence to begin writing and directing plays, including his critically-acclaimed Closer.Working on his current radio show Bunk Bed, which he described as 'Beckett-lite', has given him an opportunity to reconcile his many creative passions in a free and self-directed way.
“Patrick took the time to give some advice to current Wadham students, encouraging us to make the most of our time at the college. He inspired us to take the time to read and engage with our academic passions, while also making the most of student life. In his words: "Have as much fun as you can... while still doing the work!"
“The evening concluded with drinks and canapes in the Warden's private gardens. We thank Patrick for coming to visit his alma mater, and hope he enjoyed his visit.”
Dancing in time with others raises your pain threshold and increases social closeness, says research carried out by Wadham’s Emma Cohen and a team from Oxford University's Experimental Psychology and Anthropology Departments.
Read Chaucer’s poems, guided line by line by Wadham Emeritus Fellow, leading poet and medievalist Bernard O’Donoghue.
