How do you explain to foreign travellers what it means to be British? It’s not an easy one – for all that’s good about the people of this country, we have a lot of little foibles and weird idiosyncrasies.
But if anyone can make a good fist of explaining Britishness, then surely that person is Stephen Fry.
“Charming, amusing but slightly baffling? Maybe this does sum up what it means to be British after all…”
Not only is the actor, comedian, writer, broadcaster and all-round national treasure the star of two of the most British TV series ever – Blackadder and Jeeves & Wooster – for many people he is the embodiment of Britishness. Or at least a certain kind of Britishness.
Which is presumably why, when Heathrow Airport wanted to make an advert welcoming travellers to the UK, he was the first man they called.
The resulting video is interesting. If you were completely ignorant of British customs and culture, we’re not sure this would actually help you that much. But on the other hand it is funny, and because it’s Fry, it’s impossible not to like.
Hang on – charming, amusing but slightly baffling? Maybe this does sum up what it means to be British after all…