John Humphrys' question-and-answer session at the The Grand Hotel was very instructive but not in the way you might think.

It was instructive because, as a novice to the Brighton Festival reviewing game, I learned the most fundamental rule - do not travel to the venue by car.

As a result of the gridlock, I arrived two hours late and only caught the last 15 minutes. But what a 15 minutes.

Humphrys, known for his interrogative and chippy manner on TV and radio, showed a decidedly lighter side and continued taking questions long after his allotted time.

He talked about his childhood poverty in Cardiff, witnessing the horrors of the Aberfan Disaster, his misgivings about the current compensation and litigation culture and admitted becoming a father for the second time had softened him.

I enjoyed my 15 minutes.

And for those who witnessed the full hour and a half - you have my deepest admiration, just for getting there.

Sponsored by De Vere Grand Hotel.